Call divert code: How to activate call forwarding on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile
The call divert code lets you redirect incoming calls to another number instead of your own phone. Using GSM codes like **21*Number#, **62*Number#, **67*Number#, and **61*Number#, you can forward calls whenever you're busy, unreachable, unanswered, or want everything sent elsewhere. You only need to dial the right code and enter your desired forwarding number to activate it.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Call divert code: How to activate call forwarding in Nigeria
- Call forwarding code for all calls
- Call forwarding code for MTN
- How to activate call forwarding on Airtel
- How to cancel call forwarding on Airtel
- How to activate call forwarding when busy and unavailable
- How to set up call forwarding on Android devices
- How to deactivate call forwarding on Android
- How to activate call forwarding on iPhone
- How to deactivate all call forwarding at once
- How to know if you have deactivated call forwarding
- Signs your calls are being forwarded without your knowledge
- Why should you activate call forwarding?
- What is *#21 code call forwarding?
- How do you divert all incoming calls?
- How do you activate call forwarding on Airtel?
- What is ##002 call forwarding code?
Key takeaways
- MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile all support call forwarding using the same standard GSM codes.
- Unconditional call forwarding redirects every incoming call instantly to another number without ringing your phone at all.
- The call forwarding code for all calls is **21*ForwardNumber#, and this activates unconditional forwarding on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile alike.
- To divert calls when busy, dial **67*ForwardNumber#, when unreachable dial **62*ForwardNumber#, and when unanswered dial **61*ForwardNumber#.
- Dial ##002# to cancel call forwarding at once on any of the four networks.
Call divert code: How to activate call forwarding in Nigeria
Nigeria's major mobile networks, that is, MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile, all rely on the same standard GSM call forwarding codes. Each type of forwarding has its own dedicated code, and the process works the same way regardless of which of the four networks you are on.
Call forwarding code for all calls
Unconditional call forwarding sends every incoming call straight to another number without ever ringing your phone. It is useful when you want all your calls redirected to a secondary line, such as when using a different phone.
If you have been wondering how to activate call forwarding for all calls (all networks), dial **21*ForwardNumber#. For example, dialling **21*08012345678# forwards every call to that number.
After dialling, press the call/send button and wait for a confirmation message from your network confirming forwarding is active.
This option redirects all incoming calls to another number immediately, without ringing your phone. It is ideal when you want every call sent to a secondary line, such as when you are using another phone.
Call forwarding code for MTN
On MTN specifically, the same GSM codes apply:
- Forward all calls: **21*ForwardNumber#
- Forward when busy: **67*ForwardNumber#
- Forward when unreachable: **62*ForwardNumber#
- Forward when unanswered: **61*ForwardNumber#
Call forwarding check code on MTN
To confirm whether call forwarding is active on your MTN line, or on Airtel, Glo, or 9Mobile, dial the matching status code:
- Check unconditional forwarding status: *#21#
- Check busy forwarding status: *#67#
- Check unreachable forwarding status: *#62#
- Check unanswered forwarding status: *#61#
Source: UGC
How to activate call forwarding on Airtel
Some older guides suggest Airtel uses a different code (**002*ForwardNumber#) for unconditional forwarding, but the standard code **21*ForwardNumber# works on Airtel Nigeria as well, which is the same as MTN, Glo, and 9Mobile.
The **002*ForwardNumber# code is a separate GSM feature that registers all forwarding conditions (unconditional, busy, unreachable, and unanswered) at once, rather than being an Airtel-only activation code.
- Forward all calls on Airtel: **21*ForwardNumber#
- Register all forwarding conditions at once: **002*ForwardNumber#
How to cancel call forwarding on Airtel
To turn off a specific type of forwarding on Airtel, dial the matching cancellation code:
- Cancel all-calls forwarding: ##21#
- Cancel busy forwarding: ##67#
- Cancel unreachable forwarding: ##62#
- Cancel unanswered forwarding: ##61#
To cancel all types of forwarding on Airtel at once, dial ##002# and press send.
How to activate call forwarding when busy and unavailable
Conditional call forwarding only redirects calls under specific circumstances, and each condition is activated separately:
- When busy (on another call): **67*ForwardNumber#
- When unreachable (phone off or out of coverage): **62*ForwardNumber#
- When unanswered (no response after a few rings): **61*ForwardNumber#
After dialling any of these codes and pressing send, wait for your network's confirmation message. If your device uses dual SIM cards, you'll need to repeat the process separately for each SIM.
Source: UGC
How to set up call forwarding on Android devices
Follow the steps below to set up call forwarding on your Android device.
