How to Set Up Call Forwarding
| Step | Action | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your network status | Confirms if issue is network-wide |
| 2 | Toggle aeroplane mode on/off | Re-registers SIM on your network |
| 3 | Restart your phone | Clears temporary network errors |
| 4 | Check your network APN settings | Fixes incorrect data configuration |
| 5 | Re-insert SIM card | Fixes poor SIM contact issues |
| 6 | Contact your network support | Resolves account or SIM faults |
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to set up call forwarding on your mobile network, including setup steps, troubleshooting tips and useful codes.
Setting up on your mobile network (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
Most of these features are set via phone settings or dial codes, with plan-specific instructions kept current on the UK APN Hub.
Useful mobile network codes (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
Standard GSM codes cover call forwarding and voicemail the same way on all UK networks:
Divert all calls: Dial **21*[number]# and press call.
Divert when busy: Dial **67*[number]# and press call.
Divert when no answer: Dial **61*[number]# and press call.
Cancel all diversions: Dial ##002# and press call.
Check voicemail: Hold down the 1 key or dial your voicemail number.
Common problems and fixes (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
For calls not working right, try aeroplane mode, restarting, and checking signal — persistent trouble goes to the UK APN Hub.
Troubleshooting checklist
Go in order instead of jumping straight to the final step
Related: What is WiFi calling? (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
WiFi calling substitutes WiFi for mobile signal on calls and texts, handy wherever coverage is poor but WiFi is available, whether at home, work or travelling, using regular minutes and texts.
Troubleshooting checklist
If signal drops out, WiFi Calling reroutes voice calls over broadband
Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Wi-Fi Calling → On
No extra charge — uses your existing call and text allowance. Ideal where indoor mobile signal is weak.
Related: How to enable WiFi calling on iPhone (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
Settings → Phone → WiFi Calling on iPhone lets you enable it and confirm the emergency address, after which a WiFi icon appears in the status bar.
Troubleshooting checklist
WiFi Calling covers dropped signal by routing calls over broadband
Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Wi-Fi Calling → On
No extra charge — uses your existing call and text allowance. Ideal where indoor mobile signal is weak.
Related: How to enable WiFi calling on Android (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
On the majority of Android devices it's under Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network; Samsung Galaxy and Pixel differ in their menu structure.
Troubleshooting checklist
WiFi Calling takes over on broadband if mobile signal fails entirely
Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Wi-Fi Calling → On
No extra charge — uses your existing call and text allowance. Ideal where indoor mobile signal is weak.
Related: WiFi calling requirements (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
Needed: a supporting plan (standard on most current UK tariffs), a compatible device, and WiFi access — iPhone users may see a carrier update prompt at Settings → General → About.
Troubleshooting checklist
WiFi Calling sends voice calls to broadband the instant signal drops out
Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Wi-Fi Calling → On
No extra charge — uses your existing call and text allowance. Ideal where indoor mobile signal is weak.
Related: Troubleshooting WiFi calling not working (How to Set Up Call Forwarding)
Unsupported device or plan is the usual cause of a greyed-out option — confirm with the provider that it's enabled.
A dropped call during handover between WiFi and mobile is normal — one steady connection prevents it.
Bad WiFi call quality usually needs router proximity, an upload speed check (1Mbps minimum), and a restart.
Troubleshooting checklist
Go through in order instead of jumping to the last step
Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Wi-Fi Calling → On
No extra charge — uses your existing call and text allowance. Ideal where indoor mobile signal is weak.