How to forward calls on any UK phone or network (2026)

Call forwarding lets you redirect incoming calls to a different number, whether that is your mobile, a colleague or an answering service. For UK small businesses and tradespeople, it is one of the simplest ways to stop missing calls when you are on site, in a meeting or unavailable.

This guide covers how to set up call forwarding on every major UK network, on iPhone and Android, and on BT and Virgin business landlines. It also explains the difference between the main forwarding types and what to do when forwarded calls still go unanswered.

Types of call forwarding

Before you set anything up, it helps to know the three main types of call forwarding available on UK networks.

Unconditional (always forward)

Every call is redirected immediately to your chosen number. You never receive calls on your original number while this is active. This is useful if you want all calls to go to a receptionist or answering service, but it means you cannot pick up directly even if you are free.

Conditional: no answer

Calls are redirected only when you do not pick up within a set number of rings (usually 15 to 30 seconds). This is the most practical setting for most businesses: you can still take calls when available, and unanswered calls go to your chosen number automatically.

Conditional: busy or unreachable

Calls are redirected when your line is busy or when your phone is switched off or out of signal. You can combine all three conditional types so calls are always covered.

How to forward calls on EE

EE uses standard GSM codes. You can enter these directly from your phone's dialler.

Type	Activate	Cancel
All calls (unconditional)	**21*[number]#	##21#
When not answered	**61*[number]#	##61#
When busy	**67*[number]#	##67#
When unreachable	**62*[number]#	##62#
Cancel all forwarding		##002#

Replace [number] with the full number you want calls forwarded to, including the country code if forwarding to an international number (for example +447700900123 for a UK mobile).

You can also manage call forwarding through the My EE app or by calling 150 from your EE phone.

How to forward calls on O2

O2 uses the same GSM codes as EE. Dial the code from your O2 phone and press call.

Type	Activate	Cancel
All calls (unconditional)	**21*[number]#	##21#
When not answered	**61*[number]#	##61#
When busy	**67*[number]#	##67#
When unreachable	**62*[number]#	##62#
Cancel all forwarding		##002#

You can also update call forwarding through the My O2 app under Account settings, or call 202 from your O2 phone.

How to forward calls on Vodafone

Type	Activate	Cancel
All calls (unconditional)	**21*[number]#	##21#
When not answered	**61*[number]#	##61#
When busy	**67*[number]#	##67#
When unreachable	**62*[number]#	##62#
Cancel all forwarding		##002#

Vodafone also allows you to manage call forwarding through the Vodafone app or by calling 191 from a Vodafone phone.

How to forward calls on Three

Type	Activate	Cancel
All calls (unconditional)	**21*[number]#	##21#
When not answered	**61*[number]#	##61#
When busy	**67*[number]#	##67#
When unreachable	**62*[number]#	##62#
Cancel all forwarding		##002#

Three customers can also call 333 from a Three phone to speak to customer services about call settings.

How to forward calls on iPhone

If you want to set up call forwarding through your iPhone's settings rather than dialling a code:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down and tap Phone.

3. Tap Call Forwarding.

4. Toggle Call Forwarding on.

5. Tap Forward To and enter the number you want calls sent to.

This activates unconditional forwarding. For conditional forwarding (no answer only), use the GSM code for your network instead, as iPhone settings only support unconditional forwarding directly.

How to forward calls on Android

Steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but the process is similar across most Android devices:

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Tap the three-dot menu (top right) and select Settings.

3. Tap Calls, then Call Forwarding.

4. Select the forwarding type: Always forward, Forward when busy, Forward when unanswered, or Forward when unreachable.

5. Enter the destination number and tap Enable.

On Samsung devices, go to Phone app, then More options, Settings, Supplementary services, Call forwarding.

How to forward calls on a BT or Virgin Business landline

For BT landlines, dial **21*[number]# to activate unconditional forwarding and ##21# to cancel it. This works on most BT landlines in the UK. You can also log into My BT online to manage call divert settings.

For Virgin Media Business, log into your Virgin Business account portal and navigate to Call Management, where you can set up and manage call forwarding rules for your line.

If you are using a VoIP system such as RingCentral, 8x8 or Vonage, call forwarding is usually managed through the provider's web portal or app rather than via phone codes.

Does call forwarding cost money?

Most UK networks charge for the forwarded leg of the call. This means that even if the forwarded call goes unanswered and reaches voicemail at the destination, you may still be charged for the diversion.

Charges vary by network and destination:

• Forwarding to a UK mobile typically uses your standard inclusive minutes.
• Forwarding to a non-geographic number (0800, 0333) may incur additional charges.
• Forwarding to an international number is usually charged at your standard international rate.

Check your network's current tariff before setting up forwarding to an unusual number type.

The problem call forwarding alone cannot solve

Call forwarding helps when the forwarded number is available to answer. But if that number also rings out, you are back to the same problem: a missed call with no follow-up, and a potential customer who has already moved on to the next business on their list.

This is where many businesses stall. They set up call forwarding to a mobile or colleague, but when both are unavailable, calls still go unanswered. The caller gets voicemail, does not leave a message, and calls a competitor.

How to make sure no missed call is ever wasted

The most effective approach is to combine call forwarding with automatic SMS follow-up. When a call is forwarded and still not answered, an automatic text message is sent to the caller within seconds, acknowledging their call and inviting them to respond.

TextBack Pro works alongside your existing call forwarding setup. When a call diverts to your TextBack Pro number and goes unanswered, the system sends a personalised SMS to the caller immediately. The caller receives a message before they have had time to dial your competitor.

Frequently asked questions