When you dial *#21#
on your phone and receive a message indicating "Call Forwarding Unconditional," it signifies that all incoming calls to your number are being automatically redirected to another specified phone number, without any conditions. This means every call you receive will be sent to the forwarded number, irrespective of whether your phone is busy, unanswered, or out of reach.
Understanding Unconditional Call Forwarding
Unconditional call forwarding, often referred to as "all calls" forwarding, is a service that reroutes every single incoming call to a different number you've designated. Unlike conditional forwarding, which only activates under specific circumstances (like when your phone is busy or you don't answer), unconditional forwarding is constant. All incoming calls are redirected regardless of the condition.
Why Your Calls Might Be Unconditionally Forwarded
There are several reasons why this feature might be active on your device:
- Intentional Setup: You or someone with access to your phone intentionally enabled this feature to redirect calls to another device, a virtual assistant, or a voicemail service.
- Convenience: Many individuals use it to ensure they never miss a call, directing them to a number they monitor more closely or to a professional answering service.
- Temporary Use: It might have been enabled temporarily for specific situations, such as when you're traveling and using a different local SIM card but want calls to your primary number to reach you.
- Malicious Intent (Less Common): In rare cases, if your phone or account has been compromised, someone might activate call forwarding to intercept your calls or reroute them for fraudulent purposes.
How to Check and Manage Call Forwarding
The *#21#
code is a Universal Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code used across many mobile networks to check the status of unconditional call forwarding.
Checking Call Forwarding Status Codes
While *#21#
specifically checks unconditional forwarding, other codes can provide a broader overview of all active forwarding services:
Code | Function |
---|---|
*#21# |
Check Unconditional Call Forwarding Status |
*#61# |
Check Call Forwarding When No Reply |
*#62# |
Check Call Forwarding When Unreachable |
*#67# |
Check Call Forwarding When Busy |
*#002# |
Check All Call Forwarding Statuses |
Deactivating Call Forwarding
If you wish to stop all unconditional call forwarding, you can typically use the following code:
##21#
: This code is used to deactivate unconditional call forwarding. Dialing it should stop all calls from being redirected to another number.
For complete deactivation of all types of call forwarding (unconditional, busy, no reply, unreachable), the ##002#
code is commonly used across many carriers.
Managing Through Phone Settings
Most smartphones also allow you to manage call forwarding directly through your device settings, offering a user-friendly interface:
- Android:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three dots (More options) or Gear icon (Settings).
- Look for "Calling Accounts," "Call Settings," or "Supplementary Services" (exact wording may vary by device and Android version).
- Select "Call Forwarding" and then choose the desired forwarding option (Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable) to enable or disable it.
- iOS (iPhone):
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Select Call Forwarding.
- Toggle the "Call Forwarding" switch Off to disable it. If it's on, you can see and edit the number your calls are being forwarded to.
Important Considerations
- Carrier Specifics: While the USSD codes (
*#21#
,##21#
, etc.) are widely adopted globally, some mobile carriers might have specific or additional methods for managing call forwarding. Always refer to your mobile carrier's official support resources for precise instructions relevant to your service plan. - Cost Implications: While checking the status of call forwarding is typically free, the actual forwarding of calls might incur charges depending on your mobile plan and whether the forwarded number is local, long-distance, or international.
- Privacy and Security: Be mindful of who has access to your phone or account. Unauthorized activation of call forwarding could lead to privacy breaches or missed critical communications. Regularly checking your call forwarding status using codes like
*#21#
is a good practice for maintaining control over your communications.
Understanding the "Call Forwarding Unconditional" status ensures you have full control over where your calls are directed, maintaining seamless communication and privacy.