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Call forwarding codes for Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL

By , co-founder of Autobot 15 min read

What are the call forwarding codes for Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL?

Airtel, Vi and BSNL use the standard GSM codes. Jio publishes its own, which start with *4. Call divert is the same service under another name, so these are the call divert codes too. Replace "number" with the 10-digit number you want calls sent to, type the code in your Phone app and press call.

Kind of forwarding Airtel and Vi BSNL Jio
All calls **21*number# **21*+91number# *401*number
When busy **67*number# **67*+91number# *405*number
When not answered **61*number# **61*+91number# *403*number
When unreachable **62*number# **62*+91number# *409*number

For example, to forward unanswered calls on Airtel to 9876543210, dial **61*9876543210#.

  • Airtel and Vi list these codes on their own help pages [6][7][10]. Airtel's blogs print them with some stars missing, and Vi prints one star, as *21*number#. The GSM standard accepts one star or two when a number is included [13]. We show the two-star form.
  • BSNL's page says to type the number with +91 in front, as in +919876543210 [12].
  • Jio's codes come from Jio's own help pages, and the Jio pages we read list no ** codes, so use Jio's on a Jio SIM [1][2][3][4]. They have no # at the end. Jio forwards to mobile and landline numbers, but not to BSNL numbers, your own Jio number or international numbers [1].

To skip the typing, our free call forwarding code finder builds the code for your operator and number.

Do call forwarding codes still work in India?

Sometimes, and no operator promises it. In March 2024 the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) told every operator to "discontinue the existing USSD-based call forwarding services with effect from 15.04.2024 till further notice" [16]. We found no notice that ends the order.

The order followed scams in which a caller posing as customer care asked people to dial *401# and a stranger's number, which sent all their calls to the scammer [16][17]. The order itself names *401#, the code for forwarding all calls, as the most commonly known of these services. We found no operator statement on which other codes it covers [16].

This is what each operator shows on its help pages:

  • Jio: the mobile help page now lists the phone setting and the MyJio app for setting up, plus the cancel codes. It listed the four set-up codes in October 2022 [1][2][4]. JioFiberVoice, for landlines, still lists them [3].
  • Airtel: blogs dated 22 May 2026 print the codes and describe the Airtel Thanks app [6][7].
  • Vi: a blog of 3 Dec 2025 prints all the codes [10].
  • BSNL: the page with the codes now opens BSNL's home page. We read a copy saved on 7 Feb 2024 [12].

Try the code from the table. If your phone shows "Connection problem or invalid MMI code", or nothing happens, set the same thing from the Call forwarding screen in your phone or from your operator's app (steps below). Checking and cancelling are different: DoT's Sanchar Saathi scam poster tells people to dial *#21# to check and ##002# to cancel [18].

What do forward all, busy, not answered and unreachable mean?

Forward all sends every call away before your phone rings. The other three are called conditional call forwarding. They send a call away only when you are on another call, do not pick up, or are off the network [7][10].

Kind When the call is forwarded Good for
All calls Always, before your phone rings. You cannot answer on this line while it is on [8] Closing time, holidays
When busy While you are on another call A second customer when you are already talking
When not answered If you do not pick up before the ring time ends Calls missed at the counter or in a meeting
When unreachable When your phone is off or has no network [7][10] A flat battery, a lift, a flight

Not answered waits for a timer of 5 to 30 seconds, in steps of 5, and your operator picks the default [14]. To choose your own, add ** and the seconds after the number: **61*9876543210**20# waits 20 seconds. Android reads the last value as the ring time [13][23]. No operator publishes this form, so drop the seconds if your SIM refuses it.

With call waiting on, a second caller is offered to you with a beep, and busy call forwarding applies only if you reject that call [15]. To send a second caller straight to your answering number, switch call waiting off: dial *412 on Jio [5] or #43# on Vi [11], or use the Call waiting setting in your phone.

The GSM standard also has one code for busy, not answered and unreachable together, **004*number# [13]. No operator publishes it, so set the three separately if it fails.

Set the conditional forwards before "forward all". While forward all is on, the standard says the network rejects a new busy, not answered or unreachable forward, so cancel forward all first [14].

How do you check and cancel call forwarding?

