How to Forward Calls on a Samsung Phone When Busy

This guide shows you how to set up call forwarding on a Samsung phone specifically for when your line is busy. You’ll enter a short code or use the Phone app’s settings to redirect incoming calls to another number, like a voicemail or a colleague. No special apps or carrier permissions are needed—just your Samsung device and the number you want calls sent to.

What You’ll Need

• Your Samsung phone (any recent model with Android 10 or later, but the steps work on most versions).
• The phone number you want to forward calls to (must be a valid number, including country code if different from yours).
• Your carrier must support call forwarding (all major carriers do, but some prepaid or business plans may restrict it).

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Phone app. Tap the green phone icon on your home screen or in the app drawer. This is the same app you use to make calls.
2. Access the keypad. Tap the keypad icon at the bottom of the screen (usually looks like a grid of numbers).
3. Dial the forwarding code. Enter the following code: **61* followed by the phone number you want to forward to, then #. For example, to forward to 555-123-4567, you’d dial: **61*5551234567#. Make sure to include the country code if the number is outside your country (e.g., +1 for the US).
4. Press the call button. Tap the green call button as if you were making a call. The phone will process the request.
5. Wait for confirmation. You should hear a message or see a notification confirming that call forwarding is activated. Some carriers play a tone, others say “Call forwarding is on.”
6. Test it. Ask someone to call you while you’re on another call. The call should ring the number you set. If it doesn’t, try the alternative method below.

Alternative: Use the Phone settings menu (easier if you prefer tapping menus instead of codes).

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (â‹®) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings (or Call settings).
4. Tap Call forwarding (may be under “Supplementary services” on some models).
5. Tap When busy (or “Forward when busy”).
6. Enter the phone number you want to forward to, then tap Enable or Turn on.
7. Confirm the number if prompted. You’ll see a status like “Forwarding on” next to the option.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong code. The code for busy is **61*, not *21* (which is for all calls) or *62* (for no answer). Double-check you’re using the right one.
• Forgetting the country code. If you’re forwarding to a number outside your country, include the international prefix (+ and the country code). For example, +44 for the UK.
• Not including the trailing #. The code must end with a hash symbol to execute. If you forget it, the phone might just try to call the number.
• Entering spaces or dashes. When dialing the code, don’t use spaces, dashes, or parentheses in the number. Just the digits and the country code.
• Assuming it works without testing. Always test by having someone call you while you’re on another call. Some carriers delay activation.

Tips

• Use the settings menu if codes feel risky. The menu method is less error-prone because you see the number you’re entering and can confirm before saving.
• Remember to disable it later. To turn off forwarding when busy, dial ##61# and press call, or go to Settings > Call forwarding > When busy and tap Disable.
• Forward to voicemail manually. If you want to send busy calls to your carrier’s voicemail, you can usually set the forwarding number to your own phone number (e.g., your mobile number). Some carriers require a specific voicemail number—check with them if unsure.
• Check your plan. Some carriers charge for call forwarding, especially if forwarding to international numbers. Verify with your carrier to avoid surprise fees.
• Use for work-life balance. Forward busy calls to a colleague or assistant during meetings, then disable it after.

Troubleshooting

It didn’t work—no confirmation or calls still go to voicemail.

• Check the number format. Ensure you entered the number correctly, with no extra digits or missing country code. Try again slowly.
• Restart your phone. A simple reboot can refresh the network connection and apply the setting.
• Try the settings menu. If the code fails, use the Phone app’s Settings > Call forwarding menu. It’s more reliable on some Samsung models.
• Check if your carrier blocks it. Some prepaid or business plans restrict call forwarding. Contact your carrier’s customer service to confirm it’s enabled on your line.
• Clear the Phone app cache. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Storage > Clear Cache, then try again. This can fix glitches.
• Update your phone’s software. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. A bug in the phone app might be fixed in a newer version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this work on all Samsung phones?
A: Yes, the codes and settings are standard on Android and work on all Samsung Galaxy models, from older ones like the S7 to the latest S24. The menu path might vary slightly, but the option is always there.

Q: Will I be charged for forwarding calls?
A: It depends on your carrier. Many plans include call forwarding at no extra cost, but some charge per minute for forwarded calls, especially international ones. Check with your carrier.

Q: Can I forward to a landline or another mobile?
A: Yes, you can forward to any valid phone number, including landlines and mobiles, as long as you include the correct country code.

Q: How do I turn off forwarding when busy?
A: Dial ##61# and press call, or go to Phone > Settings > Call forwarding > When busy and tap Disable. You’ll get a confirmation.

Q: What’s the difference between forwarding when busy and when unanswered?
A: “When busy” forwards calls that come in while you’re already on a call. “When unanswered” forwards calls that ring for a certain time (usually 15-30 seconds) without you picking up. You can set both separately.

Q: Can I forward calls to a voicemail service other than my carrier’s?
A: Yes, you can forward to any number, including a third-party voicemail service. Just enter that number in the forwarding settings. Some services provide a specific number to use.

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