All four major Nigerian mobile networks—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile—use the same standard GSM codes for call forwarding. Whether you want to redirect every incoming call unconditionally or only when busy, unreachable, or unanswered, the process is identical across networks. This guide covers all activation, deactivation, and status-check codes, along with step-by-step instructions for Android and iPhone.
Unconditional Call Forwarding for All Networks
Unconditional forwarding sends all incoming calls directly to another number without ringing your phone. To activate it, dial **21*ForwardNumber# and press the call button. For example, dialling **21*08012345678# forwards every call to that number. You will receive a confirmation message from your network once activated. This works on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile alike.
Conditional Forwarding: Busy, Unreachable, Unanswered
Conditional call forwarding redirects calls only under specific circumstances. Each condition has its own dedicated code:
- When busy: Dial **67*ForwardNumber#
- When unreachable (phone off or no signal): Dial **62*ForwardNumber#
- When unanswered (no answer after several rings): Dial **61*ForwardNumber#
After dialling any of these codes and pressing send, wait for the confirmation message. If you use a dual-SIM device, repeat the process for each SIM separately.
Checking the Status of Call Forwarding
To verify whether a forwarding type is active, dial the matching status code:
- Unconditional: *#21#
- Busy: *#67#
- Unreachable: *#62#
- Unanswered: *#61#
These codes work on all four networks and return a network message indicating the forwarding status.
How to Cancel Call Forwarding
To deactivate a specific type of forwarding, dial the corresponding cancellation code:
- Cancel unconditional: ##21#
- Cancel busy: ##67#
- Cancel unreachable: ##62#
- Cancel unanswered: ##61#
To cancel all active forwarding types at once on any network, dial ##002# and press send. You will receive a confirmation message once all forwarding conditions are removed.
Setting Up Call Forwarding on Android
Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and select Settings. Then go to Supplementary services or Call forwarding, depending on your device. Choose your SIM if using dual SIMs, then select the forwarding type (Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable). Enter the destination number and tap Enable. To deactivate, go to the same menu, tap the active option, and select Turn Off or Disable.
Setting Up Call Forwarding on iPhone
Go to Settings, then Phone, and tap Call Forwarding. Toggle it on. If you use two lines, choose the one to manage. Tap Forward To, enter the number, then tap the back arrow to save. Note that iPhone's built-in settings only support unconditional forwarding; for conditional forwarding (busy, unreachable, unanswered), you must contact your carrier directly or use GSM codes.
Signs Your Calls Are Being Forwarded Without Your Knowledge
If you suspect unauthorized call forwarding, look for these signs: a persistent 'Forwarding all calls' notification in the status bar, callers hearing a forwarding message, frequent complaints that your line is busy or unreachable, or manual confirmation via the status codes above. To regain control, dial ##002# to deactivate all forwarding.
Call forwarding enhances communication flexibility, keeping you reachable while travelling, managing busy periods, or separating personal and business calls. All codes and steps described here are based on information from Legit.ng, authored by Cyprine Apindi and Ciku Njuguna, and apply to MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile networks in Nigeria.
