Step By Step Guide To Canceling Call Transfer And Regain Full Control Of Your Incoming Calls

Call forwarding can be a useful tool when you're traveling, switching phones, or managing business lines. But when it's no longer needed—or was activated accidentally—it can cause missed calls, confusion, and even security concerns. If you're not receiving calls on your primary device, the issue might be an active call transfer setting. This guide walks you through exactly how to cancel call transfer across different carriers and devices, helping you regain full control over your incoming calls.

Understanding Call Transfer: What It Is and Why It Matters

Call transfer, also known as call forwarding, redirects incoming calls from your number to another phone number or voicemail. It’s often used intentionally for convenience, but many users activate it without realizing the consequences. Common scenarios include:

• You enabled forwarding during travel and forgot to turn it off.
• A technician or customer service agent set it up temporarily.
• Your phone was compromised, and someone else enabled forwarding.

Leaving call forwarding active means your calls go elsewhere—possibly to a number you don’t recognize. Regaining control ensures privacy, accessibility, and peace of mind.

“Unintended call forwarding is one of the most common reasons customers report missing calls—even when their phone shows full signal.” — Carlos Mendez, Senior Network Support Specialist, U.S. Mobile Solutions

How to Cancel Call Transfer: Universal Codes and Carrier-Specific Methods

The fastest way to disable call forwarding is by using universal dialing codes. These work on most carriers and devices, including Android, iPhone, and landlines.

Universal USSD Codes to Disable Call Forwarding

Dial these codes from your phone’s keypad. No internet connection is required.

Action	Dial Code	Expected Result
Disable all call forwarding	##002#	All active forwarding settings are cleared
Cancel conditional forwarding (e.g., busy/no answer)	*#67# then call	Disables forwarding when busy
Turn off unconditional forwarding	*#21# then call	Displays current status; use ##002# to fully disable

Tip: After entering any code, press the call button. You should receive a confirmation message like “Call forwarding deactivated” or “Forwarding disabled.”

Carrier-Specific Instructions

While universal codes work in most cases, some carriers have unique procedures. Below is a breakdown for major providers.

Carrier	Deactivation Method	Customer Support
Verizon	Dial ##002# or use the My Verizon app under Settings > Call Forwarding	1-800-922-0204
AT&T	Dial *685# to deactivate or log into your account online	1-800-331-0500
T-Mobile	Dial #68# or disable via the T-Mobile app under Phone Settings	1-877-746-0909
Sprint (now part of T-Mobile)	Use the same T-Mobile process or dial *73 to disable forwarding	1-844-447-7463

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on Your Device

Follow this sequence to ensure complete deactivation across platforms.

1. Check if call forwarding is active: Dial *#21#. Your phone will display whether calls are being forwarded and to which number.
2. Disable all forwarding: Enter ##002# and press call. Wait for confirmation.
3. Verify on your device settings:
   • iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. Ensure the toggle is OFF.
   • Android: Open Phone app > More (•••) > Settings > Call settings > Call forwarding. Disable all options.
4. Restart your phone to refresh network settings.
5. Test the change: Have someone call your number while you’re near your phone to confirm reception.

What to Do If the Codes Don’t Work

If dialing the codes has no effect, consider the following:

• Your carrier may require account authentication to modify settings.
• The SIM card could be locked or compromised.
• There may be a software glitch—try resetting network settings.

In such cases, contact your carrier directly with your account details to request manual deactivation.

Real-World Example: Maria Regains Control of Her Business Line

Maria, a small business owner in Austin, Texas, suddenly stopped receiving client calls on her mobile line. She assumed poor signal until a customer mentioned they’d been redirected to a disconnected number. Alarmed, she contacted her AT&T representative, who confirmed that unconditional call forwarding had been activated three weeks prior—likely by mistake when she pressed a sequence while adjusting volume during a call.

She dialed *685# as instructed, which deactivated forwarding immediately. Within minutes, her calls resumed normally. She later set up a reminder to audit her phone settings monthly to prevent recurrence.

This case highlights how easily call forwarding can be triggered unintentionally—and how quickly it can be resolved with the right knowledge.

Common Mistakes and Security Risks

Many users unknowingly expose themselves to risks when handling call forwarding. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:

• Using public phones or unfamiliar devices: Accidental keystrokes can enable forwarding.
• Sharing your phone without supervision: Others may access settings and redirect your calls.
• Ignoring unknown numbers in forwarding logs: If *#21# reveals a suspicious number, act immediately.

In rare cases, malicious actors use SS7 vulnerabilities to remotely enable call forwarding, often to intercept two-factor authentication codes. If you suspect unauthorized access:

1. Disable forwarding using ##002#.
2. Contact your carrier to flag your account.
3. Enable additional security features like PIN-based SIM locks.

Tip: Regularly check your call forwarding status, especially after servicing your phone or changing carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling call forwarding affect my voicemail?

No. Voicemail operates separately. Disabling call forwarding only stops calls from being routed to another number. Your voicemail will continue to function normally.

Can I disable call forwarding without a signal?

Yes. The USSD codes like ##002# work even without cellular data or Wi-Fi, as long as your phone can connect to the carrier’s network at a basic level.

Is there a way to monitor if call forwarding is turned on remotely?

Not directly. However, some carriers offer online account portals where you can view and manage call forwarding settings remotely. Check your provider’s website for account tools.

Final Checklist: Ensure Full Call Control

Before concluding, run through this quick verification checklist:

• ✅ Dialed ##002# and received confirmation.
• ✅ Checked device settings and toggled off call forwarding.
• ✅ Verified with a test call.
• ✅ Reviewed forwarding history using *#21#.
• ✅ Contacted carrier if issues persist.

Conclusion: Take Back Control Today

Losing access to your incoming calls doesn’t have to be a mystery. With simple dial codes and a few taps in your phone settings, you can cancel call transfer and restore normal functionality in under five minutes. Whether it was accidental, outdated, or potentially malicious, addressing call forwarding promptly protects your communication, privacy, and reliability.

💬 Did you recently fix a call forwarding issue? Share your experience or tips in the comments—your insight could help someone else regain control of their phone today.