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How to Disable and Stop Forwarding Calls on Your Phone

Call forwarding is a useful feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. This can be convenient when you are traveling, want calls to ring multiple phones, or need a backup number when your main phone is unavailable. However, there may come a time when you want to disable call forwarding and have calls ring only your phone again. Here’s how to stop forwarding calls on both mobile and landline phones.

Understanding Call Forwarding

Call forwarding redirects incoming calls to an alternate number that you specify. There are a few different types of call forwarding:

  • Unconditional – Forwards all incoming calls
  • Call Forward Busy – Forwards calls when your phone is in use
  • Call Forward No Answer – Forwards calls that are not answered after a set number of rings
  • Call Forward Not Reachable – Forwards calls when your phone is turned off, out of range, or cannot receive calls

Call forwarding is configured through your phone’s calling settings or by dialing special activation codes. Most mobile and landline carriers support standard call forwarding features.

How to Disable Call Forwarding on a Mobile Phone

You can disable call forwarding on a mobile phone through the phone app’s settings. Here are the steps:

On iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap “Phone”
  3. Tap “Call Forwarding”
  4. Toggle the switch off for any enabled call forwarding types

On Android

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap the menu icon (3 dots or 3 lines)
  3. Tap Settings or Call Settings
  4. Tap Call forwarding
  5. Tap on any enabled forwarding type and select “Turn off”

You can also dial a code on most Android phones to deactivate all call forwarding:

##002#

How to Disable Call Forwarding on Landline Phones

To stop forwarding calls on a landline phone:

  1. Pick up the landline phone receiver
  2. Dial *73
  3. Listen for a confirmation tone
  4. Hang up

Some landline carriers use different codes, like #21# for AT&T or *720 for Sprint. Contact your phone provider for the exact code to use.

Re-Enabling Call Forwarding

If you need call forwarding again in the future, repeat the activation steps instead of the deactivation process. Call forwarding settings persist on mobile phones but often clear when you disable the feature on landlines.

Alternative Options

If you want more flexibility than standard call forwarding offers, consider these options:

  • Visual voicemail apps – View and manage voicemails like emails
  • Cloud phone systems – Advanced call routing, monitoring, IVR menus and more
  • Team collaboration tools – Call or message colleagues when you can’t answer
  • Auto receptionist – Automated attendant greets and redirects callers

Disabling call forwarding is quick and easy across all types of phones. With a few short steps, you can stop redirecting calls and resume normal inbound call behavior.

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