Picture this: You’re rushing to catch a flight. Your phone battery just hit 2%. An important client is supposed to call within the hour. Panic mode? Not if you’ve set up call forwarding correctly.
Call forwarding isn’t just a fancy telecom feature—it’s your safety net in a hyperconnected world where missing a call can mean missing an opportunity. For Airtel’s 387 million subscribers across India, understanding how to redirect calls can mean the difference between staying connected and staying frustrated.
Most people think call forwarding is complicated. It’s not. But it does require knowing the right codes, understanding when to use which type, and avoiding common mistakes that can leave you more disconnected than before. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Airtel call forwarding in plain language with real examples.
Whether you’re juggling multiple phones, managing work-life boundaries, or just want a backup plan for when technology inevitably fails you, these codes are your ticket to communication freedom.
What Call Forwarding Actually Means (And Why You Should Care)
Let’s start simple. Call forwarding—also called call divert—redirects incoming calls from your Airtel number to another phone number of your choosing. That’s it. No magic, no complicated technology. Just calls going where you want them instead of where they would normally go.
According to Airtel’s official documentation, call forwarding operates through their network infrastructure, recognizing when the feature is enabled and seamlessly rerouting calls to your designated secondary number based on your configured settings.
Here’s what makes it powerful: You maintain complete control. You decide which calls get forwarded. You specify where they go. You choose the conditions under which forwarding happens. Your primary number stays the same—you’re just adding intelligent routing to manage when and how calls reach you.
Why does this matter? Because modern life is messy. Phones die at the worst moments. Network coverage fails in crucial meetings. You’re stuck on another call when an urgent one comes through. Call forwarding solves these problems automatically, without requiring you to think about them.
The Four Types of Airtel Call Forwarding: Understanding Your Options
Airtel doesn’t just offer one-size-fits-all forwarding. They provide four distinct types, each designed for specific scenarios. Understanding the difference between them is crucial because using the wrong type can create problems instead of solving them.
Unconditional Call Forwarding (Forward All Calls)
This is the nuclear option. Every single call to your Airtel number—without exception—gets immediately forwarded to your chosen destination. Your phone doesn’t ring. It doesn’t vibrate. It doesn’t even register the incoming call. Everything goes straight to the forwarding number.
When is this useful? Imagine you’ve switched to a new phone temporarily but want to keep your main number active for caller ID purposes. Or you’re traveling internationally and want all calls redirected to a local number. Maybe you’re delegating all calls to an assistant or colleague for a specific period.
But be warned: This is all-or-nothing. You can’t selectively answer calls on your original phone while unconditional forwarding is active. Choose this type carefully.
Call Forwarding When Busy (CFB)
This option forwards incoming calls to your secondary number only when your primary phone is already engaged in another call. If your line is free, calls come through normally. If you’re talking to someone else, new callers get redirected instead of hearing a busy tone or going to voicemail.
This is perfect for business scenarios. You’re closing a deal with one client when another calls. Instead of losing that second call to voicemail, it forwards to your office line, your assistant, or a colleague. No missed opportunities.
Call Forwarding When Unanswered (CFNA)
Your phone rings once, twice, three times, four. You don’t pick up. After a predetermined number of rings (usually 15-20 seconds), the call automatically forwards to your alternate number, giving that person a second chance to reach you.
According to sources documenting Airtel’s procedures, users can even customize how many seconds the phone rings before forwarding by adding the time in multiples of five seconds to the activation code.
Use this when you want the option to answer personally but need a backup if you can’t. Many people forward unanswered calls to a family member, alternate device, or office number.
Call Forwarding When Unreachable (CFNR)
Your phone is off. Or the battery died. Or you’re in an elevator, basement, or rural area with zero signal. In any scenario where your phone is genuinely unreachable, incoming calls forward to your designated number instead of failing entirely.
This is arguably the most valuable type for most people. Network issues, dead batteries, and coverage gaps are universal problems. This forwarding type ensures important calls still reach someone even when technology fails you.
The Complete Airtel Call Forwarding Code List
Now for the practical part: the actual codes you need. Airtel uses a specific USSD code format that’s different from some other carriers. Pay close attention to the syntax—one wrong character breaks everything.
Activation Codes: Turning Call Forwarding ON
Unconditional (Forward All Calls):
- Code:
**21*<phone number># - Example:
**21*9876543210# - What happens: Every call to your Airtel number instantly forwards to 9876543210
When Busy:
- Code:
**67*<phone number># - Example:
**67*9876543210# - What happens: Calls only forward when you’re already on another call
When Unanswered:
- Code:
**61*<phone number># - Example:
**61*9876543210# - What happens: Calls forward after your phone rings for about 20 seconds without answer
When Unanswered (Custom Ring Time):
- Code:
**61*<phone number>*<seconds># - Example:
**61*9876543210*15# - What happens: Calls forward after ringing for 15 seconds (must be multiples of 5)
When Unreachable:
- Code:
**62*<phone number># - Example:
**62*9876543210# - What happens: Calls forward when your phone is off or has no signal
Deactivation Codes: Turning Call Forwarding OFF
Disabling is simpler—no need to specify the destination number again.
