Set up call forwarding on Android phones. Step-by-step instructions for Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and other Android devices. GSM codes as universal fallback.
Android phones give you two ways to set up call forwarding: through the Phone app’s settings menu, or by entering GSM codes directly in the dialer. The menu path varies by manufacturer (Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and others all organize things a bit differently), but the GSM codes are identical on every Android phone. This guide covers both approaches.
Method 1: Phone App Settings
The Phone app on most Android devices includes a call forwarding menu. The exact location depends on your phone’s manufacturer.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung is the most popular Android brand, so here’s the Samsung path:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu (top right corner)
- Tap Settings
- Tap Supplementary services (or Call settings on older models)
- Tap Call forwarding
- Select Voice call
- Choose your forwarding type:
- Always forward (all calls)
- Forward when busy
- Forward when unanswered
- Forward when unreachable
- Enter the destination number and tap Enable or Turn on
On newer Samsung phones with One UI 6+, the path may be slightly different: Phone app > Settings > Call settings > Call forwarding.
Google Pixel
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu (top right)
- Tap Settings
- Tap Calling accounts and select your SIM
- Tap Call forwarding
- Select the forwarding type and enter the number
Xiaomi (MIUI / HyperOS)
- Open the Phone app
- Tap Settings (gear icon at the bottom or via three-dot menu)
- Tap Call forwarding (under Call settings or Advanced settings)
- Select the forwarding type and enter the number
Other Manufacturers (OnePlus, Oppo, Huawei, Motorola)
The general path is: Phone app > Menu/Settings > Call settings > Call forwarding. If you can’t find it, look under “Supplementary services,” “Advanced call settings,” or “More settings.” When in doubt, use the GSM code method below.
Method 2: GSM Codes (Works on Every Android Phone)
GSM codes are the universal fallback. If your phone’s settings menu doesn’t have a forwarding option, or if the menu path is confusing, just enter the code in the dialer. This works on every Android phone, regardless of manufacturer or carrier.
Open the Phone app, go to the Keypad/Dialer, type the code, and tap the call button.
| Forwarding Type | Activate | Deactivate | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| All calls | **21*[number]# | ##21# | *#21# |
| No answer | **61*[number]**[seconds]# | ##61# | *#61# |
| Busy | **67*[number]# | ##67# | *#67# |
| Unreachable | **62*[number]# | ##62# | *#62# |
| Cancel all | ##002# |
Replace [number] with the full destination number including country code (e.g., +491701234567). Replace [seconds] with the ring time: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds.
Example: Forward unanswered calls after 20 seconds to +491701234567:
**61*+491701234567**20#Our interactive forwarding tool generates the correct code for you.
Setting Up Complete Conditional Forwarding
For full coverage, set up all three conditional types. This ensures calls get forwarded whether you don’t pick up, your line is busy, or your phone is off:
**61*+491701234567**20#
**67*+491701234567#
**62*+491701234567#Enter each code in the dialer and tap call. Wait for the confirmation message before entering the next code.
Dual SIM Phones
Many Android phones support two SIM cards. Call forwarding is configured per SIM. If you set up forwarding through the Phone app settings, make sure you select the correct SIM card first. If you use GSM codes, your phone will prompt you to select which SIM to use when you tap the call button. Pick the SIM you want to set up forwarding for.
Troubleshooting
- Call forwarding menu is missing: Some carriers and manufacturers remove this option from the settings. Use GSM codes instead. They always work.
- “Mobile network not available” error: Make sure you have a cellular signal. GSM codes can’t be processed without a network connection.
- Changes don’t save in the settings menu: Try restarting the Phone app or your phone. If that doesn’t help, use GSM codes as an alternative.
- Calls still go to voicemail: Your carrier’s voicemail may override your forwarding settings. Contact your carrier to disable voicemail, or adjust the forwarding delay to be shorter than the voicemail timeout.
- Forwarding works on one SIM but not the other: Each SIM needs its own forwarding configuration. Repeat the setup process for the second SIM.
- Samsung shows “Connection problem or invalid MMI code”: Enter the code more slowly, making sure all stars and hashes are correct. On some Samsung devices, you need to tap the call button immediately after typing the last character.
Using Hallodesk with Your Android Phone
Hallodesk catches calls when you’re busy or unavailable. The ideal setup is conditional forwarding: your Android phone rings, and if you don’t answer within 20 seconds, Hallodesk picks up, talks to the caller, and sends you a notification with the conversation summary.
Set up all three conditional forwarding types with your Hallodesk number:
**61*[your Hallodesk number]**20#
**67*[your Hallodesk number]#
**62*[your Hallodesk number]#Or configure it through the Phone app settings by entering your Hallodesk number for each conditional forwarding type. Visit the setup guide to get your Hallodesk number.
