How to Know If Someone Has Diverted Your Calls — And How to Stop It

Practical steps for detecting call forwarding, disabling it on phones and landlines, and protecting your account from misuse.

Why this matters

Call forwarding (a.k.a. call diversion) is a convenient feature — but when someone else diverts your calls without permission, it becomes a privacy and security risk. Forwarded calls can let an attacker intercept messages, confirm your presence, or exploit two-factor authentication calls. If you suspect something is wrong, act quickly.

Common signs your calls might be forwarded

• Calls ring once and go to voicemail even when you’re available and your phone is on.
• Unexpected voicemails or SMS alerts about calls forwarded to another number.
• Friends/family tell you your calls are going to another number or are being answered by someone else.
• Recent authentication calls or SMS codes are received by others (or you don’t receive them).
• Your network account shows unknown linked devices or forwarding rules when you check online.

Quick tests you can do right now

1. Call your number from a second phone. If it never rings on your device (or rings once then goes to another voice box), forwarding is likely enabled.
2. Check your voicemail — if you see messages you don’t expect or messages saying calls are being forwarded, that’s a clue.
3. Dial the carrier status code (see GSM codes below) to check forwarding status instantly.
4. Log into your mobile carrier’s online account or app and look for call forwarding settings or recent security alerts.

GSM / Universal USSD codes (check and disable)

Many GSM carriers support standard checking and disabling codes. These work on most Android and feature phones (they may not work on all carriers — carrier behavior varies). Use these to check and cancel forwarding quickly.

Check forwarding status

*#21#   — Check unconditional forwarding (all calls)

*#62#   — Check forwarding when unreachable (out of service)

*#67#   — Check forwarding when busy

*#61#   — Check forwarding on no answer

Disable forwarding

##002#  — Cancel all call forwarding (recommended first step)

##21#  — Cancel unconditional forwarding

##61#  — Cancel forwarding on no answer

##62#  — Cancel forwarding when unreachable

##67#  — Cancel forwarding on busy

How to use: Open your phone app, type the code exactly (including * and #) and press the call key. Wait for a confirmation message from the network.

Android — how to check and disable call forwarding

1. Open the Phone app → tap the three-dot menu (or Settings gear).
2. Choose Settings → Calls (or Calling accounts).
3. Select your SIM (if dual-SIM) → tap Call forwarding.
4. You’ll see options: Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable. Turn off any active forwarding rules.
5. If you can’t change the setting, try the USSD cancel code ##002# or contact your carrier.

iPhone (iOS) — how to check and disable call forwarding

1. Open Settings → Phone.
2. Tap Call Forwarding. If the switch is on, you’ll see the forwarding number.
3. Turn Call Forwarding off to disable it.
4. If you don’t see the option (carrier dependent), use the USSD code ##002# or call your carrier for assistance.

Landlines and fixed lines

Landline forwarding codes vary by country and provider. Common U.S./Canada sequences include:

• *72 — Activate call forwarding to a number (dial *72 + number), then hang up (carrier dependent).
• *73 — Deactivate call forwarding.

Note: Check your landline provider’s support pages or call their customer service for exact codes.

Carrier / account checks

If you suspect malicious forwarding, do the following:

• Log into your carrier account online or app — check call settings, recent security alerts, and any linked devices or numbers.
• Change your account PIN/password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if offered.
• Call your carrier’s support line and ask them to verify and remove any forwarding rules; request a security audit of your account.

How attackers often set up unauthorized forwarding

Knowing common attack patterns helps you defend:

• Social engineering: attacker calls carrier pretending to be you and asks to set forwarding, using stolen account info.
• Access to device: someone with physical access enables forwarding in settings.
• Compromised voicemail: a weak voicemail PIN can let attackers enable forwarding or reset account passwords.

Prevention and hardening — protect your number

1. Set a strong carrier account PIN/password and change it periodically.
2. Enable 2FA on your carrier account and email used for recovery.
3. Secure your voicemail with a robust PIN (not 1234 or 0000) and do not share it.
4. Limit physical access to your phone; use a screen lock (PIN/biometric).
5. Monitor account activity regularly and sign up for carrier alerts if available.
6. Contact your carrier to add a “port freeze” or additional authentication requirements for changes.

Troubleshooting — if you can’t remove forwarding

• Use the USSD cancel codes above (##002#) and wait for the network confirmation.
• Restart your phone after making changes.
• If forwarding returns, contact your carrier and ask for a full account lock/change of credentials.
• Consider temporarily changing your phone number if the carrier cannot secure the account.

Legal, safety & ethical notes

Do not attempt to bypass or interfere with someone else’s phone services illegally. The guidance above is intended to help individuals secure and reclaim their own phone numbers. If you believe you are the victim of criminal activity (identity theft, fraud, stalking), report it to the police and your carrier immediately.

Quick FAQ

Q: I typed ##002# and the network didn’t respond — what now?

A: Some carriers or regions don’t support these codes. Try checking in your phone settings or contact your carrier support.

Q: Could someone forward my calls without accessing my phone?

A: Yes — through social engineering of your carrier account (using stolen information) or by compromising voicemail/account credentials.

Q: I’m not sure whether the forwarding was malicious — should I still change my passwords?

A: Yes. Changing passwords, PINs, and enabling 2FA are good safety steps even if the forwarding was accidental.

Final words

Call forwarding is a normal telecom feature — but if it’s used without your knowledge, it can be dangerous. Use the steps above to test your line, cancel any unwanted forwarding, secure your carrier account, and contact your provider or law enforcement if you suspect foul play. Stay vigilant and make securing your phone number a routine part of your digital hygiene.

PrioRity ConsUlt — Technology & Security Desk