How to Stop Conditional Call Forwarding: The Ultimate Guide for All Devices

How to Stop Conditional Call Forwarding

Ever notice your calls vanishing into voicemail or rerouting to an old number, leaving you frustrated and disconnected? Conditional call forwarding—the sneaky feature that diverts calls when you're busy, don't answer, or out of reach—is often the culprit, and in 2025, it's still tripping up millions on Android, iPhone, and landlines worldwide. Whether activated by mistake during a SIM swap or lurking from carrier defaults, disabling it takes just seconds with the right USSD codes or settings tweaks—no apps or support calls needed.

This exhaustive guide covers how to stop conditional call forwarding across networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile in Nigeria, plus iOS 18+ and Android 15+ specifics—tested November 2025 for the latest compatibility.

Understanding Conditional Call Forwarding: What It Is and Why It Activates

Conditional call forwarding (CCF) automatically redirects incoming calls under specific triggers: when your line is busy, unanswered after 20–30 rings, or unreachable (phone off or no signal). Unlike unconditional forwarding (all calls divert immediately), CCF is a "backup" system designed to ensure you don't miss calls—but it backfires when unintended.

In 2025, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile keep it default-enabled for voicemail routing, while Nigerian networks (MTN, Airtel) often activate it during service setups or low-signal modes. Signs include calls going straight to voicemail despite your phone ringing or friends reporting "unreachable" errors.

Globally, CCF causes 25% of missed call complaints (GSMA 2025 report), exacerbated by 5G handoffs. For a deep dive, see GSMA Call Forwarding Explained.

Universal USSD Codes to Disable Conditional Call Forwarding (2025 Standard)

The fastest, carrier-agnostic way is dialing simple codes—universal GSM standards that work on iPhone, Android, and feature phones in 2025, including Nigeria's MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

Master Code: Stop All Forwarding Types

Dial ##002# and press call.
Confirmation: "Call forwarding deactivated" or similar (takes 5–10 seconds).
This cancels busy, unanswered, unreachable, and unconditional forwarding in one go—ideal for quick fixes.

Targeted Codes for Specific Conditions

Busy Forwarding: Dial ##67# > call (stops diversions when on another line).
No Answer (Unanswered): ##61# > call (deactivates after 20–30 rings).
Unreachable/Out of Coverage: ##62# > call (prevents forwarding when off-signal).
Unconditional (Always): ##21# > call (immediate all-call redirects).

These codes are GSMA-compliant and confirmed working on iOS 18.2 and Android 15 in November 2025 tests. For Nigeria, they override network defaults like MTN's voicemail forwarding. After dialing, restart your phone to clear caches.

Source: Lifewire's 2025 Call Forwarding Guide.

How to Stop Conditional Call Forwarding on iPhone (iOS 18+ – 2025)

Apple's iOS 18.2 (November 2025) integrates USSD seamlessly, but settings offer visual control.

Via USSD (Universal Method)

Open the Phone app > Keypad.
Dial ##002# (or specific like ##61# for unanswered).
Tap Call—expect "Forwarding deactivated" voice prompt or text.
Test: Have someone call; it should ring normally.

Via Settings (iOS 18 Native)

Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
Toggle off Call Forwarding (green to gray).
For conditional: Dial ##61#, ##62#, or ##67# as above—iOS prompts confirmation.
Advanced: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > ensure no carrier overrides.

iOS 18 adds "Call Forwarding Status" in Control Center for quick toggles. If stuck, restart or update iOS (Settings > General > Software Update).

Apple Support: Manage Call Forwarding on iPhone.

How to Stop Conditional Call Forwarding on Android (2025 – Samsung, Infinix, Tecno)

Android 15 (October 2025 update) unifies forwarding in the Phone app, with USSD as the backbone.

Via USSD (Works on All Brands)

Open Phone app > dial ##002#.
Hit the call button—confirmation appears (e.g., "Deactivated").
For specifics: ##67# (busy), ##61# (no answer), ##62# (unreachable).

Via Phone App Settings (Samsung One UI 7, Infinix XOS 15)

Open Phone > three dots > Settings.
Tap Supplementary services or Call forwarding.
Select SIM > toggle off "Forward when busy/unanswered/unreachable."
Confirm with USSD if prompted.

Samsung users: Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Call forwarding. Infinix/Tecno: Similar path in HiOS/XOS.

If the "Conditional call forwarding active" message persists (common on Samsung Galaxy S23+), dial ##002# then restart. WikiHow 2025 guide: Stop Call Forwarding on Samsung.

Carrier-Specific Fixes for Nigeria (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile – 2025)

Nigerian networks often default CCF to voicemail—disable with these.

MTN: Dial ##002# (deactivates MTN's 180 forwarding); or *#61# to check status.
Airtel: ##002# or *#67# for busy; Airtel's *121# menu confirms.
Glo: ##002# works; Glo's *310# balance check shows if active.
9mobile: ##61# for unanswered; *#100# status.

All use GSMA codes in 2025, per NCC harmonization. If issues, call customer care (MTN 300, Airtel 111). SubBase guide: Cancel Call Forwarding Nigeria.

Troubleshooting: What If Codes Don't Work in 2025?

Persistent forwarding? Here's why and fixes.

Network Glitch: Redial after 5 minutes; switch airplane mode on/off.
Carrier Override: Contact support (e.g., MTN 300)—they reset remotely.
Old Settings: Factory reset forwarding (Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi/calls).
App Interference: Disable VPNs or call blockers; clear Phone app cache (Settings > Apps > Phone > Storage > Clear cache).

Test post-fix: Call from another line—ensure it rings 4–5 times before voicemail. Calilio 2025 blog: Conditional Call Forwarding Fix.

Stopping conditional call forwarding in 2025 is as simple as dialing ##002#—reclaim your calls and end the frustration today.

Dial it now and breathe easy!

Fixed your issue? Which code worked best? Comment below! Share with friends facing "unreachable" woes, and subscribe for more 2025 phone hacks. Stay connected—your line, your control!