Secret Codes guide
Call Forwarding Codes for iPhone: *#21#, ##002# and the Full GSM List
By Muhammad Shahid Khan · · 4 min read
Quick answer
On GSM networks: **21*number# forwards all calls, *#21# checks if forwarding is on, and ##21# turns it off. Use 67 for busy, 61 for no answer and 62 for unreachable. ##002# cancels all forwarding at once. On iPhone you can also use Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding, where your carrier supports it.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| Forward all calls | **21*number# |
|---|---|
| Check status | *#21# |
| Turn off | ##21# |
| Cancel every forwarding type | ##002# |
| Codes by condition | 67 busy, 61 no answer, 62 unreachable |
Call forwarding sends incoming calls to another number: handy when you are travelling, switching phones, or want calls to go to your office line. It is also worth checking occasionally, because forwarding you did not set up can mean someone else is receiving your calls.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 verified dial codes, and the screenshots in this guide come from it. If you would rather tap than memorise codes, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What are the GSM call forwarding codes?
These come from the GSM standard (3GPP), so they work on most GSM-based networks worldwide, including AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and most networks in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Replace number with the full phone number, including the country code.
| Type | Turn on | Check status | Turn off |
|---|---|---|---|
| All calls (unconditional) | **21*number# | *#21# | ##21# |
| When busy | **67*number# | *#67# | ##67# |
| When not answered | **61*number# | *#61# | ##61# |
| When unreachable | **62*number# | *#62# | ##62# |
| All conditional types | **004*number# | - | ##004# |
| Everything | - | - | ##002# |
The pattern is easy to remember: ** registers, *# checks, ## erases.
What about Verizon?
Verizon uses its own codes for call forwarding rather than the GSM family. To turn on forwarding, dial *72 followed by the number. To turn it off, dial *73. Check Verizon's support pages for conditional forwarding options on your plan.
Can I set call forwarding in iPhone Settings?
On many GSM carriers, yes: go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding (on recent iOS versions, Settings > Apps > Phone). If you do not see the option, your carrier handles forwarding through codes or its own app instead.
How do I check if someone is forwarding my calls?
- Dial
*#21#to check unconditional forwarding. - Dial
*#67#,*#61#and*#62#to check conditional forwarding. - If anything is forwarded to a number you do not recognise, dial
##002#to cancel all forwarding. - Contact your carrier and change your account PIN.
Be wary of anyone who asks you to dial a code starting with **21* or *72 followed by a number they give you. This is a known scam to redirect your calls, including verification calls from your bank.
Does call forwarding cost money?
Often, forwarded calls are charged as an outgoing call from your line to the forwarding number, especially to international numbers. Check your plan before forwarding long term.
More guides you may find useful:
- What Does ##002# Do on iPhone? Cancel All Call Forwarding (and Keep Your Voicemail)
- *#21#, ##21# and **21*: What These Call Forwarding Codes Mean on iPhone
- *#31#, #31# and *31# on iPhone: What They Do and How to Turn Them Off
How Secret Codes helps
- 317 verified iPhone codes, each checked against a carrier, Apple or the 3GPP standard. Android-only and retired codes are left out.
- Plain-English explanations of what every code does before you dial it.
- Open in Phone puts the code in Apple's dialler. Nothing is ever dialled for you.
- Built around your carrier: each code says whether your network publishes it.
- A full diagnostic suite for battery, storage, Wi-Fi, cellular, display, touch, cameras, sensors and Face ID.
- IMEI in one tap with Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts and a Home Screen quick action.
- Free, with nothing locked: no paid tier and no subscription.
Download Secret Codes free on the App Store and keep every working iPhone code in your pocket.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my calls are forwarded?
Dial *#21# for unconditional forwarding, and *#67#, *#61# and *#62# for busy, no answer and unreachable forwarding.
How do I cancel all call forwarding?
Dial ##002# on GSM networks. It cancels every type of forwarding at once.
What does **21* do?
**21*number# forwards all incoming calls to that number on GSM networks.
How do I turn off call forwarding on Verizon?
Dial *73.
How do I turn on call forwarding on Verizon?
Dial *72 followed by the number you want calls forwarded to.
Where is call forwarding in iPhone settings?
Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding (Settings > Apps > Phone on recent iOS), if your carrier supports it.
What is the difference between conditional and unconditional forwarding?
Unconditional forwards every call. Conditional forwards only when you are busy, do not answer or cannot be reached.
Can someone forward my calls without my knowledge?
It is possible if someone has access to your phone or tricks you into dialling a forwarding code. Check with *#21# and cancel with ##002#.
Does call forwarding cost extra?
Often, forwarded calls are billed as outgoing calls from your line, especially to international numbers. Check your plan.
Do I need the country code when forwarding?
It is safest to enter the full number including the country code.
Does Secret Codes include carrier-specific forwarding codes?
Yes. It includes the complete GSM forwarding family plus carrier shortcuts, and tells you whether each code is published for your carrier.
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