How to Forward Calls from iPhone to Ringing.io
Two ways to forward calls from your iPhone to Ringing.io: the visual Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding toggle (works on GSM carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and most Canadian carriers) or universal GSM star codes that work on the same set of networks.
Call forwarding on iPhone is a carrier feature, not an iOS feature — Apple's Settings UI only appears for GSM-based carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, most international carriers, and all the major Canadian carriers). If you are on Verizon Wireless or another CDMA-only line, the Settings toggle will be hidden and you should use the Verizon-specific *72 / *73 codes on the dedicated Verizon page instead. iOS does not provide built-in time-of-day scheduling for forwarding.
Forward every call using iOS Settings (GSM carriers)
Use the iPhone Settings app to send all incoming calls to your Ringing.io number — no dial codes required.
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Open Settings
On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
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Tap Apps, then Phone
On iOS 18 and newer: tap Apps, then tap Phone. On iOS 17 and earlier: tap Phone directly from the main Settings list.
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Tap Call Forwarding
You will see a Call Forwarding row. If you do not see it, your carrier is CDMA-only (typically Verizon) — use star codes instead via the Verizon-specific guide.
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Toggle Call Forwarding on and enter your Ringing.io number
Flip the Call Forwarding switch to on (green). Tap Forward To, then enter your full 10-digit Ringing.io number (including area code).
Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding - 5
Tap Back and test
Tap the back arrow to save. Call your iPhone from another phone — it should ring through to Ringing.io. A small forwarding icon may appear in the status bar.
How to undo: Return to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding and flip the switch off. Forwarding stops immediately.
Forward every call using a universal GSM code
Use a dial code instead of the Settings UI — useful for scripting, Shortcuts automations, or if the Settings toggle is glitchy.
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Open the Phone app
Open the standard green Phone dialer on your iPhone.
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Dial the GSM activation code with your Ringing.io number
Dial **21* followed by your full 10-digit Ringing.io number, then #. This is the international GSM standard code for immediate call forwarding and works on AT&T, T-Mobile, and all major Canadian carriers.
**21*[10-digit Ringing.io number]# - 3
Press call and wait for confirmation
Press the green call button. iOS will display a short confirmation overlay ("Setting Activation Succeeded" or similar) within a few seconds.
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Verify
To confirm forwarding is active, dial *#21# and press call — iOS will display the current forward number.
How to undo: Dial ##21# from the Phone app and press call. Forwarding stops immediately. To clear every conditional forwarding rule in one shot (no-answer, busy, unreachable), dial ##002# instead.
Note: These GSM codes will silently fail on a Verizon CDMA line — Verizon uses the *72 / *73 family instead. If you see "Setting Activation Failed" after dialling, your carrier likely does not support the GSM code set — use the Settings UI or your carrier-specific page.
Forward only when you miss the call (no-answer)
Your iPhone rings first. If you do not pick up, the call is forwarded to Ringing.io instead of going to your carrier voicemail.
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Open the Phone app
Open the green Phone dialer on your iPhone.
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Dial the no-answer forward code
Dial **61* followed by your full 10-digit Ringing.io number, then #. This is the GSM "Call Forwarding on No Reply" code.
**61*[10-digit Ringing.io number]# - 3
Press call and wait for confirmation
iOS will display a confirmation overlay once the carrier acknowledges the change.
How to undo: Dial ##61# and press call to clear no-answer forwarding. The iOS Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding screen does NOT expose conditional forwarding — it only handles unconditional. So conditional rules must be managed via these codes.
Note: The iOS Settings UI only controls unconditional (always) forwarding. There is no built-in toggle for no-answer or busy forwarding — you must use the **61* / **67* dial codes. The no-answer timeout is set by your carrier (typically 15-20 seconds) and is not adjustable from iOS.
Official iPhone documentation
Provider settings change over time. If something on this page does not match what you see on iPhone, the official sources below are the source of truth.
Related forwarding guides
Switching providers, or just configuring more than one line? These are the most common neighbours of iPhone.
View all 27 setup guidesFrequently asked questions
Why is the Call Forwarding option missing from my iPhone Settings?
Almost always because your carrier is CDMA-only (most commonly Verizon Wireless in the US, or some legacy US Cellular plans). Apple only shows the Call Forwarding row when the carrier reports GSM call-forwarding support. On Verizon, use the *72 / *73 codes from the dedicated Verizon guide instead — they work fine, just not via the Settings UI.
Does iPhone call forwarding work over Wi-Fi Calling?
Yes. Wi-Fi Calling uses the same carrier infrastructure, so the Settings toggle and GSM codes both work whether you are on cellular, Wi-Fi Calling, or roaming on another network (assuming the visited network supports the feature).
Will forwarding turn off if I restart my iPhone or change SIMs?
No to restart — the forwarding rule is stored on the carrier network, not on the iPhone, so a reboot will not affect it. Yes to SIM change — if you swap to a different physical SIM or eSIM, the new line has its own forwarding configuration and will not inherit the old one.
Can I forward calls on iPhone using a Shortcut on a schedule?
Indirectly, yes. iOS Shortcuts can dial arbitrary numbers including star codes — create one shortcut that dials **21* + your Ringing.io number + # to enable forwarding, and another that dials ##21# to disable it. Then schedule them with the Automation feature. This is the closest iOS equivalent to a true time-of-day schedule. The cleaner solution is to publish your Ringing.io number and use Ringing.io's built-in business hours.
Does call forwarding redirect FaceTime calls too?
No. FaceTime is an Apple-internal protocol and is completely separate from your cellular line. Call forwarding only affects regular cellular voice calls (and Wi-Fi Calling, which is also a cellular voice call under the hood).
I see "Setting Activation Failed" when I dial **21*, what does that mean?
Your carrier does not support the GSM code set on this line — typically a CDMA carrier (Verizon) or a prepaid line that has conditional forwarding disabled. Try the Settings UI instead, or contact your carrier to enable call forwarding on your account.
Can I set business-hours forwarding from iPhone?
iOS does not have built-in time-of-day forwarding, and most US carriers do not either. The practical solution is to publish your Ringing.io number as your business line and configure business hours inside Ringing.io — the AI routes in-hours calls to you and handles after-hours itself.
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Last verified against iPhone's official documentation: 2026-05-20. Provider procedures change over time — if this guide is out of date, email support@ringing.io and we will refresh it.