How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on All Devices: Quick Guide

To turn off call forwarding might seem like a minor task, but it can have a significant impact on your communication flow. 

Whether you’re using a landline, iPhone, or Android device, knowing how to turn off call forwarding is crucial to staying in control of your incoming calls.

This feature is convenient for redirecting calls when you’re unavailable, but there are times when disabling it is essential—such as avoiding missed calls, reducing extra charges, or managing privacy concerns. 

In this blog, you will know the process of deactivating call forwarding across different devices and share tips for troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

So let’s get started. But before that just a few lines on SmartReach and how it’s calling feature can be helpful. 

Enhanced call forwarding for outbound sales teams 

While knowing how to turn off call forwarding is important, for sales teams, using the call forwarding feature can be incredibly helpful. 

Sales engagement software like SmartReach.io, provides one-stop cold calling solution with features like call coaching, call sentiments, recording, call script, call analytics, etc.

One key feature SmartReach.io has is call forwarding, which lets you direct calls to a number and device of your choice to route the right queries for the right team member. 

For example, if you’re calling prospects in the USA and they call back, SmartReach forwards the call directly to your phone, so you never miss a potential lead.

And even you can forward your call to one of the top executives of your team to handle complex and sensitive queries.

This keeps your outreach running smoothly, objection handling easy and boosts your chances of booking a sales call with them. .

Learn more about SmartReach calling here ➡ “Cold calling

turn off call forwarding

How to turn off call forwarding?

Turning off call forwarding can be done easily on landlines, iPhones, and Android devices, but the process varies slightly depending on the device or service provider.

Turn off call forwarding for Landlines

  1. Pick up the receiver and wait for a dial tone.
  2. Dial the code to deactivate call forwarding, which is usually *73 for most service providers.
  3. Wait for a confirmation tone or message, indicating that call forwarding is disabled.
  4. Hang up the phone.

Note: If 73 doesn’t work, contact your service provider for the specific deactivation code.

Turn off call forwarding for iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap “Phone.”
  3. Select “Call Forwarding.”
  4. Toggle the switch to the off position to deactivate call forwarding.

Turn off call forwarding for Android

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (or the settings icon) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select “Settings” or “Call settings.”
  4. Tap “Call forwarding.”
  5. Choose the type of call forwarding to disable (e.g., Always forward, Forward when busy).
  6. Tap “Turn off” or “Disable.”

These simple steps can help you quickly stop calls from being forwarded to another number, putting you back in control of your incoming calls.

How to confirm if call forwarding is active or not?

To confirm if call forwarding is active, follow these steps for your device:

For Landlines

  1. Pick up the receiver and wait for a dial tone.
  2. *Dial the code 72 (or the activation code for call forwarding). If call forwarding is active, you might hear a busy tone or be redirected to the forwarded number.
  3. Alternatively, call your own number from another phone. If the call rings on the intended forwarding number instead of the landline, call forwarding is still active.

For iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap “Phone,” then “Call Forwarding.”
  3. Check the switch – if it’s turned on and a number is listed, call forwarding is active.

For Android

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (or the settings icon), then select “Settings” or “Call settings.”
  3. Go to “Call forwarding” and check each forwarding type (Always forward, Forward when busy, etc.).
  4. If a phone number is listed under any type, call forwarding is active.

These methods should help you confirm whether call forwarding is currently enabled on your device.

Suggested reading: How to Forward Call? | Call Handling Guide for Businesses

Drawbacks of call forwarding

Call forwarding is a convenient feature, but it comes with some drawbacks that users should be aware of. Here are some common disadvantages:

1. Missed calls or delays

  • If the forwarded number is unreachable or busy, calls may not get through, leading to missed opportunities.
  • There can be a delay in transferring calls, which might frustrate the caller.

2. Increased costs

  • Depending on your service provider, you may incur additional charges for forwarding calls, especially to international or mobile numbers.

3. Privacy concerns

  • Forwarding calls to a personal number can blur the line between work and private life, potentially compromising privacy.
  • If the forwarding is set up incorrectly, confidential calls could end up with unauthorized recipients.

4. Complicated management

  • Managing call forwarding settings can be complex, particularly for businesses with multiple lines.
  • Users may forget to deactivate call forwarding, causing calls to continue being redirected unnecessarily.

5. Dependence on network availability

  • Call forwarding relies on network coverage; if there’s a network issue, forwarded calls may not connect properly.
  • Weak signals or poor connectivity at the forwarding location could affect call quality.

