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What happens if I type *#21?

Published in Call Forwarding Check 2 mins read

Typing *#21# into your phone will likely display whether call forwarding is active on your device. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

Understanding Call Forwarding Status

Dialing #21# is a quick way to check the status of unconditional call forwarding. This means that all* your calls are being forwarded to another number.

What You'll See

After dialing the code, your phone should display information about whether call forwarding is enabled. This might include:

  • Status: Enabled or Disabled
  • Forwarding Number: If enabled, the number your calls are being forwarded to.

Network Differences

  • GSM Networks (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile): According to the provided reference, *#21# works on GSM networks to check if your calls and messages are being diverted.
  • CDMA Networks (e.g., Verizon, US Cellular): For CDMA networks, the reference suggests using *21 to check for unconditional call forwarding.

Security Implications

Knowing whether your calls are being forwarded is important for security. If you didn't set up call forwarding and it's active, someone might be intercepting your calls.

Example Output

The specific output depends on your phone and carrier, but it typically looks something like this:

Setting Status Number
Call Forwarding Enabled 555-123-4567
SMS Forwarding Disabled
Data Forwarding Disabled

What to Do if Call Forwarding is Enabled Unintentionally

  1. Disable Call Forwarding: Use the appropriate code to disable call forwarding. A common code to disable unconditional call forwarding is #21#.
  2. Change Voicemail Password: As a precaution, change your voicemail password.
  3. Contact Your Carrier: If you didn't enable call forwarding, contact your mobile carrier immediately.