Stop Unconditional Forwarding:
- Code:
##21#
Stop Forwarding When Busy:
- Code:
##67#
Stop Forwarding When Unanswered:
- Code:
##61#
Stop Forwarding When Unreachable:
- Code:
##62#
Deactivate ALL Forwarding Types (Master Switch):
- Code:
##002#
That last one is your emergency reset. If you’ve activated multiple forwarding types and want to disable everything instantly, ##002# shuts down all call forwarding at once. One code, total reset.
Checking Call Forwarding Status
Want to verify what’s currently active? Use this code:
- Code:
*#21# - What it does: Displays all active call forwarding settings and destination numbers
This is essential for troubleshooting. If calls aren’t behaving as expected, check your status first before assuming something’s broken.
Step-by-Step: How to Activate Call Forwarding on Airtel
Theory is useful, but practical application is what matters. Let’s walk through the actual process.
Step 1: Decide What You Need
Before touching your phone, determine which type of forwarding serves your purpose. Are you forwarding all calls unconditionally? Only when busy? Only when unreachable? The code you dial depends entirely on this decision.
Step 2: Open Your Phone’s Dialer
Access the same app you use for making normal phone calls. On Android, it’s usually labeled “Phone” or “Dialer.” On iPhones, it’s the green Phone app. You’re not installing anything new or accessing hidden menus—just the standard dialer.
Step 3: Enter the Complete Activation Code
Type the full code carefully. Let’s say you want to forward all calls when unreachable to 9123456789. You would type:
**62*9123456789#
Every character matters. Two asterisks at the start, one asterisk after the code number (62 in this example), the ten-digit destination number, and a hash symbol at the end. No spaces anywhere.
Step 4: Press the Call Button
Tap the green call button exactly like you’re making a phone call. You’re not actually calling anyone—the USSD code gets processed by Airtel’s network instead. The dial screen might appear for a split second before showing a response.
Step 5: Verify Confirmation
Within seconds, you’ll see a message confirming activation. The exact wording varies by phone model, but you’ll see something like “Call forwarding activated” or “Service enabled for all calls.” According to users documenting the process, this confirmation message appears on screen once call forwarding has been successfully activated.
That’s it. Five simple steps. The whole process takes maybe 30 seconds if you’re typing slowly.
Alternative Method: Using Your Phone’s Built-In Settings
Not everyone wants to memorize codes. Fortunately, Airtel call forwarding also works through your phone’s native settings, though the exact menu navigation varies by manufacturer.
For Android Phones (General Process)
- Open the Phone app (not Settings app)
- Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually top-right corner)
- Select “Settings” or “Call Settings”
- Tap “Call Forwarding” or “Call Diversion”
- If you have dual SIM, select your Airtel SIM card
- Choose the forwarding type (Always, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable)
- Enter the destination phone number
- Tap “Enable” or “Turn On”
The wording and exact menu location differ across Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and other Android manufacturers, but the general flow remains similar.
For iPhones
Apple’s approach is different and more limited:
- Open the Settings app (not Phone app)
- Scroll down and tap “Phone”
- Select “Call Forwarding”
- Toggle the switch to ON
- Enter your forwarding number
Critical limitation for iPhone users: iOS settings only support unconditional call forwarding. If you need conditional forwarding (when busy, unanswered, or unreachable), you must use the USSD codes instead. Apple’s interface doesn’t expose these advanced options.
The Airtel Thanks App Method
According to Airtel’s guidance, users can also try call forwarding through the Airtel Thanks app if the option is available for their number. However, this feature isn’t universally available to all users yet.
If available, the process is:
- Open Airtel Thanks app
- Navigate to “Manage Services” or “Call Settings”
- Look for “Call Forwarding” or “Call Diversion”
- Select the type you want to activate
- Enter the destination number
- Save your settings
The app method is convenient when it works, but the USSD codes remain the most reliable universal method.
Critical Things Every Airtel User Must Know About Call Forwarding
Several important details often catch people by surprise. Understanding these upfront prevents frustration later.
The Cost Factor: What You Actually Pay
Here’s where confusion happens. Many people assume call forwarding itself costs extra. It doesn’t—at least not as a separate service fee. Airtel doesn’t charge for enabling the feature.
But here’s the catch: forwarded calls are treated as outgoing calls from your number to the destination, and you will be charged appropriate charges if you forward calls to a long-distance or toll number.
