Missed important calls because you were in a meeting? Heading out on vacation and need your calls to ring on your landline or work phone instead? Just don‘t want to deal with disruptive robocalls right now?
Call forwarding provides the flexible solution Android users need.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll show you step-by-step how to forward calls from your Android device to any number you choose.
You‘ll learn:
- Exactly how to set up the 4 types of call forwarding
- Detailed explanations of each call forwarding behavior
- Recommendations for when to use each forwarding option
- Extra tips for maximizing call control on Android
- Answers to frequently asked questions
So whether you want the simplicity of having all calls ring on one device, need smarter ways handle calls professionally, or just require some robocall relief – call forwarding has you covered.
Let‘s dive in!
What is Call Forwarding and Why Use It?
Call forwarding does exactly what it sounds like – forwards your incoming phone calls to another destination before they ever reach your Android mobile device.
When activated, calls to your regular device number get instantly rerouted a number you specify, such as:
- Your office landline
- Voicemail
- A mobile device with better reception
- A colleague or family member‘s phone
- Really…any number you want!
Your mobile phone itself doesn‘t ring with call forwarding enabled. So why use it?
Key Benefits of Call Forwarding Include:
Flexibility to answer calls across multiple devices – Don‘t miss crucial calls just because you left your mobile behind!
Ability to avoid unwanted calls – Prevent disruptive robocalls and cold calls from ever making your phone ring
More professional handling of incoming calls – Seamlessly pivot calls from mobile to deskphone when moving between job sites
Increased connectivity – Ensure you get all calls by forwarding them to a device that has signal/power when your primary phone doesn’t
92% of small business owners report improved customer connection and responsiveness after implementing call forwarding solutions. And users ranking call forwarding among the most useful features on smartphone devices.
With benefits like these, it‘s no wonder call forwarding is universally supported across Android devices.
Now let‘s explore the steps for setting up the various types of call forwarding…
How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Android (Step-by-Step)
The process for enabling call forwarding is straightforward on most Android devices. Just open your Settings menu and look for Calling, Network, SIM Card or other related options:
1. Access Settings – Open your app list and tap the Settings apps (gear icon)
2. Choose SIM – Tap Network & Internet > SIM cards and select the SIM to configure
3. Open Calling Menu – Select your SIM, then tap Calls to open call settings
4. Select Call Forwarding – Now tap Call forwarding to open forwarding options
5. Choose Forwarding Type – Select from Always forward, Forward when busy, Forward when unanswered or Forward when unreachable
6. Enter Target Number – Input the phone number you want calls forwarded to
7. Enable Call Forwarding – Toggle to On to activate!
That‘s it! In just a few taps, you can route calls to any number you want.
But before skipping ahead, it‘s important to understand the differences between the forwarding types…
Breaking Down the Call Forwarding Options
Android offers 4 intuitive call forwarding behaviors. But when should you use each one?
Here is an overview of how they differ:
| Type | Behavior | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Always Forward | Forwards all calls instantly | Send all calls to your office when working from home |
| Forward when Busy | Forwards additional incoming calls if you are already actively on another call | Let callers know you can‘t answer immediately |
| Forward when Unanswered | Gives your mobile 5 rings to answer before forwarding | Fallback option when you miss a call |
| Forward when Unreachable | Forwards calls if phone off, no signal, or Airplane Mode | Ensure calls get through when mobile isn‘t available |
As you can see, each method serves distinct purposes.
Always Forward works best for a primary call routing behavior when you need to reliably send all calls to a specific number.
Meanwhile, options like Forward when Busy automatically handle overflow calls in situations when you are already talking to someone else.
And Forward when Unreachable helps pick up the slack exactly when your mobile device isn‘t reachable.
Knowing when to apply the right mode allows you to fine-tune your call forwarding needs.
Next let‘s get into usage details…
Call Forwarding Tips, Tricks and Notes
Now that you understand the various call forwarding options, here are some power user tips:
Most carriers charge additional fees to forward calls, especially to international numbers. Check with your provider.
You can enable call forwarding on a per-contact basis through tools like Google Voice for selective forwarding only to certain people.
Temporary call forwarding is handy for vacations – just remember to disable when you return!
Set a custom number of rings before forwarding unanswered calls if you want to adjust when it kicks in.
If you aren‘t receiving forwarded calls, check that voicemail forwarding isn‘t enabled on the destination device, causing a conflict.
Pay attention to your device‘s battery optimizations. Aggressive settings may interfere with reliable call forwarding functionality in the background.
And when ready to stop forwarding calls, just open the call forwarding menu again and toggle to Off.
When to Use Call Forwarding on Your Android
Now that you know how to forward calls on Android, here are some of the most common use cases:
Flexible Work-Life Balance – Streamline business calls by forwarding from mobile to your office landline when at the office, then back to mobile after hours.
Travel Accessibility – Temporarily send calls to a motel room phone or a fellow employee‘s mobile when you are away and need contactability.
Home Office Coverage – Forward business calls to your home office device so you never miss an opportunity.
Temporary Number Changes – Link old contacts to a new mobile number by forwarding your outdated device for a period.
Unwanted Call Avoidance – Skip past disruptive robocalls from solicitors by forwarding to voicemail.
Improved Family Coordination – Forward important calls between family members‘ devices while on-the-go.
And with Android‘s call forwarding, you aren‘t limited to just one forwarded number either. Get creative in mixing and matching forwarding destinations to suit your needs!
Get Started with Call Forwarding on Android
As you can see, Android‘s built-in call forwarding provides a flexible solution for routing your calls precisely where you need them, when you need them there.
Whether you want:
- Maximum connectivity across devices
- Smarter ways to manage busy call volumes
- More family coordination
- Small business call flow integration
- Simply fewer disruptive unwanted calls
…call forwarding has you covered!
So don‘t let another important call slip through the cracks. Set up Android call forwarding in just minutes with this easy how-to guide.
And let the control over your calling experience begin!
