Why call forwarding on your iPhone goes wrong
You think your iPhone call forwarding is simple. Open Settings, turn on call forwarding, and you're done. That's what most people do. They miss important calls , pay unnecessarily, or face surprises when they try to make a call with their AirPods .
Yet the problem isn't with the technology itself. It's with what no one tells you: call forwarding only works well if you know when not to use it. That missed business deal because you forwarded calls to your private number that was turned off? That sky-high bill because you forwarded calls to an international number? All preventable. With the right accessories and a smart approach, you can always stay reachable, avoiding the pitfalls that 90% of iPhone users fall into.
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The 3 Biggest Mistakes in iPhone Call Forwarding
Call forwarding seems so simple. Yet, most iPhone users fail. Not because the technology is complicated, but because they make three crucial mistakes that no one tells them about. These mistakes not only cost you money but can also ruin business opportunities.
Error 1: Forwarding without context
Most people turn on call forwarding without thinking about when it will be activated. Your iPhone has several call forwarding scenarios:
- Direct call forwarding (all calls)
- When busy
- If there is no answer
- When unreachable
Turn everything on? Then your phone will forward calls even if you're right next to it. That important client calls your business number, but it ends up on your personal phone in the bedroom. Result: missed deal.
Error 2: The International Pitfall
Forwarding calls to a foreign number while on vacation sounds logical. Until the bill arrives. Providers charge twice: first for receiving the call on your Dutch number, then for forwarding it to your international number. With some providers, this can cost up to €3 per minute.
The alternative? Use Wi-Fi calling or apps like WhatsApp Business for business accessibility. You maintain your professional image without the exorbitant costs.
Error 3: Forgot to turn off
The classic scenario: you forward calls during a meeting but forget to turn it off. Weeks later, you wonder why no one's calling you. Meanwhile, all your calls are going to the voicemail system on your old work phone.
When forwarding is smart
There are situations where forwarding really makes your life easier. It's all about recognizing the right moments:
Scenario 1: the double telephone
Do you have a business and personal iPhone? Forward your business phone to your personal phone, but only after 25 seconds if there's no answer. This gives you the chance to answer business calls on the correct device, but you won't miss them if you're away.
Scenario 2: poor reception
In buildings with poor reception, you can forward calls to a landline number. Set this to "when unreachable" instead of forwarding everything. Your phone will simply try to connect first.
Scenario 3: planned unavailability
Airplane mode during a flight? Forward your calls to a colleague who's covering for you beforehand. Use temporary forwarding via your carrier's speed dialing, not through your iPhone settings. This prevents you from forgetting to turn it off.
The smart forwarding strategy
A good forwarding strategy starts with asking the right questions:
- Why do I want to forward calls? (unreachable, busy, vacation)
- Who should receive my calls? (colleague, voicemail, other device)
- When should it be active? (always, when there is no answer, when busy)
- What are the costs? (Always check this with your provider)
Practical alternatives to call forwarding
Before you switch, consider these alternatives that often work better:
Using Dual SIM
Modern iPhones support dual SIM via eSIM. Put both numbers on one device. No call forwarding required; all calls arrive on the same device. This works especially well if you have both a business and personal number.
Do Not Disturb with Exceptions
Instead of call forwarding, you can use "do not disturb" with exceptions for important contacts. These people can always reach you; the rest go to voicemail. No extra costs, complete control.
Making the most of visual voicemail
Let people leave a message and listen to it whenever it's convenient for you. With visual voicemail, you can instantly see who called and prioritize calls. No call forwarding charges, no missed calls.
The technical details you need to know
Call forwarding works using universal GSM codes, regardless of your provider. You can enter these codes directly into the phone app:
- **21*phone number# for unconditional call forwarding
- **61*phone number# for forwarding if no answer
- **62*telephone number# for forwarding when unreachable
- **67*telephone number# for call forwarding on busy
To disable it, replace ** with ##. This method is faster than using the settings and gives you more control over specific situations.
Call forwarding and your battery life
What no one tells you: call forwarding affects your battery life. Your device constantly communicates with the network to check the call forwarding status. For an older iPhone, this can mean the difference between a full day of battery life or a charge around 4 p.m.
The solution? Use conditional call forwarding (only when there's no answer or you're unreachable) instead of forwarding everything. This saves battery life because your phone doesn't have to constantly notify the network.
Business call forwarding without any problems
Business users need to pay extra attention. Call forwarding to a private number can cause issues with company policies and privacy. Here are some tips:
- Use a business voicemail with clear instructions
- Forward to a central company number, not to personal devices
- Inform colleagues when you transfer calls and to whom
- Test the forwarding before you become unreachable
The future of accessibility
Apple is working on smarter solutions for reachability. Think of automatic call forwarding based on your location or calendar. Until then, you'll have to manage it yourself. With the right knowledge, you can avoid the pitfalls that most users fall into. Call forwarding is a powerful tool, but only if you know when not to use it.
Smart forwarding starts with the right questions
Call forwarding on your iPhone isn't rocket science, but most users fall into the same traps. They forward everything without thinking, pay through the nose for international charges, or simply forget to turn it off.
The solution isn't more technical knowledge, but asking the right questions upfront. Why do you want call forwarding? What will it cost? Is there a smarter alternative ? Dual SIM, smart use of Do Not Disturb, or simply a good voicemail service often get you further. Call forwarding remains a useful tool, but only if you understand when it's best not to use it.