Think about the mechanics: Someone calls your Airtel number. Airtel’s network answers, then makes an outgoing call to your forwarding destination, connecting the two. That second leg—from Airtel to the forwarding number—counts as an outgoing call from your account.
For most Airtel users on unlimited calling plans, this creates no issues. Unlimited means unlimited, including forwarded calls. But if you’re on a limited-minutes plan or forwarding to premium/international numbers, those minutes get consumed from your balance.
Important exception: If you forward calls to the same network (Airtel to Airtel), it’s typically free under unlimited plans. Forwarding to other networks (Vi, Jio, BSNL) falls under the same unlimited terms. But international forwarding? That’s charged at international rates.
Cross-Network Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn’t
Good news first: You can forward Airtel calls to virtually any Indian mobile number regardless of carrier. Airtel to Jio? Works perfectly. Airtel to Vi? No problem. Airtel to other Airtel numbers? Seamlessly.
The bad news: Some users report issues when forwarding to certain BSNL numbers or specific landlines. The codes activate successfully, but calls don’t actually forward. This appears to be a network interoperability issue rather than a user error.
If you need to forward to BSNL or a landline and it’s not working, try forwarding to an intermediate Airtel or Jio number first, then forward from there to your final destination. It’s clunky, but it sometimes works.
The Dual SIM Complication
Here’s a frustrating reality for dual SIM phone users: Call forwarding features can behave unpredictably when your Airtel SIM is in the secondary slot instead of the primary slot.
Many dual SIM phones prioritize the SIM in slot 1 for advanced network features. If Airtel occupies slot 2, call forwarding codes might fail silently—appearing to activate but not actually working.
Solution: If you absolutely need call forwarding on your Airtel number and you use dual SIM, make sure Airtel is in SIM slot 1. Swap your SIMs if necessary. It’s annoying, but it resolves most dual-SIM-related forwarding issues.
Privacy and Security Implications
When you activate call forwarding, you’re giving another number access to your incoming calls. That person will see who’s calling you and when. They’ll know your call patterns. For personal numbers forwarded to family or friends, this might be fine. For business numbers, consider the privacy implications carefully.
More concerning: If someone gains unauthorized access to your phone or your Airtel account, they could activate call forwarding to their own number and intercept all your calls without your knowledge.
Protection measures:
- Enable strong authentication on your MyAirtel account
- Use screen locks on your phone
- Periodically check your call forwarding status with
*#21# - Be suspicious if you suddenly stop receiving calls—check if someone activated forwarding without permission
Troubleshooting: When Call Forwarding Doesn’t Work
Technology fails. Here’s how to fix common Airtel call forwarding problems.
“Invalid MMI Code” or “Connection Problem” Error
You dial the code. Instead of confirmation, you get an error message saying “Invalid MMI code” or “Connection problem or invalid MMI code.”
According to technical guides on Airtel’s processes, users should dial specific 5-digit codes to deactivate particular types of call forwarding after pressing the call button. When errors occur, common causes include:
Syntax mistakes: The most common culprit. Double-check:
- Two asterisks (**) at the beginning, not one
- One asterisk (*) between the code and phone number
- Hash symbol (#) at the very end
- No spaces anywhere in the code
- Correct number of digits in the destination number (10 digits for Indian numbers)
The code must be exactly **62*9876543210# with no variations.
Weak network signal: USSD codes require stable network connection to process. If you’re in an area with poor Airtel coverage, the code might fail. Move to a location with better signal and try again.
Phone compatibility issues: Some older phones or devices without VoLTE support struggle with certain USSD codes. If codes consistently fail, try using the phone settings menu method instead.
Call Forwarding Activates But Doesn’t Actually Forward Calls
This is more frustrating than outright failure. You get confirmation that forwarding is active, but calls still come to your original phone instead of forwarding.
Check these issues:
SIM slot placement: As mentioned earlier, Airtel needs to be in slot 1 on dual-SIM phones for reliable call forwarding. If it’s in slot 2, move it to slot 1.
Destination number problems: Try forwarding to a different number to isolate whether the issue is with the specific destination. Some BSNL numbers and certain landlines have known compatibility issues.
Network propagation delay: Sometimes changes take several minutes to propagate through Airtel’s network. Wait 5-10 minutes after activation, then test with a call from another phone.
Conflicting phone settings: Some phones have built-in call rejection or call screening features that interfere with forwarding. Temporarily disable these features and test again.
Can’t Deactivate Call Forwarding
You dial the deactivation code, but forwarding remains active. Calls keep forwarding even though you’ve tried to turn it off.
Solutions:
Use the master deactivation code: Instead of trying to disable individual forwarding types, use ##002# to shut down all call forwarding at once. This is more reliable than individual deactivation codes.
Settings menu method: Navigate to call forwarding in your phone’s settings and manually toggle each option off.