Dial *#21# to see whether all calls are being forwarded. Dial ##002# to cancel every kind on Airtel, Vi and BSNL, or *413 on Jio. The table has a code for each kind.

What you want Airtel, Vi and BSNL Jio
Check all calls *#21# No code published
Check busy *#67# No code published
Check not answered *#61# No code published
Check unreachable *#62# No code published
Cancel all calls ##21# *402
Cancel busy ##67# *406
Cancel not answered ##61# *404
Cancel unreachable ##62# *410
Cancel everything ##002# *413
  • Vi publishes all four check codes and says they show the forwarding number, or that the feature is disabled [10]. Airtel publishes *#21# [6]. BSNL publishes none, so its other three follow the pattern in the standard [13].
  • Jio publishes no check code. In the MyJio app, open Profile, Mobile Settings, Service Settings, then Call Forwarding [2]. DoT's Sanchar Saathi poster gives *#21# for any phone [18].
  • An iPhone shows a Call Forwarding icon in the status bar while forwarding is on [19], and many Android phones do too [10]. You can also call your number from another phone and see where the call goes.

Cancel forwarding before you travel abroad. Airtel's roaming terms say that with call divert on, you pay for both the incoming and the outgoing leg of a forwarded call, and that you can cancel it by dialling ##002# before you leave India [9].

How do you set call forwarding from phone settings on Android and iPhone?

Open the Call forwarding screen in your phone, enter the number and turn it on. Android lets you pick all four kinds. The iPhone setting forwards all calls only [5][19]. Menu names change with the phone and the Android version [1][20].

On Android

  1. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then Settings.
  2. Tap Call settings, then Calling accounts, then your SIM, then Call forwarding [10]. On a Samsung, tap Supplementary services, then Call forwarding, then Voice calls [20].
  3. Pick Always forward, When busy, When unanswered or When unreachable.
  4. Enter the number, or pick a contact, and tap Enable. To switch one off, tap it and choose Turn off or Disable.

On iPhone

  1. Open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone, then Call Forwarding. On older iOS versions it is Settings, Phone, Call Forwarding [10][19].
  2. Turn on Call Forwarding. If your iPhone has two SIMs, pick the line under SIMs.
  3. Tap Forward To, enter the number and go back.

You need network signal while you do this. For forwarding when busy or out of service, Apple tells you to contact your operator [19]. On an iPhone, use the codes or your operator's app for those kinds.

In the MyJio or Airtel Thanks app

  • MyJio: open Profile, Mobile Settings, Service Settings, then Call Forwarding. Tap Voice or Video, choose the type, complete the SIM verification, enter the 10-digit number and tap Continue. Jio says it starts at once [1].
  • Airtel Thanks: open the call settings, then call forwarding. Pick all calls, busy, unanswered or unreachable, enter the number and save [6].

How does call forwarding work on a dual SIM phone?

Forwarding belongs to a SIM, not to the phone. Set it on each SIM your customers call. On an iPhone pick the line under SIMs, and on a Samsung pick SIM 1 or SIM 2 [19][20].

  • A code goes out on the SIM the phone uses for that call. Set the phone to ask which SIM to use, then pick the one you want to change. On a Pixel that is Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Calls, Ask every time [21].
  • Google says that on a Pixel, a call to the other SIM goes to voicemail while you are on a call [21]. To send those callers to your answering number, set busy and unreachable forwarding on both SIMs.

Are forwarded calls charged?

No operator page we read lists a fee for setting up forwarding, and Jio says the service is free. The forwarded call is different. The GSM standard treats the forwarded leg as an outgoing call from your home network [14], so expect it to cost what an outgoing call to that number costs on your plan.

Operator What it says
Jio "Call forward service is free of cost." You need an active plan [1]
Airtel You are charged for forwarding to a long-distance or toll number [8]. Abroad, both legs of a forwarded call are charged [9]
Vi Be mindful of extra costs when you forward to an international number [10]
BSNL All forwarded calls are billed the same way as a regular call [12]

Why do you get a connection problem or invalid MMI code error?

Android shows "Connection problem or invalid MMI code" when it could not carry out a code you dialled [22]. MMI codes are the star-and-hash codes. The cause is usually a typo, a network that refuses the code, or no signal. Work down this list.

