Call forwarding is a feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another phone number, voicemail, or even a different device. While this feature can be convenient, there may be times when you want to deactivate it. Perhaps you're experiencing issues with your phone service, or you simply no longer need to forward calls. Whatever the reason, deactivating call forwarding is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. In this article, we'll explore 5 ways to deactivate call forwarding, depending on your phone type and service provider.
Key Points
- Check your phone's settings to see if call forwarding is enabled
- Use the relevant code to deactivate call forwarding (e.g., *73 or #73)
- Contact your service provider for assistance if you're unsure
- Deactivating call forwarding may affect other features, such as voicemail
- Regularly review your phone settings to ensure call forwarding is not re-enabled
Method 1: Deactivate Call Forwarding Using Your Phone’s Settings
Most modern phones allow you to deactivate call forwarding directly from the settings menu. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to your phone’s settings app
- Scroll down to the “Calls” or “Phone” section
- Look for the “Call Forwarding” or “Call Divert” option
- Toggle the switch to disable call forwarding
Alternatively, you can use the relevant code to deactivate call forwarding. For example, on many phones, you can dial *73 or #73 to deactivate call forwarding. However, this code may vary depending on your service provider, so it’s always best to check with them first.
Understanding Call Forwarding Codes
Call forwarding codes are used to activate or deactivate call forwarding on your phone. These codes typically start with an asterisk (*) or a pound sign (#) and are followed by a series of numbers. The most common codes for deactivating call forwarding are:
| Code | Function |
|---|---|
| *73 | Deactivate call forwarding |
| #73 | Deactivate call forwarding (alternative code) |
| *74 | Activate call forwarding to a specific number |
| #74 | Deactivate call forwarding to a specific number |
It’s essential to note that these codes may vary depending on your service provider, so it’s always best to check with them first to ensure you’re using the correct code.
Method 2: Deactivate Call Forwarding Using Your Service Provider’s Website
Many service providers offer online portals where you can manage your phone settings, including call forwarding. To deactivate call forwarding using your service provider’s website, follow these steps:
- Log in to your service provider’s website
- Navigate to the “Phone” or “Account” section
- Look for the “Call Forwarding” or “Call Divert” option
- Toggle the switch to disable call forwarding
Keep in mind that you may need to contact your service provider for assistance if you’re unsure about how to access your account or manage your phone settings.
Contacting Your Service Provider
If you’re unsure about how to deactivate call forwarding or need assistance with managing your phone settings, it’s always best to contact your service provider directly. You can usually find their contact information on their website or by searching online. Be prepared to provide your account information and a detailed description of the issue you’re experiencing.
Method 3: Deactivate Call Forwarding Using Your Phone’s Voice Assistant
Many modern phones come with built-in voice assistants, such as Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby. You can use these voice assistants to deactivate call forwarding by following these steps:
- Activate your phone’s voice assistant
- Say “Deactivate call forwarding” or “Turn off call forwarding”
- Follow the voice assistant’s prompts to complete the process
Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on your phone’s voice assistant and operating system.
Method 4: Deactivate Call Forwarding Using a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available that allow you to manage your phone settings, including call forwarding. To deactivate call forwarding using a third-party app, follow these steps:
- Download and install a call forwarding management app
- Launch the app and navigate to the “Call Forwarding” section
- Toggle the switch to disable call forwarding
Be sure to read reviews and check the app’s compatibility with your phone before downloading and installing it.
Method 5: Deactivate Call Forwarding by Resetting Your Phone
In some cases, you may need to reset your phone to its default settings to deactivate call forwarding. This method should be used as a last resort, as it will erase all of your phone’s settings and data. To reset your phone, follow these steps:
- Go to your phone’s settings app
- Scroll down to the “Backup & Reset” or “Reset” section
- Tap “Factory Data Reset” or “Reset Phone”
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process
Keep in mind that resetting your phone will erase all of your data, so be sure to back up your phone before proceeding.
How do I know if call forwarding is enabled on my phone?
+To check if call forwarding is enabled on your phone, go to your phone's settings app and navigate to the "Calls" or "Phone" section. Look for the "Call Forwarding" or "Call Divert" option. If it's enabled, you'll see a toggle switch or a checkmark indicating that call forwarding is active.
Will deactivating call forwarding affect my voicemail?
+Deactivating call forwarding may affect your voicemail, depending on how it's set up. If you have call forwarding set up to forward calls to your voicemail, deactivating call forwarding may prevent calls from being forwarded to your voicemail. However, this depends on your specific phone settings and service provider.
Can I reactivate call forwarding if I need it again?
+Yes, you can reactivate call forwarding if you need it again. Simply follow the same steps you used to deactivate call forwarding, and toggle the switch to enable call forwarding again. You can also use the relevant code to reactivate call forwarding, such as *74 or #74.
In conclusion, deactivating call forwarding is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Whether you’re using your phone’s settings, your service provider’s website, or a third-party app, it’s essential to follow the correct steps to ensure that call forwarding is fully deactivated. Remember to regularly review your phone settings to ensure that call forwarding is not re-enabled, and don’t hesitate to contact your service provider if you need assistance.
