How to turn off call forwarding on iPhone
Most iPhones turn forwarding off with one toggle under Settings → Phone. If that row is missing, one short code does it instead. Here's both.
Turn off call forwarding in iPhone Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Tap Call Forwarding.
- Toggle the switch off — it turns from green to grey, and the "Forward To" number disappears.
That's it. The change is instant, and calls will start ringing your iPhone again.
If there's no "Call Forwarding" option
Some carriers — notably certain Verizon plans — don't show the Call Forwarding row under Settings → Phone because forwarding is handled by the network, not the phone. In that case, cancel it with a code:
- Open the Phone app and go to the keypad
- Dial
*73and press call — this turns off basic call forwarding on Verizon and most code-based carriers - You'll hear a short confirmation tone or message, then hang up
- On GSM carriers you can also dial
##002#to clear every forwarding type at once
How to confirm it's off
To double-check, dial *#21# from the keypad — your iPhone shows whether "forward all calls" is still active. If it reads as disabled, you're set. The simplest real-world test is to call your iPhone from another phone and confirm it rings your device instead of going elsewhere.
Turning it off means those calls go unanswered again
People usually forward calls to avoid missing them — after hours or when they're tied up. Switch forwarding off and those calls ring out or hit voicemail instead.
RingOwl fixes the real problem: it's a 24/7 AI answering service that picks up every call you can't, answers questions, and books appointments into your calendar — so you don't have to forward calls around just to stay reachable.
FAQ
- How do I turn off call forwarding on my iPhone?
- Go to Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding and toggle the switch off. The change is instant and your calls start ringing your iPhone again.
- There's no Call Forwarding option on my iPhone — how do I turn it off?
- Some carriers (like certain Verizon plans) hide that menu because forwarding runs on the network. Open the Phone app keypad and dial *73 to cancel it, or ##002# on GSM carriers to clear all forwarding types.
- What code turns off call forwarding on iPhone?
- *73 turns off basic call forwarding on most carriers. On GSM carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile), ##002# cancels every forwarding type at once, and #21# turns off "forward all calls."
- How do I know call forwarding is off on my iPhone?
- Dial *#21# from the keypad to see the status of "forward all calls." If it reads disabled, forwarding is off. You can also call your iPhone from another phone to confirm it rings your device.
- Why does my iPhone keep forwarding calls?
- Forwarding stays on until you cancel it — a toggle or code you (or your carrier) set earlier is still active. Turn off the switch under Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding, or dial *73 if the menu isn't shown.
Turning forwarding off shouldn't mean missing calls
Most people forward calls so they don't miss them. RingOwl answers every call for you instead — a 24/7 AI answering service that picks up, handles questions, and books appointments straight into your calendar. Free 7-day trial, no credit card.
Start your free trial →Related