6. Confusion for callers

  • Callers may not know the person they’re reaching is not at the original number, which could cause confusion.
  • The forwarded number may not match the caller’s expectations, particularly in a professional setting.

While call forwarding can be beneficial in many situations, understanding these potential drawbacks can help users make informed decisions about when and how to use it.

Troubleshooting call forwarding

Here are some tips to troubleshoot turning off call forwarding:

Use the correct deactivation code

Ensure you’re using the right code to deactivate call forwarding, such as *73 for most landlines. If this doesn’t work, contact your service provider for the specific code.

For mobile devices, you can also turn off call forwarding through the phone settings.

Verify call forwarding settings

Double-check your call forwarding settings to confirm that it’s actually turned off. Go to your phone’s settings (for iPhone: Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. 

For Android: Phone app > Call settings > Call forwarding) and ensure all options are disabled.

Restart your device

Restarting your phone can resolve temporary software issues that might be affecting the call forwarding feature.

For landlines, unplugging the phone and reconnecting it can also help reset the settings.

Test with different deactivation methods

If dialing the deactivation code does not work, try turning off call forwarding through the device’s settings. For mobile devices, navigate to Call Forwarding settings and manually turn off all forwarding options.

You can also try dialing the carrier’s customer service number to deactivate call forwarding.

Reset network settings (mobile devices)

Resetting the network settings on your smartphone may help resolve issues with call forwarding not turning off. This will restore network settings to their default state, which may fix any misconfiguration.

Note: This action will also reset Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings, and VPN configurations.

Check for software updates

Ensure your device’s software is up to date, as software bugs in older versions may interfere with call forwarding settings.

Contact your service provider

There could be a network or account-related issue that prevents you from turning off call forwarding. Reach out to your service provider to check for any restrictions or settings on your account that may affect call forwarding.

Try forwarding to a different number

As a workaround, set call forwarding to a different number, then try deactivating it again using the deactivation code or settings. This can sometimes reset the forwarding function.

Takeaway: Turnoff call forwarding

Turning off call forwarding is quick and easy with the right steps. Whether using a landline, iPhone, or Android device, knowing the correct codes and settings ensures you stay in control of your incoming calls. 

If *73 doesn’t work on your landline, or you encounter issues on mobile, checking your settings or contacting your service provider can resolve most problems. 

Regularly reviewing your forwarding status helps avoid missed calls, extra costs, and privacy issues—ensuring seamless communication whenever you need it.

FAQs: How to turn off call forwarding

Does 73 disable call forwarding?

Yes, 73 is commonly used to disable call forwarding. On most landline and some mobile networks, dialing *73 followed by pressing the call button deactivates any active call forwarding. You will typically hear a confirmation tone or message indicating that call forwarding is turned off. However, check with your service provider as the code may vary.

How do I turn off call forwarding with 72?

*72 is usually used to activate call forwarding, not disable it. To turn off call forwarding, try using *73 instead. If *72 doesn’t work for deactivation, consult your service provider for the correct code.

How do I deactivate my call forwarding?

To deactivate call forwarding, use the code provided by your service provider, usually 73 for landlines. On smartphones, go to your phone settings (under “Phone” for iPhone or “Call settings” for Android) and turn off call forwarding. Contact your provider if you’re unsure of the correct deactivation method.

What does 73 do on Verizon?

On Verizon, 73 disables call forwarding. When you dial *73 from your phone and press the call button, any active call forwarding will be turned off, and you’ll hear a confirmation message or tone.

How to stop 401 call forwarding?

Dialing 401 typically activates call forwarding on some networks. To disable it, you may need to dial *73 or contact your service provider for the correct code to stop call forwarding.

How do I turn off call forwarding on 73?

Dial 73 and press the call button to turn off call forwarding. This code is commonly used to deactivate call forwarding on many networks. A confirmation tone or message will indicate that call forwarding has been successfully disabled.

What is the code to deactivate call forwarding?

The most common code for deactivating call forwarding is 73. However, this code may vary depending on your service provider. If *73 does not work, contact your provider for the specific deactivation code.

How to check if call forwarding is active?

You can check your call forwarding status through your phone’s settings or by dialing a specific code. For landlines, dial *72 (which is usually used to activate forwarding) to see if the call is routed to another number. On mobile devices, go to “Call settings” and check if any forwarding options are enabled.

Can you disable call forwarding on iPhone?

Yes, you can disable call forwarding on an iPhone. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and toggle off the switch. This will deactivate any active call forwarding on your iPhone.

turn off call forward

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