To cancel call forwarding, use your carrier’s deactivation codes or turn off Forwarding in your phone’s settings, then place a test call.
Stuck with calls jumping to another number? You’re in the right place. This guide shows fast ways to stop forwarding on iPhone, Android, and major carriers. You’ll see the exact dial codes many networks use, plus clear steps inside phone settings. If you arrived thinking, “how can I cancel call forwarding?”, you’ll walk out with it off and verified.
How Can I Cancel Call Forwarding? Step-By-Step On Any Phone
Start with the quickest route. Most networks let you switch it off with short dial codes, and every phone offers a settings path. Use both for best results: turn it off in settings and send the code that wipes any network-side rules.
- Run the universal reset — Dial
##21#to cancel unconditional forwarding on many GSM networks. If your carrier lists a global reset, dial##004#to clear common conditional types, too. Wait for a success tone or message. - Turn it off in phone settings — On iPhone: Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding → toggle off. On Android (varies by brand): Phone app → menu → Settings → Supplementary services / Calling accounts → Call forwarding → open each type and choose Turn off.
- Disable carrier-specific rules — Some US carriers use star codes. Verizon: dial
*73from the forwarded line. Others follow local code lists. You’ll find a quick matrix below. - Test from a second phone — Call your number. If it rings on your phone instead of the old destination, you’re done. If it still hops away, repeat the reset, then power cycle your phone and test again.
If you’re writing a note to self—“how can I cancel call forwarding?”—save those four beats. Codes first, settings second, then verify.
Cancel Call Forwarding Codes By Carrier
Use this compact table to send the right command from the line that was forwarding. Keep in mind: carriers can localize codes by region or product. If one code fails, try the “All/Conditional” reset as well, then retest.
| Carrier / Network | Disable Immediate Forwarding | Disable All / Conditional |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon (USA) | *73 |
For special cases, carrier may use other star codes; retest after *73. |
| T-Mobile (USA) / GSM | ##21# (off CFU) |
##61# (no reply), ##62# (unreachable), ##67# (busy), or ##004# (reset common types) |
| AT&T (USA) | Device menu off, or star code varies by product; see device guide | Some AT&T products (home phone adapters) use #21# to cancel |
| Generic GSM (many regions) | ##21# / #21# (varies) |
##002# or ##004# to clear diversions |
Quick Hints For Code Success
- Send the code from the forwarded line — Put the SIM in the phone you’re dialing from, or use the exact number that was forwarding.
- Wait for the network response — Listen for beeps or a brief message. If you see an error, retry after toggling Airplane mode off and on.
- Clear every type — Unconditional off doesn’t always cancel busy/no-answer/unreachable rules. Run the matching
##61#,##62#, and##67#if your carrier offers them.
Turn Off Call Forwarding On iPhone
iPhone offers a simple switch for unconditional forwarding, and shows a tiny phone-with-arrow icon when active. Use this path, then run a code if your carrier still keeps a network rule in place.
- Open the toggle — Go to Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding.
- Turn it off — Switch Call Forwarding to off. On Dual SIM, select the correct line before you toggle.
- Confirm Forward To is blank — If the field still shows a number, clear it so nothing lingers.
- Retest and backstop with a code — Place a call to your number. If it still diverts, dial
##21#to clear unconditional rules, then try##004#if your carrier supports conditional types.
iPhone Troubleshooting If The Switch Spins
- Refresh the radio — Toggle Airplane mode on, wait five seconds, then off.
- Reboot the phone — Power off and on, then open the Call Forwarding page again.
- Try a code path — If the menu won’t load, send
##21#from the dialer and listen for a success tone, then reopen the menu.
Turn Off Call Forwarding On Android
Android wording shifts by brand, but the path is consistent. You’ll find forwarding under the Phone app’s call settings. Turn off each forwarding type on each SIM, then test.
- Open call settings — Phone app → menu (⋮) → Settings → Supplementary services / Calling accounts.
- Find Call Forwarding — Choose the SIM, tap Call forwarding, then open each item: Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable.
- Turn each one off — Open an item → pick Turn off or Disable. Repeat for all items and for a second SIM if present.
- Backstop with a dial code — Send
##21#for unconditional. If needed, send##61#,##62#, and##67#to clear conditional rules your carrier uses.
Samsung Menu Example
- Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Supplementary services → Call forwarding → open each type → Turn off.
Close Variant In A Heading: Cancel Call Forwarding On Your Network — Codes That Work
Many readers want the carrier code list fast. Here are the highlights to stop an active divert on popular networks:
- Verizon — Dial
*73from the forwarded line. Wait for the tone, then hang up and test. - T-Mobile — Dial
##21#to cancel immediate forwarding. For conditional types, use##61#(no reply),##62#(unreachable),##67#(busy), or##004#to reset common rules. - AT&T — Turn it off in device menus. On certain home-phone adapters, dial
#21#to cancel. If your mobile plan mirrors GSM codes, try##21#and retest. - Generic GSM —
##21#for immediate,##002#or##004#for broad resets. If one fails, try the other, then power cycle and test.
Tip: Some regional lines still use star codes for conditional forwarding. If a GSM reset doesn’t land, open your carrier app or help page for the exact list, then run the off code that matches your rule.
Fix Forwarding That Won’t Turn Off
If calls still jump away after you’ve used both settings and codes, the network may be clinging to a conditional rule, or the phone hasn’t refreshed its registration. Work through these quick fixes, then test again.
- Toggle the radio — Airplane mode on for five seconds, then off. This forces a fresh network attach.
- Reboot — Power off and on. Open the forwarding page and confirm every item shows off.
- Clear conditional rules — Send
##61#,##62#, and##67#one by one. Listen for a success tone after each code. - Check Dual SIM lines — Open the forwarding page for each line. A second line can stay forwarded while the first looks fine.
- Re-enter the Forward To field, then remove it — Some menus clear more cleanly if you set a dummy number, turn forwarding on, then turn it off again so the field blanks.
- Last mile test — Call your number from a second phone twice: once idle, once while you’re on a call. If both ring your phone, forwarding is gone.
Understanding Unconditional Vs. Conditional Rules
Knowing which rule was on helps you send the right off code:
- Unconditional forwarding (CFU) — Every call diverts instantly. Turn off in settings and send
##21#on GSM carriers. - Conditional forwarding — Diverts only when busy (
##67#), unanswered (##61#), or unreachable (##62#). The catch: menus often show only the CFU switch, so you still need the matching off codes to clear the others.
When in doubt, run the full set that matches your network, then restart the phone and test. That sequence clears stubborn behavior in most cases.
Keep It Off: Simple Prevention
- Use one path at a time — Either set forwarding in the device menu or with codes. Mixing paths can leave a lingering rule on the network.
- Recheck after SIM changes — Swapping SIMs or eSIM profiles can carry over old forwarding entries. Open the forwarding page right after a switch and confirm it’s off.
- Save a cheat card — Keep a tiny note in your phone with
*73(Verizon) and##21#/##004#(GSM). One dial clears the mess when you need it.