Cause Fix
A typo, a space or a missing # Retype the code from the table. Airtel, Vi and BSNL codes end with #. Jio's do not. BSNL wants +91 before the number [1][10][12].
Your operator refuses the code Android may say "Feature not supported" instead [22]. Since 15 April 2024 operators have been told to stop USSD-based forwarding [16]. Use the Call forwarding screen in your phone or your operator's app.
Forward all calls is already on Cancel it with ##21# or ##002#, then set busy, not answered and unreachable [14].
No signal, or the code went out on the wrong SIM Move to a spot with signal. Apple says the iPhone must be in range of the network when you set forwarding [19]. On a dual SIM phone, choose the SIM first.
You are roaming Android has a message for carriers that do not let you change forwarding from the phone while you roam [22]. Set it before you travel.
The destination is not allowed Jio does not forward to BSNL numbers, your own Jio number or international numbers [1]. Try another number.

If none of this works, ask your operator's customer care to check forwarding on your number.

Is a call forwarding code ever a scam?

Dial a forwarding code only for a number you chose yourself. In January 2024 the DoT warned that callers pose as customer care, claim there is a SIM or network problem and ask people to dial *401# and a number. That sends all the person's calls to the caller [17].

  • The DoT said telecom operators never ask subscribers to dial *401# [17]. Its Sanchar Saathi poster says a genuine delivery company never asks you to dial *21*number# [18].
  • If you think a code was dialled on your phone, dial *#21#. If it says Forwarded, dial ##002#. Report it on the Sanchar Saathi portal or app, and call 1930 if fraud has happened [18].
  • Apple blocks links in messages, emails and web pages that ask you to turn on call forwarding, because scammers use them [19]. That is why our code finder gives you a code to copy and dial yourself instead of a link.

How do you forward missed and busy calls to an AI that answers for your business?

Set three forwards from your business number to the number where the AI answers: when not answered, when busy and when unreachable. Calls you pick up ring as usual. The ones you miss go to the AI, which takes the caller's details and sends you a summary.

  1. Get the answering number. With Autobot, our team sets one up for you, and the app shows the forwarding codes for it.
  2. Switch call waiting off, so a second caller is forwarded at once instead of being offered with a beep [15].
  3. Set the three forwards on the SIM your customers call. For an answering number of 9876543210:
    • Airtel or Vi: **61*9876543210**20# (not answered, after 20 seconds), **67*9876543210# (busy) and **62*9876543210# (unreachable). BSNL adds +91 before the number.
    • Jio: *403*9876543210, *405*9876543210 and *409*9876543210.
    If a code is refused, use the Call forwarding screen or your operator's app.
  4. Test each one from another phone: let your phone ring out, call while you are on another call, and call with your phone in airplane mode. Each call should reach the AI.
  5. To send every call to the AI after closing time, use forward all calls. Your three forwards stay saved and work again once you cancel it [14].

Autobot's AI answers in Hindi, English and 9 more Indian languages, follows the instructions you write, and ends each call at 10 minutes. After every call you get a transcript and a summary on your phone. During a call it cannot check stock, book a slot or send a WhatsApp message, so tell it to take the caller's name, number and need, and call back yourself.

Callers you miss may message you on WhatsApp next. Our guide to the WhatsApp API for business covers that side.

FAQ

What is the code to forward all calls on Jio?

Dial *401* and the 10-digit number, with no # at the end, then press call. Cancel with *402. Jio's mobile help page now lists only the phone setting and the MyJio app for setting it up, so use those if the code does nothing [1][2][4].

What is the call forwarding or call divert code for Airtel, Vi and BSNL?

Dial **21*number# to forward all calls, **67*number# when busy, **61*number# when not answered and **62*number# when unreachable. BSNL wants +91 before the number. Cancel with ##21#, ##67#, ##61#, ##62#, or ##002# for everything [7][10][12].

How do I cancel all call forwarding?

Dial ##002# on Airtel, Vi or BSNL, or *413 on Jio, to cancel every kind at once. Dial *#21# first if you want to see whether all calls are being forwarded [2][9][10][12][18].

