Call diverting is a feature that allows you to redirect a call to a different number. The device connected to the number you have diverted to will then ring, and the call will be transferred. The person calling you will be none the wiser that their call has been redirected, and your number will still appear on their phone.

Almost all modern phones and phone carriers (also known as phone networks) will have a call diversion or call forwarding screen. Using these settings will allow you to direct incoming calls to another phone number.

How to divert calls on an iPhone – Call forwarding instructions for an alternate phone

Using Apple’s built-in call forwarding function makes it incredibly easy to divert calls on an iPhone. Easily set up your device in just a few simple steps:

    Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

    About halfway down the menu, click “Phone” to open call settings.

    Click “Call Forwarding” to toggle call forwarding on.

    Call Forwarding is turned on when the button is moved to the right.

    Then, click “Forward To”.

    Finally type in the phone number of where you want calls to be diverted to.

    Once you’ve put your number in, just tap the back button and your changes will save automatically!

Set up call forwarding and call waiting on iPhone.

Once set up, any of your calls will be directed straight through unless your phone is out of service. Because you have no phone service, the calls won’t reach you in this instance, meaning they can’t be forwarded.

How to turn off call forwarding on your iPhone

If you want to turn off call forwarding on your iPhone, it’s very simple to do so.

    Open the Settings app.

    Click “Phone”.

    Click “Call Forwarding”.

    Click or swipe the button to the left to switch off call forwarding.

    Press the back button and your changes will be saved!

Conditional vs. unconditional call forwarding

On an iPhone, there are options for both conditional and unconditional call diverting. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Conditional call forwarding

Conditional call forwarding is an option that forwards your incoming calls to another number when you don’t pick up the phone. This option is also sometimes referred to as call forwarding conditional (CFC) or selective call forwarding. When activated, the phone will ring, and you can choose to decline, send the call to voicemail or forward the call to another number. If the call rings out, it will be forwarded to another number automatically.

Unconditional call forwarding

Unconditional call forwarding immediately forwards all calls to another phone number without allowing the device to ring. This option is also called call forwarding unconditional (or CFU). When activated, callers will not have to wait for you to decide what to do with the call! They also won’t be kept waiting while your phone rings out before being redirected. This makes forwarding calls quicker and more seamless, both for you and for the caller, but it does mean you don’t have the option to instantly screen your calls or pick up when it might be important.