Need to make sure you don’t miss important calls when you’re away from your phone? AT&T’s call forwarding feature can help. Whether you’re traveling, busy, or just prefer having calls directed to another number, forwarding calls is a simple but powerful option. In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step instructions for setting up call forwarding on AT&T, whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or managing it through your AT&T account. We’ll also go over common troubleshooting tips, billing considerations, and FAQs.
Call forwarding is a feature that lets you send incoming phone calls from your AT&T number to another number of your choice.
Here are some common situations where call forwarding is helpful:
Redirect calls to your office landline while you’re working from home.
Send business calls to a colleague or receptionist when you’re out of the office.
Forward calls to voicemail or a secondary number while traveling.
Keep important calls from clients routed to your main phone, even if your primary device is unavailable.
AT&T gives you three main ways to forward calls:
Through your phone’s built-in settings (iPhone or Android).
Through your AT&T app or online account.
Through carrier codes or AT&T customer support.
The method you choose depends on whether you want simple one-time forwarding, conditional forwarding, or business-level control over your calls.
iPhones make call forwarding simple with a dedicated setting. Here’s how to do it:
Open Settings and scroll down to Phone.
Tap Call Forwarding.
Toggle on Call Forwarding.
Enter the phone number where you want calls to be forwarded (make sure you include the area code).
Exit settings — calls will now forward automatically.
To turn off call forwarding, go back to the same menu and switch off the toggle.
Tip: If you want only missed calls or busy calls to be forwarded, you’ll need to use carrier-specific options or your AT&T account settings.
On Android, the steps can vary slightly depending on your phone manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), but generally follow this path:
Open the Phone app (your dialer).
Tap the menu icon (usually three dots in the corner) and go to Settings.
Look for Calls or Calling Accounts, then select Call Forwarding.
Choose your forwarding option:
Always Forward
Forward When Busy
Forward When Unanswered
Forward When Unreachable
Enter the number where you want calls forwarded and tap Enable or Save.
To disable, just return to the same menu and turn off the setting.
If you’d rather not change settings directly on your phone, you can also manage call forwarding through AT&T.
Steps:
Download and open the myAT&T app or sign in at the AT&T website.
Select the line you want to manage.
Go to Manage Features or Call Features.
Choose Call Forwarding.
Enter the forwarding number and save your changes.
This is especially useful for business users who may not always have their device nearby but still want to control call routing.
When setting up call forwarding, it’s important to know the difference between unconditional and conditional forwarding.
Unconditional (Always Forward): Every incoming call automatically forwards to the new number.
Forward When Busy: Calls only forward if you’re already on another call.
Forward When Unanswered: Calls forward if you don’t pick up after several rings.
Forward When Unreachable: Calls forward if your phone is off or outside coverage.
Most people use unconditional forwarding when they want all calls redirected, while businesses may rely on conditional forwarding for more flexibility.
Sometimes call forwarding doesn’t work as expected. Here are the most common issues and fixes:
Problem: Call forwarding doesn’t work at all.
Double-check the forwarding number and make sure you included the area code.
Restart your phone.
Make sure airplane mode is off.
Problem: Calls still ring my original phone.
Confirm that call forwarding is turned on in your settings.
Make sure no other features like “Do Not Disturb” are interfering.
Some AT&T plans (like certain prepaid options) don’t allow forwarding.
Problem: Only some calls forward.
You may have selected conditional forwarding (e.g., only when unanswered). If you want all calls forwarded, select “Always Forward.”
Problem: Forwarding to international numbers fails.
AT&T sometimes restricts international call forwarding. Even if allowed, extra charges may apply. Contact AT&T before forwarding to an international number.
Before setting up call forwarding, keep in mind:
Forwarded calls may count as outgoing minutes on your plan.
Some plans charge per-minute fees for forwarded calls.
If you forward calls to someone else, that person may see the caller ID information.
Forwarding to international numbers could result in high charges.
It’s always a good idea to review AT&T’s call forwarding terms in your plan to avoid surprises.
1. Will forwarded calls appear in my call log?
Not always. Your original phone may not show the call as answered, but the forwarded destination will.
2. Can I forward calls directly to voicemail?
Yes, you can forward calls to your voicemail number or use conditional forwarding to route unanswered calls to voicemail.
3. How do I turn call forwarding off?
Simply go back into your phone settings and disable call forwarding, or log into your AT&T account and turn it off.
4. Does AT&T charge extra for call forwarding?
It depends on your plan. Many unlimited plans include call forwarding at no additional cost, but some prepaid and business accounts may charge per minute.