The basics of call forwarding and call transfer

Call forwarding and call transfer are two different things, and which one you need depends on what you're trying to do. Call forwarding automatically sends incoming calls from one phone number to another phone number — your original phone stays silent. Call transfer is what happens during a live call: you answer the phone, then send that caller to someone else. Both are built into most phone services, but the steps differ.

If you want calls to ring on a different phone without you answering first, you're setting up call forwarding. If you want to hand off a call you've already answered, you're doing a transfer. Many people need both — forwarding for when you're away, and transfer for when you're at your desk but need to send a caller elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Call forwarding automatically sends unanswered calls to another number; call transfer hands off a call you've already answered to someone else.
  • Most phone services (landline, mobile, and VoIP) include call forwarding built in, usually activated through a code or your account settings.
  • The steps to set up forwarding vary by your phone type and provider — check your phone's settings, your carrier's website, or call customer service for the exact code or menu option.
  • You can usually set up call forwarding to ring multiple phones at once, or to ring a second number only if the first one doesn't answer.
  • Call transfer during a live call typically uses the hold button and a transfer button or code, though the exact method depends on your phone system.

Setting up call forwarding on a mobile phone

On most smartphones, call forwarding lives in the phone's settings, not in your carrier's app. Open Settings, look for Phone or Calls, and find the option labeled Call Forwarding or Forward Calls. Turn it on, then enter the phone number where you want calls to go. The phone will confirm the setting is active.

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. On an Android phone, the path varies by manufacturer — try Settings > Advanced > Call Forwarding, or Settings > Calls > Call Forwarding. If you can't find it in settings, call your mobile carrier's customer service line; they can set up it from their end using a code like *72 (though codes vary by carrier and region).

Once forwarding is on, your phone will not ring when someone calls your number — the call goes straight to the forwarded number. If the forwarded number doesn't answer, the call may go to voicemail on either phone depending on your settings. You can usually turn forwarding off the same way you turned it on, through settings or by calling your carrier.

Setting up call forwarding on a landline

Landline call forwarding is usually activated by dialing a code from your phone. The most common code is *72, followed by the number you want to forward to, then the # key. Dial *72, wait for a tone, enter the destination number, press #, and listen for a confirmation tone. To turn it off, dial *73 and press #.

If codes don't work on your line, log into your phone provider's online account or call their customer service number (usually on your bill). They can set up forwarding from their system, and they can also set up more complex options like forwarding only when the line is busy, or ringing multiple numbers at once before going to voicemail.

Some landline providers charge a small monthly fee for call forwarding, while others include it free. Check your bill or ask your provider whether the feature is already included in your service plan.

Call forwarding options: simultaneous ring and sequential ring

Simultaneous ring (also called ring all) makes your original phone and the forwarded number ring at the same time. Whoever answers first gets the call; the other phone stops ringing. This is useful if you're moving between locations and want to catch calls on either device.

Sequential ring (also called ring first, then forward) rings your original phone first, and only sends the call to the forwarded number if you don't answer within a set time — usually 15 to 30 seconds. This is useful if you want calls to reach you on your main phone most of the time, but go to a backup number if you're unavailable.

Most phone services let you choose which option you want through settings or by calling customer service. Some services also let you set up a list of numbers to ring in order: ring your desk phone first, then your mobile, then your home phone, until someone answers. The exact options depend on your provider and service plan.

Transferring a call you've already answered

To transfer a call during a live conversation, put the caller on hold, dial the number of the person you want to transfer them to, and wait for that person to answer. Once they pick up, explain who's calling and why, then press the transfer button (or use the code your phone system provides) to complete the handoff. The caller will now be connected to the other person, and you can hang up.

On most phones, the transfer button is labeled Xfer or Transfer and is located on the phone itself. On some systems, you dial a code like *2 or #2 after the person answers. If you're not sure which method your phone uses, check the phone's manual or ask your office phone administrator.

If the transfer fails or the other person doesn't answer, you can usually press a button to return to the original caller. Some phone systems let you conference all three people together instead of transferring — this is useful if you need to brief the other person before handing off the call.

Call forwarding through your phone provider's app or website

Many carriers now let you manage call forwarding through their mobile app or website instead of dialing codes or changing phone settings. Log into your account, find the section for call settings or call management, and look for call forwarding. You can usually turn it on, enter a destination number, and save the change when ready.

Using your provider's app or website has advantages: you can see whether forwarding is currently active, change the destination number without dialing codes, and sometimes set up more detailed rules (like forwarding only during certain hours, or only when you're in a specific location). Some providers also let you manage forwarding for multiple phone lines from one account.

If you can't find the call forwarding option in your provider's app, check their website's help section or call customer service. They can walk you through the steps for your specific service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person calling know their call is being forwarded?

No. From the caller's perspective, they dialed your number and you answered (or your voicemail picked up). They won't see or hear that the call was forwarded to a different phone. The forwarding happens silently in the background.

Can I forward my calls to multiple numbers at the same time?

Yes, if your phone service supports simultaneous ring. Both numbers will ring at once, and whoever answers first gets the call. Not all carriers offer this, so check your provider's website or call them to see if it's available on your plan.

What happens to voicemail if I have call forwarding on?

That depends on your settings. If the forwarded number goes to voicemail, the caller hears that voicemail greeting instead of yours. You can usually change this through your provider's settings — some let you keep your original voicemail as the final destination, so calls ring your phone, then the forwarded number, then your voicemail.

Can I set up call forwarding to only work during certain hours?

Some phone services offer time-based forwarding, but not all. Check your provider's app or website, or call customer service to ask whether this option is available. If it's not built in, you may need to manually turn forwarding on and off at the times you need it.

Does call forwarding use my phone's data or minutes?

Call forwarding itself doesn't use data or minutes — the call is routed through your carrier's network, not through your phone's connection. However, if the forwarded number is long distance or international, your carrier may charge you for that call, just as they would if you had dialed it yourself.