How do I forward calls when my phone is busy or switched off?

Set busy and unreachable forwarding. On Airtel, Vi and BSNL that is **67*number# and **62*number#. On Jio it is *405*number and *409*number. Turn call waiting off, or a second caller hears a beep and is not forwarded [3][10][15].

Is call forwarding free?

No operator page we read lists a set-up fee, and Jio says the service is free. The standard treats a forwarded call as an outgoing call. BSNL bills it like a regular call, and Airtel charges extra for toll and long-distance numbers [1][8][12][14].

Why does my phone say "Connection problem or invalid MMI code"?

Android shows it when a code fails. Retype the code, cancel forward all calls if it is on, and check your signal and SIM. If it still fails, use the Call forwarding screen in your phone settings or your operator's app. Since 15 April 2024 the DoT has told operators to stop USSD-based forwarding, so a set-up code can be refused [16][22].

Can I forward calls to an AI that answers for my business?

Yes. Forward not answered, busy and unreachable calls to the number where the AI answers. Autobot answers in Hindi, English and 9 more Indian languages, follows your written instructions and sends a transcript and summary to your phone. Hear it first on our demo line, +91 80473 64502.

About the author

Rahul Vijay co-founded Autobot (Convogenie Technologies, Bengaluru), a Meta Business Partner.

Sources

General information. Operators can change their codes without notice.

