Knowing if your calls are being diverted, or call forwarded, is crucial for maintaining your privacy and ensuring you receive all your important communications. You can often detect call diversion through persistent on-screen notifications, unusual call behavior, or by using specific diagnostic codes on your phone.
Primary Indicators of Call Diversion
Several signs can point to the activation of call diversion on your device.
On-Screen Notifications
One of the most direct indicators is a notification on your device. For instance, on Android phones, you might see a persistent notification in your shade stating "Forwarding all calls" or a similar message. This indicates that call diversion has been activated, either by you or someone else.
Unusual Call Behavior
Pay attention to how your calls behave. If your phone frequently rings once and then immediately goes to voicemail, or if callers report that your phone rings for a very short period before going to voicemail, it could be a sign of conditional call forwarding being active (e.g., when busy, unanswered, or unreachable).
Diagnostic Codes
Your phone, especially GSM-based devices, supports specific network codes (often called MMI codes or USSD codes) that can reveal the status of various call forwarding services. Dialing these codes like a phone number can provide immediate feedback.
Here are some common codes to check for call forwarding status:
| Code | Purpose |
|---|---|
*#21# |
Check Unconditional Call Forwarding: This code reveals if all your calls are being unconditionally forwarded to another number without ringing your phone. It displays the number to which calls are being diverted. |
*#67# |
Check Call Forwarding When Busy: Use this to see if calls are being forwarded when your line is busy. It will show the number they are being diverted to in this specific scenario. |
*#61# |
Check Call Forwarding When Unanswered: This code shows if calls are being forwarded when you don't answer them, along with the number they are being redirected to and the delay time before forwarding. |
*#62# |
Check Call Forwarding When Unreachable: Dial this to find out if calls are forwarded when your phone is off or out of network coverage. This often points to your carrier's voicemail service. |
##002# |
Deactivate All Call Forwarding: This universal code cancels all forms of call forwarding that may be active on your number, including unconditional, busy, unanswered, and unreachable forwarding. It's the quickest way to disable any active diversions. |
To use these codes, simply open your phone's dialer application and type the code, then press the call button. A message will typically appear on your screen with the status or confirmation.
How to Verify and Stop Call Diversion
If you suspect call diversion, there are several steps you can take to confirm and disable it.
1. Checking Phone Settings
Most smartphones have built-in settings for call forwarding.
- For Android: Go to Phone app > three-dot menu (or similar settings icon) > Settings > Calling Accounts or Call Settings > Call Forwarding. Here, you can view the status of various forwarding options (Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable) and disable them.
- For iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. If the toggle is on, it's active. You can tap on it to see the number and turn it off.
2. Using Disablement Codes
As mentioned, ##002# is a highly effective code to deactivate all forms of call forwarding. This is often the quickest and most straightforward method to stop any active diversions, regardless of how they were set up.
3. Contacting Your Service Provider
If you're unable to determine or disable call forwarding through your phone settings or diagnostic codes, your mobile service provider can assist. They have the tools to check the status of your line's services and can disable any active call diversions remotely.
Why Call Diversion Happens
Call diversion can occur for several reasons:
- Accidental Activation: You or someone with access to your phone might have inadvertently enabled it through settings or by dialing a forwarding code.
- Voicemail: Your carrier automatically sets up conditional call forwarding to your voicemail when you're busy, don't answer, or are unreachable.
- Third-Party Apps/Services: Some apps or services might enable call forwarding for specific functionalities (e.g., call blocking, virtual numbers).
- Malicious Intent: In rare cases, someone with unauthorized access to your phone or SIM might set up call forwarding to monitor your calls.
What to Do If Your Calls Are Diverted Maliciously
If you confirm that your calls are being diverted without your consent or for malicious purposes:
- Immediately use
##002#to disable all call forwarding. - Change your PINs and Passwords: Especially your voicemail PIN and any online accounts linked to your phone number.
- Review Phone Permissions: Check apps installed on your phone for suspicious permissions related to calls or messages.
- Perform a Security Scan: Use a reputable anti-malware application if you suspect spyware.
- Inform Your Service Provider: Report the unauthorized activity to your mobile carrier.
- Consider a Factory Reset: As a last resort, if you suspect deep-seated malicious software, a factory reset can clear your device, but remember to back up your data first.
