Key Takeaways:
- Conditional call forwarding sends calls to another number when your iPhone is busy, unreachable, or unanswered
- You can set up conditional call forwarding through your iPhone’s Phone settings or by dialing specific codes
- Codes like 61, 62, and 67 activate forwarding for different scenarios
- Dial ##61#, ##62#, and ##67# to deactivate conditional forwarding
Have you ever missed an important call because your iPhone was on silent, out of battery, or without cell service? Luckily, there’s a solution – conditional call forwarding. This handy feature automatically redirects incoming calls to another number when your iPhone is unavailable.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up conditional call forwarding on your iPhone. Whether you want calls sent to your work phone, a colleague, or your home landline, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is Conditional Call Forwarding?
Conditional call forwarding is a feature that sends incoming calls to a different phone number when your iPhone meets certain conditions:
- Busy: When you’re already on a call
- Unanswered: When you don’t pick up after a set number of rings
- Unreachable: When your iPhone is turned off or out of cell range
Unlike regular call forwarding which redirects all calls, conditional forwarding only kicks in under specific circumstances. This way, you can still receive calls on your iPhone when you’re available.
Setting Up Conditional Call Forwarding
There are two ways to activate conditional call forwarding on your iPhone:
- Through the Phone settings
- By dialing special codes
Method 1: Phone Settings
Here’s how to set up conditional call forwarding via your iPhone settings:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Phone
- Select Call Forwarding
- Toggle on the switch next to each forwarding option:
- Forward When Unanswered
- Forward When Unreachable
- Forward When Busy
- Tap each option and enter the phone number where you want calls forwarded
Method 2: Dialing Codes
You can also activate conditional call forwarding by dialing these codes on your iPhone:
| Scenario | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
|---|---|---|
| Unanswered | 61phone number# | ##61# |
| Unreachable | 62phone number# | ##62# |
| Busy | 67phone number# | ##67# |
For example, to forward unanswered calls, dial 61 followed by the 10-digit phone number, then press the call button. You’ll receive a confirmation tone or message when forwarding is activated.
To turn off conditional forwarding, simply dial the corresponding deactivation code and hit call.
Tips for Using Conditional Call Forwarding
- Choose a reliable forwarding number: Make sure the phone you’re forwarding to has a stable connection and is readily accessible.
- Inform your contacts: Let frequent callers know about your forwarding setup to avoid confusion.
- Keep an eye on your voicemail: Forwarded calls will go to the other phone’s voicemail if unanswered, so periodically check that inbox.
- Deactivate forwarding when no longer needed: Once you’re back to using your iPhone regularly, turn off conditional forwarding to prevent calls from being redirected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will callers know that I’ve forwarded their call?
In most cases, no. Callers will experience a brief pause while the call is redirected, but otherwise the process is seamless. The recipient’s phone will ring as usual.
Can I set different forwarding numbers for each condition?
Yes! You can specify separate numbers for when your iPhone is busy, unreachable, or unanswered. This allows you to route calls to the most appropriate alternate phone.
How do I deactivate conditional call forwarding?
The easiest way is to dial the deactivation code for each forwarding condition:
- Unanswered: ##61#
- Unreachable: ##62#
- Busy: ##67#
Alternatively, go to your iPhone’s Call Forwarding settings and toggle off the switches next to each active option.
What happens if the forwarded call goes unanswered?
If the phone you’ve forwarded to is not picked up, the call will be sent to that device’s voicemail. The original caller will not be redirected back to your iPhone’s voicemail.
Can I forward calls internationally?
This depends on your carrier and plan. Some providers allow international forwarding, but additional fees may apply. Check with your carrier for details on rates and availability.
By setting up conditional call forwarding on your iPhone, you can ensure that important calls always reach you or a designated backup number. Whether you’re anticipating an urgent call or simply want a failsafe when your iPhone is unavailable, this feature keeps you connected worry-free.