- Open the Phone app on your Android device.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select "Settings."
- Tap "Supplementary services" to view your SIM options.
- Select "Call forwarding" to see the available options.
- Choose your preferred type: Always forward, Forward when busy, Forward when unanswered, or Forward when unreachable.
- Enter the number you want calls redirected to.
- Tap "Enable" to apply the change.
How to deactivate call forwarding on Android
Follow the steps below to deactivate call forwarding on your Android device.
- Open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu, then "Settings."
- Choose the SIM card you want to manage (for dual-SIM devices, repeat for each SIM).
- Tap "Call forwarding" to view active rules.
- Select each active option (Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable) and tap "Turn Off" or "Disable."
How to activate call forwarding on iPhone
Call forwarding works on iPhone as long as your line uses a GSM network. Note that CDMA users may need to contact their carrier directly. There is no universal call divert code built into iOS settings, so you will need to use the phone settings menu instead.
- Go to Settings, then tap "Phone."
- Select "Call Forwarding" and toggle it on. A forwarding icon appears in the status bar once active.
- If you use two lines, choose the one you want to manage.
- Tap "Forward To," enter the number, then tap "Back" to save.
You must be connected to your cellular network for this to work. For conditional forwarding (when busy or unreachable), contact your carrier directly, as iPhone's built-in settings only cover unconditional forwarding.
How to deactivate all call forwarding at once
If you would rather use a single dial code than navigate through settings, one universal code cancels every type of call forwarding across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile:
To cancel all call forwarding (all networks), dial ##002#
Open your Phone app, dial ##002#, then press the call/send button. You will receive a confirmation message once all forwarding types have been removed from your line.
Source: UGC
How to know if you have deactivated call forwarding
Here is how to know if you have deactivated call forwarding.
- No more "Call forwarding active" notification in your notification panel.
- Calls ring through directly, with no delay or "call is being forwarded" message.
- Checking your Phone app settings shows all forwarding options as inactive.
- Contact your network provider for confirmation if you're still unsure.
Signs your calls are being forwarded without your knowledge
You will notice the following signs if your calls are being forwarded without your knowledge.
- A persistent "Forwarding all calls" notification on your device.
- Callers hear a voice prompt saying your call is being forwarded.
- Frequent complaints from callers that your number is always busy or unreachable.
- Manually checking the call forwarding section of your Phone app.
Why should you activate call forwarding?
People activate call forwarding for the reasons explored below.
- To stay reachable when your phone is off or has no signal, by diverting calls to a working number.
- To manage calls during busy periods by forwarding to an assistant, colleague, or voicemail.
- To avoid missing urgent calls while travelling, especially in areas with poor reception or high roaming costs.
- To separate personal and work calls by forwarding business calls only during office hours.
Source: UGC
What is *#21 code call forwarding?
Dialling *#21# checks whether unconditional call forwarding (forwarding of all calls) is currently active on your line. It is a status-check code, not an activation code.
How do you divert all incoming calls?
Dial **21*ForwardNumber#, replacing "ForwardNumber" with the number you want calls sent to, then press call/send. This works the same way on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile.
How do you activate call forwarding on Airtel?
Dial **21*ForwardNumber# for unconditional forwarding, or **67*, **62*, or **61*ForwardNumber# for busy, unreachable, and unanswered calls respectively — the same standard GSM codes used on MTN, Glo, and 9Mobile.
What is ##002 call forwarding code?
Dialling ##002# cancels every active type of call forwarding on your line at once, that is, unconditional, busy, unreachable, and unanswered. It works across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile.
Call forwarding is a powerful feature that enhances your communication flexibility. Whether you want to stay accessible while travelling, manage calls during busy periods, or avoid missing important conversations, knowing how to use the appropriate call divert code gives you full control.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Legit.ng recently published an informative guide on how to activate and deactivate call barring. Call barring is a mobile network feature that lets you restrict specific incoming or outgoing calls on your line.
In Nigeria, MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile all support the same standard GSM USSD codes, such as *33*PIN# to activate outgoing call barring and #33*PIN# to deactivate it, making the process nearly identical across networks.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over seven years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University (graduated in 2017). Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Cyprine received the 2023 and 2025 Writer of the Year awards. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Ciku Njuguna (Lifestyle writer) Ciku Njuguna is a Lifestyle Journalist at Legit.ng. She joined the project in 2024 and has over four years of professional writing experience. Previously, she worked with Sports Brief and CyberSchool. Ciku earned a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2018. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Nairobi (2022). In 2023, Ciku completed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course and the Google News Initiative training. Email: ciku.njuguna1@gmail.com.