  1. Jio, "How can I activate call forwarding on the MyJio app?" (phone settings and MyJio steps, "Call forward service is free of cost", forwarding not possible to BSNL numbers, your own Jio number or international numbers). https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/services/hd-voice/how-can-i-activate-call-forwarding-service/
  2. Jio, "How can I deactivate call forwarding on the MyJio app?" (cancel codes *402, *404, *406, *410 and *413, and the MyJio steps). https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/services/hd-voice/how-can-i-deactivate-call-forwarding-service/
  3. Jio, "Can I activate Call Forwarding on my JioFiberVoice number?" (set-up codes *401*, *403*, *405* and *409*, and *413 to cancel all, for Jio's landline service). https://www.jio.com/help/faq/jiofiber/services/jiofibervoice/can-i-activate-call-forwarding-facility-on-my-jiofibervoice-number/
  4. Jio, "How can I activate call forwarding service?" as saved by the Internet Archive on 5 Oct 2022 (the four set-up codes for mobile). http://web.archive.org/web/20221005124222/https://www.jio.com/en-in/faq/services-devices/hd-voice-video-calling-messaging/how-can-i-activate-call-forwarding-service.html
  5. Jio, "What are the different types of call forwarding?" (four types; "iPhone settings only support unconditional call forwarding") and "Which are the different call management services offered by Jio?" (call wait: *411 to activate, *412 to deactivate). https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/services/hd-voice/what-are-different-types-of-call-forwarding/ and https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/services/hd-voice/what-call-management-services-are-offered-by-jio/
  6. Airtel, "How to Activate and Deactivate Call Forwarding in Airtel?", dated 22 May 2026 (*21, ##21#, *#21# and the Airtel Thanks app steps). https://www.airtel.in/blog/airtel-app/activate-and-deactivate-call-forwarding-in-airtel/
  7. Airtel, "What Is Call Forwarding In Airtel?", dated 22 May 2026 (four kinds of forwarding, set-up codes printed without their opening stars, cancel codes ##21#, ##67#, ##61# and ##62#). https://www.airtel.in/blog/airtel-app/call-forwarding-in-airtel/
  8. Airtel, "What is Call Forwarding and its Use?" (all calls are transferred, so you cannot answer on the original line; charges for forwarding to a long-distance or toll number). https://www.airtel.in/blog/postpaid/call-forwarding-and-its-use/
  9. Airtel, International Roaming terms and conditions (PDF), section 4 (with call divert on, both the incoming and the outgoing minutes are charged; dial ##002# before leaving India), and Airtel's "Important Info For International Roaming" page ("Deactivate Call Diverts/Voice Mails on your Airtel Mobile by dialing ##002#"). https://assets.airtel.in/static-assets/online-recharge-ui/assets/pdf/tnc.pdf and https://www.airtel.in/ir-terms/
  10. Vi, "Vi Call Forwarding Codes", 3 Dec 2025 (set, cancel and check codes, Android and iPhone steps, the cost tip for international numbers). https://www.myvi.in/blog/how-to-activate-and-deactivate-call-forwarding-code-on-vi
  11. Vi, Call Management (call waiting: dial *43# to activate and #43# to deactivate). https://www.myvi.in/value-added-services/call-management
  12. BSNL, "Call Forwarding" (mobile services page, saved by the Internet Archive on 7 Feb 2024; the live address now opens BSNL's home page): the codes, the +91 note and "All forwarded calls are billed the same way the regular call is billed". https://web.archive.org/web/20240207201936/https://www.bsnl.co.in/opencms/bsnl/BSNL/services/mobile/mobile_cf.html
  13. 3GPP TS 22.030 V19.0.0 (ETSI TS 122 030, Oct 2025), Man-Machine Interface of the User Equipment (code structure, registration with one or two stars, service codes 21, 67, 61, 62, 002 and 004, the third value as the no-reply timer). https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/122000_122099/122030/19.00.00_60/ts_122030v190000p.pdf
  14. 3GPP TS 22.082 V19.0.0 (ETSI TS 122 082, Oct 2025), Call Forwarding supplementary services (forwarded leg treated as an outgoing call, no-reply timer of 5 to 30 seconds in steps of 5, busy, no-reply and not-reachable forwarding rejected while forward all is active). https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/122000_122099/122082/19.00.00_60/ts_122082v190000p.pdf
  15. 3GPP TS 22.083 V19.0.0 (ETSI TS 122 083, Oct 2025), Call Waiting and Call Hold (how call waiting interacts with busy forwarding). https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/122000_122099/122083/19.00.00_60/ts_122083v190000p.pdf
  16. Communications Today, "DoT directs deactivation of USSD-based call forwarding by April 15", 30 Mar 2024 (the order dated 28 March: "all licensees shall discontinue the existing USSD-based call forwarding services with effect from April 15, 2024, till further notice", and *401# named as the most commonly known service), and TelecomTalk, "DoT Suspends Call Forwarding in India Using USSD Codes", 30 Mar 2024 (the same order). https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/dot-directs-deactivation-of-ussd-based-call-forwarding-by-april-15/ and https://telecomtalk.info/dot-suspends-call-forwarding-in-india-using-ussd-codes/944267/
  17. The Tribune, "Malicious calls: Centre warns users against dialling '*401#' followed by unknown mobile number", updated 12 Jan 2024 (DoT advisory). https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/malicious-calls-centre-warns-users-against-dialling-401-followed-by-unknown-mobile-number-580387
  18. Sanchar Saathi (Department of Telecommunications), "Undeliverable Parcel Scam" poster (dial *#21# to check, ##002# to cancel, report on the portal or app, call 1930). https://www.sancharsaathi.gov.in/SancharSaathiDocuments/KeepYourselfAwareDocuments/UndeliverableParcelScam.pdf
  19. Apple, "Set up call forwarding on iPhone", iPhone User Guide for India (steps, dual SIM, conditional forwarding through the carrier, blocked forwarding links). https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/iphone/iph7405291c4/ios
  20. Samsung, "How to enable/disable the 'call forwarding' feature in your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone", last updated 23 Apr 2026. https://www.samsung.com/sa_en/support/mobile-devices/how-to-enable-or-disable-the-call-forwarding-feature-in-your-samsung-galaxy-smartphone/
  21. Google, Pixel Phone Help, "Connect to mobile networks on a Pixel phone" (default SIM for calls, "Ask every time", calls to the other SIM go to voicemail during a call). https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2926415
  22. Android Open Source Project, frameworks/base, core/res/res/values/strings.xml (the messages "Connection problem or invalid MMI code.", "Feature not supported." and the roaming message). https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/base/+/refs/heads/main/core/res/res/values/strings.xml
  23. Android Open Source Project, frameworks/opt/telephony, GsmMmiCode.java (reads the third value in a forwarding code as the no-reply time). https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/opt/telephony/+/refs/heads/main/src/java/com/android/internal/telephony/gsm/GsmMmiCode.java