Are your incoming calls being forwarded to another number, and you want to take back control of your phone? Whether you’re fixing a problem or just want to handle calls yourself, it’s important to know how to turn off call forwarding. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to deactivate call forwarding using USSD codes for major Indian telecom providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL
What is Call Forwarding?
Call forwarding is a feature that sends incoming calls from your number to another number. It’s useful in various situations, like when you’re unavailable, traveling, or need to manage your calls more efficiently. For example, you might use it to direct calls to a work number while you’re in the office or to a family member when you’re away.
However, there are times when you might want to turn off call forwarding, such as when you’re back home and want to make sure all calls come directly to your main number. Turning off call forwarding ensures you don’t miss any important calls and helps you stay connected. In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to deactivate this feature using USSD codes for major Indian telecom providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL, so you can easily manage your call settings.
Why Deactivate Call Forwarding?
Deactivating call forwarding might be necessary for several reasons:
- Direct Communication: To ensure all calls come directly to your phone without being redirected to another number.
- Troubleshooting: To address issues such as missed calls or problems with incoming call redirection.
- Privacy: To maintain control over who can reach you and prevent calls from being forwarded to an unknown number.
General USSD Code for All Networks
If you want to deactivate all types of call forwarding, use the following general USSD code:
- USSD Code:
##002#
- How to Use:
- Open the Dialer: Access the phone app on your device.
- Enter the Code: Dial
##002#
. - Press Call/Send: Hit the call button. You will receive a confirmation message indicating that all call forwarding settings have been deactivated.
How to Use Call Forwarding Deactivate Code
To deactivate call forwarding, you can use USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes. These codes are quick and easy to use. Below are the specific codes for major Indian telecom operators:
1. Airtel
Airtel is one of India’s leading telecom providers with a vast network. To deactivate call forwarding on Airtel:
- Call Forwarding Deactivate Code:
##21#
- Steps:
- Open the Dialer: Go to the phone app on your device.
- Enter the Code: Dial
##21#
. - Press Call: Hit the call button. You should receive a confirmation message indicating that all call forwarding settings have been deactivated.
2. Jio
Jio has made a significant impact on the Indian telecom market with its extensive data plans and network coverage. To turn off call forwarding on Jio:
- Call Forwarding Deactivate Code:
##21#
- Steps:
- Open the Dialer: Access your phone’s dialer app.
- Dial the Code: Type
##21#
. - Press Call: Press the call button, and you will get a confirmation message stating that call forwarding has been deactivated.
3. Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Vi offers comprehensive network services across India. To deactivate call forwarding on Vi:
- Call Forwarding Deactivate Code:
##002#
- Steps:
- Open the Dialer: Open your phone’s dialer application.
- Input the Code: Enter
##002#
. - Press Call: Press the call button. You will receive a message confirming that call forwarding has been turned off.
4. BSNL
BSNL provides telecom services in both urban and rural areas of India. To deactivate call forwarding on BSNL:
- Call Forwarding Deactivate Code:
##21#
- Steps:
- Open the Dialer: Access the dialer app on your mobile phone.
- Enter the Code: Dial
##21#
. - Press Call: After pressing the call button, a confirmation message will appear, showing that call forwarding has been disabled.
Alternative Methods to Deactivate Call Forwarding
In addition to using USSD codes, you can manage call forwarding through your phone’s settings. Here’s how to do it on different devices:
For Android Phones:
- Open the Phone App:
- Tap the phone icon on your home screen.
- Access Call Settings:
- Tap the menu (three dots) in the top-right corner and select Settings or Call Settings.
- Navigate to Call Forwarding:
- Look for the Call Forwarding option, which might be under Additional Settings or Call Settings.
- Turn Off Call Forwarding:
- You will see options for call forwarding such as Forward when busy, Forward when unanswered, and Forward when unreachable. Select each type and disable or clear the forwarding numbers.
- Save Settings:
- Ensure you save or confirm your changes if prompted.
For iPhones:
- Open Settings:
- Tap on the Settings app.
- Navigate to Phone Settings:
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Select Call Forwarding:
- Tap Call Forwarding.
- Disable Call Forwarding:
- Toggle the switch to turn off call forwarding.
- Verify Settings:
- Check the status to ensure call forwarding has been disabled.
Check Call Forwarding Status
To verify whether call forwarding is active, use the following USSD code:
- Call Forwarding Status Code:
*#21#
- Steps:
- Open the Dialer: Access your phone’s dialer app.
- Enter the Code: Dial
*#21#
. - Press Call: Press the call button to receive a message showing the current call forwarding status.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues with deactivating call forwarding, consider these tips:
- Check Network Connection: Ensure you have a stable network connection when using USSD codes.
- Update Your Phone: Make sure your phone’s software is updated to avoid any issues with settings.
- Restart Your Phone: Sometimes, restarting your device can help resolve issues with call settings.
- Contact Customer Support: If problems persist, reach out to your telecom provider’s customer service for further assistance.
Conclusion
Managing call forwarding effectively is crucial for ensuring that your incoming calls reach you directly when needed. By using the appropriate call forwarding deactivate code for your telecom provider—whether Airtel, Jio, Vi, or BSNL—you can easily turn off call forwarding and maintain control over your communications. For any additional support or questions, don’t hesitate to contact your service provider’s customer care.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your call forwarding settings and ensure your calls are handled according to your preferences