Network restart: Completely power off your phone (not just restart), wait 30 seconds, then power back on. This often clears stuck network settings.
Contact Airtel support: If nothing works, call 121 from your Airtel number (free) or 1800-8899999 from any phone. Customer service can reset call forwarding from their end.
Forwarding Works Intermittently
This is the most annoying scenario because you can’t predict behavior. Sometimes calls forward correctly, sometimes they don’t.
Common causes:
Multiple conflicting rules: If you’ve set up several different forwarding types to different numbers, your phone might get confused about which rule to apply. Solution: Deactivate everything with ##002#, then set up only the single forwarding type you actually need.
Roaming complications: Call forwarding behavior can change when you’re roaming on partner networks outside Airtel’s native coverage area. Some forwarding conditions may not work while roaming.
Time-based network congestion: If forwarding failures happen at specific times (like evening peak hours), network congestion might be interrupting the feature. There’s no real solution except trying during off-peak hours.
Advanced Use Cases: Creative Ways to Use Call Forwarding
Once you understand the basics, you can use call forwarding in creative ways to solve communication problems.
The Business Line Solution
You want a professional number for business but don’t want to carry two phones. Solution:
Get a second Airtel SIM for business. Forward all calls from that business number to your personal phone using unconditional forwarding: **21*<your personal number>#
Now one phone receives calls from both numbers. When clients call your business line, it rings on your personal device. You see the business number on caller ID so you know to answer professionally.
When you leave work for the day, deactivate forwarding with ##21#. Business calls stop reaching you until you reactivate the next morning.
The Dead Battery Backup
Set up permanent “forward when unreachable” to a trusted contact—spouse, parent, assistant:
**62*<trusted contact number>#
Now whenever your phone dies, turns off, or loses signal, that person receives your calls and can relay messages. They become your communication safety net. This is especially valuable for people with elderly parents or young children who might call in emergencies.
The Meeting Manager
You’re heading into a three-hour meeting where you can’t take calls. Activate unconditional forwarding to a colleague:
**21*<colleague's number>#
All calls go to them during the meeting. When you emerge, deactivate with ##21# and resume normal calling. Simple, effective, professional.
The Vacation Delegator
Going on vacation but can’t completely disconnect from work? Forward unanswered calls only:
**61*<office number>#
Your phone still rings. If it’s genuinely urgent and you can answer, you do. If you’re on the beach and can’t answer, the call forwards to the office instead of going to voicemail. You maintain some work accessibility without being completely on-call.
What Makes Airtel Different: Comparing Call Forwarding Across Carriers
Different carriers handle call forwarding differently. Understanding Airtel’s specific approach helps set proper expectations.
Airtel vs. Jio: Jio uses completely different codes (*401*, *403*, etc.) while Airtel uses standard USSD format (**21*, **62*, etc.). Airtel’s codes are more universally recognized and work similarly across international carriers. Jio’s proprietary codes only work on Jio.
Airtel vs. Vi: Vi uses the same USSD code format as Airtel, making it easier to remember if you switch carriers or use both.
Airtel vs. BSNL: BSNL also uses standard USSD codes similar to Airtel, but BSNL’s network often has interoperability issues when forwarding between carriers.
Airtel’s advantage: Their network infrastructure is modern and generally handles call forwarding reliably across all scenarios. The codes work consistently, activation is instant, and cross-network forwarding functions properly (except occasional BSNL issues).
The Bottom Line: Mastering Airtel Call Forwarding
Call forwarding on Airtel isn’t rocket science, but it’s also not quite as simple as “dial a code and forget it.” Success requires understanding which type of forwarding serves your specific need, knowing the correct syntax for codes, and being aware of potential issues like dual-SIM complications and cost implications.
The core codes you should memorize:
**62*<number>#— Forward when unreachable (most useful for most people)**21*<number>#— Forward all calls always##002#— Turn off all forwarding
Those three codes cover 90% of typical use cases.
Understanding call forwarding transforms it from a confusing telecom feature into a practical tool for managing modern communication challenges. Dead batteries, poor coverage, busy lines, missed calls—call forwarding solves all of these problems automatically once properly configured.
As India TV’s technology coverage notes, call forwarding increases productivity by ensuring more calls are answered, which proves especially crucial in today’s mobile work environment.
Take fifteen minutes to test it. Activate forwarding to another phone you control. Call your Airtel number. Verify it works. Then deactivate. That simple experiment means you’ll know exactly what to do when you genuinely need the feature—when you’re boarding a plane with a dying battery, entering a long meeting, or dealing with spotty network coverage.
Your calls don’t have to be lost just because your phone is unavailable. With the right codes and proper understanding, Airtel’s call forwarding ensures important connections reach you when and where they matter most.
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