How to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone: Complete Guide for Android and iPhone Users

Many people believe that it is necessary to hold the phone in their hands to set up call forwarding. Even if your device is lost, charging is over, or it is left at home, you can still redirect calls to another number. This is not magic β it is the functionality that telecom operators and cloud services support.
There are several reliable ways to manage calls remotely β through the operator’s personal account, special codes, or synchronization with other devices.
In this guide, you will learn how to forward calls without the phone, whether you are an Android or an iPhone user.
Understanding Call Forwarding Without Having the Phone
Call forwarding without a phone is made possible by the capabilities of mobile operators, allowing call management to be accessed through a personal account, an official website, an application, or even via short commands. Also, if your number is linked to an ecosystem β for example, an Apple ID or Google account β forwarding can be activated from another synchronized device.
This is not just a convenient option β it’s a way to maintain control when technology fails. You stay in touch, even if there is no phone nearby, and not a single important call will pass by.
*Discover: How to Call on iPad? The Best Methods for Everyday Usage.

How to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone β Step-by-Step Guide
Even without smartphone access, you can enable call forwarding:
Step 1: Through the operator’s personal account: go to your carrier’s website or app β find the βService Managementβ section β enable forwarding to the desired number.
Step 2: Using the USSD command: from another phone, dial a command, for example: **21*number#. The current codes are available on your operator’s website.
Step 3: Through support: call the operator β ask them to enable forwarding.
Step 4: From other devices: if you use a Google account or Apple ID, call management can be accessed from synchronized devices.
*Note: Even without a phone, you can stay connected β the main thing is to know where to tap.
Using Carrier Codes for Call Forwarding
Carrier codes for call forwarding are a universal method that works with almost any operator around the world. These commands can be entered from any phone and allow you to remotely set up forwarding to the desired number. Here are the basic codes:
- **21*number# β enable full forwarding;
- **61*number# β if there is no response;
- **67*number# β when the line is busy;
- **62*number# β if unavailable;
- ##002# β disable all redirects.
Examples of foreign operators that support these codes:
- Verizon (USA) β standard GSM codes are active for GSM networks.
- Vodafone (UK, Europe) β supports GSM commands and control via an online account.
- AT&T (USA) β uses GSM codes; configuration is also available in the application.
- Telstra (Australia) β accepts standard USSD forwarding codes.
- Orange (France, Europe) β support for GSM codes and online management.
*Note: These commands only work when the SIM card is active and connected to the operator’s network. If the SIM is unavailable, it is better to set up forwarding through your personal account or support service.
Using Online Carrier Portals
It is enough to log into your personal account on the official website of the operator or use the mobile app from any other device: computer, tablet, or someone else’s phone.
After logging into your account, you will find a convenient call or service management section where you can easily enable forwarding and specify a number for redirecting calls.
*Note: This method is not only reliable but also secure β access is possible only after authorization, which protects your number from unauthorized interference.
How to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone Android
You can simply forward calls on Android without physical access to the phone:
- Use the operator’s personal account. Through the official website or mobile application, you can remotely activate forwarding by specifying the desired number. This ensures complete control and security, as logging in requires authorization.
- Use universal USSD codes. Commands, such as **21*number#, will instantly redirect calls.
You should also pay attention to integration with your Google account: if your number is linked to your account and synchronization is enabled, you can control some functions of calls from other devices β a tablet or laptop.
How to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone iPhone
You can simply forward calls on an iPhone without physical access to the phone as well:
- Through your mobile operator’s personal account. Go to the official website or use the app β log in β enable call forwarding by specifying the number to redirect. This is a simple and secure way that does not require a phone.
- Through the βCalls on other devicesβ feature via iCloud. This option allows you to receive and manage calls from a Mac, iPad, or other iPhone, as well as activate forwarding directly from these gadgets.
These methods will help you not to miss important calls, even without access to the iPhone itself.
How to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone? β Common Questions Answered
In this section, letβs consider two key questions that users most often have when they need to set up call forwarding without a phone. Simple and clear recommendations will help you solve this problem quickly and not miss important calls.
*Discover: Can You Call Without a SIM Card? The Complete Guide.

Can You Forward Calls If the Phone Is Turned Off?
Call forwarding keeps working even when the phone is turned off, but on one important condition β the function must be activated in advance through the carrier or personal account. In this case, all incoming calls are automatically redirected to the selected number, and you won’t miss a single call. If the forwarding was not configured in advance, the calls simply do not reach you.
Therefore, to ensure continued availability, it is recommended to enable forwarding in advance, especially if you plan to be away or off the phone for a long time.
Can You Forward Calls If the SIM Card Is Removed?
Call forwarding with the SIM card removed is possible but only if the function has been activated in advance through the operator. In this case, the mobile network redirects all incoming calls to the number you have selected, regardless of whether there is a SIM card in the device. If the service was not connected before the SIM was removed, calls simply will not be able to pass, as the operator will not be able to determine your routing number.
In order not to lose important calls in such situations, it is recommended to set up forwarding in advance through your personal account, mobile application, or operator support service. This approach ensures that you will always stay connected, even if your SIM card is temporarily unavailable.
Do not forget that instead of a physical SIM card, you can always use eSIM technology β the most useful and convenient way to stay in touch, for instance, the UK data eSIM.
Benefits of Forwarding Calls Without Having the Phone
Forwarding calls without using a phone is especially important for those who value continuity of communication and responsiveness in any situation. This method offers the following main advantages:
- No missed calls β calls are redirected automatically, even if the device is turned off or unavailable.
- Business stability β maintaining constant contact with customers and partners without downtime.
- Remote control β settings and parameter changes are possible through the operator’s personal account or mobile application.
- Flexible usage β you can quickly redirect calls to different numbers as needed.
- Device independence β communication is maintained without physical access to the smartphone, which is especially convenient in emergency cases.
Risks and Security Concerns
Anyway, it is a convenient feature, but it carries certain security and privacy risks. Incorrect configuration or the use of unreliable channels can lead to unauthorized redirection of calls, which opens access to your personal and business conversations to outsiders.
To protect yourself, follow the next rules:
- Use only official platforms of operators and applications with a reliable authorization system.
- Set complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your personal account.
- Check the active forwarding rules regularly to make sure that calls are redirected only to trusted numbers.
This approach will help you maintain control over your communications and protect your privacy, even with remote call management.
Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Issues
Various difficulties may arise when setting up call forwarding without access to a mobile phone. Here are the main ones and possible ways to solve them:
#1 Incorrect entry of USSD codes or incorrect authorization in the operator’s personal account.
What to do?
Carefully check the data before confirmation. If calls are not redirected, you should make sure that the service is activated and the forwarding number is entered correctly.
#2 The absence of a SIM card or its deactivation.
What to do?
Make the settings in advance.
#3 Problems with access to the operator’s account.
What to do?
Use the access recovery feature.
#4 Communication delays and instability.
What to do?
Contact the operator’s support service, where they will help diagnose and fix technical problems.
By following these recommendations, you will be able to effectively deal with most problems while maintaining control over calls even without a smartphone.

Choosing the Best Way to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone
Forward calls without having the phone is an easy and effective way to stay connected in any circumstances. Thanks to modern online services and operator tools, you can manage calls quickly and safely, even if your smartphone is unavailable.
The most reliable solution remains setting up through an official personal account with two-factor protection, which ensures security and convenience. Early activation of forwarding will help you not to miss important calls and maintain control over communication in any situation.
Take care of this in advance β and be always in touch!