how to deactivate call forwarding

June 28, 2026

To deactivate call forwarding, you usually either switch it off in your phone’s settings or dial a special code from your keypad, then confirm it’s gone by doing a quick test call.

How to Deactivate Call Forwarding

(Quick Scoop guide with forum-style flavor, but straight to the point.)

“Why are my calls going to another number?!”
This is the classic frustration behind the search for how to deactivate call forwarding —and the fix is almost always in a hidden settings menu or a simple code you dial.

1. First: Know Your Situation

Before you start tapping everywhere:

Are you on iPhone , Android , or a landline?

Is every call being forwarded (unconditional), or only when:
- You’re busy
- You don’t answer
- Your phone is off / out of coverage

Those “only sometimes forwarded” options are called conditional call forwarding or “call divert when busy/unanswered/unreachable.”

2. Turn Off Call Forwarding on iPhone

A. Through Settings (most common way)

Open Settings.
Tap Phone (or Apps → Phone on some newer layouts).

Tap Call Forwarding.
Turn Call Forwarding off (toggle switch).

This usually disables unconditional call forwarding—calls should now ring directly on your iPhone again.

B. Using dial codes (for conditional forwarding)

These codes are handled by your carrier and can erase specific forwarding rules:

When busy : dial ##67# and press Call.

When unanswered : dial ##61# and press Call.

When unreachable (phone off/no signal): dial ##62# and press Call.

You should see a confirmation or “erasure succeeded” type message when it works.

3. Turn Off Call Forwarding on Android

The menu names can vary slightly by brand (Samsung, Pixel, etc.), but the flow is very similar.

A. Through the Phone app

Open the Phone app.
Tap the three dots/menu in the top corner.
Tap Settings (or Call settings).

Look for Calls , Calling accounts , or Supplementary services.

Tap Call forwarding.

Turn off every active option, such as:

 * Always forward
 * Forward when busy
 * Forward when unanswered / no answer
 * Forward when unreachable

If you only disable one of them (e.g., “Always forward”) but “Forward when unreachable” is still on, some calls may still divert.

B. Universal code for conditional forwarding

On many Android devices (and carriers), you can reset conditional call forwarding with:

Dial ##004# and press Call.

This is widely used to clear all conditional forwarding and return to default behavior.

4. Turn Off Call Forwarding on Landlines

If you’re dealing with a traditional landline or desk phone, forwarding is often managed by star-codes.

Typical patterns (these may vary by provider):

To cancel all call forwarding: dial *73 or *73# and listen for a confirmation tone.

Some guides mention 73 after picking up the receiver; again, you should hear a confirmation tone or message.

If you don’t get any tone or confirmation, you may need to check with your specific landline provider.

5. Handy HTML Table: Common Call Forwarding Deactivation Paths

Here’s a quick-glance HTML table you can drop into a page.

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Device / Type</th>
      <th>How to Deactivate Call Forwarding</th>
      <th>Notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>iPhone – Unconditional</td>
      <td>Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding → toggle Off.[web:1][web:3]</td>
      <td>Stops all calls from being always forwarded.[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>iPhone – Conditional</td>
      <td>Dial codes: ##67# (busy), ##61# (no answer), ##62# (unreachable), then Call.[web:1][web:3]</td>
      <td>Look for on-screen confirmation of erasure.[web:1][web:2][web:3][web:5]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Android – via Settings</td>
      <td>Phone app → Menu (⋮) → Settings → Calls/Call settings → Call forwarding → disable all options.[web:3][web:7][web:8][web:9]</td>
      <td>Turn off Always forward, Forward when busy/no answer/unreachable.[web:3][web:7][web:8][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Android – Conditional (reset)</td>
      <td>Dial ##004# and press Call.[web:5]</td>
      <td>Widely used universal code to clear conditional forwarding.[web:5]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Landline – Unconditional</td>
      <td>Dial *73 or *73#, wait for confirmation tone or message.[web:1][web:3]</td>
      <td>If no tone, check carrier-specific code.[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

6. Mini “Forum” Perspective: What People Usually Miss

You’ll see a few recurring themes in forum discussions around how to deactivate call forwarding :

People often turn off only one forwarding condition and forget others, so calls still divert when unreachable or unanswered.

Some assume it’s a phone bug, but it’s actually a carrier-level rule that needs a code like ##21#, ##004#, or the provider’s own disable code.

Many users only realize forwarding is on after missing important calls, so a “test call from a friend” after you change settings is a smart final step.

A typical user story: someone sets forwarding while traveling, comes home, forgets it’s on, and weeks later discovers all their calls were quietly going to a secondary number. A quick trip into Call forwarding settings (or ##004#) usually fixes it in seconds.

7. Quick SEO-Oriented Notes (for your post)

Naturally weave your focus keywords into headings and early paragraphs:
- “how to deactivate call forwarding” in H1/H2 and intro.
- “forum discussion” and “trending topic” when referencing user experiences and recent guides (many updated in 2024–2026).

Ideal meta description example (you can tweak):

Learn how to deactivate call forwarding on iPhone, Android, and landlines using settings and dial codes, plus real-world forum tips so your calls ring where they should.

8. Final Checklist Before You Assume It’s Off

Turn off all call forwarding options in your phone’s settings (or use the universal codes).

Restart your phone if things seem stuck.

Ask someone to call you and confirm that:
- The call rings on your main device.
- It no longer jumps to the old forwarded number or voicemail too quickly.

If everything rings normally, your call forwarding is successfully deactivated. Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.