To forward calls to Google Voice from your cell phone means that when you miss a call, are unreachable, or are already on another call, your carrier will automatically send that call to your Google Voice number. This lets you manage all your missed calls and voicemail through Google Voice instead of your carrier's voicemail system.
What it means to forward calls to Google Voice
It does not cover forwarding your Google Voice number to your cell phone. Doing this gives you access to Google Voice features like voicemail transcription, custom greetings, and unified call management across devices.
Before you start: what you need
You need a working Google Voice number that you have already set up. You also need your cell phone, and your carrier must support standard GSM call forwarding codes. Most major carriers do. Google Voice says forwarding calls to an automated system is unsupported. If you have not yet linked a phone number to your Google Voice account, open the Google Voice app, tap Menu, then Settings, then under Account tap Devices and numbers, then New linked number. On iPhone and iPad, the same flow is Voice app > Menu > Settings > under Account, tap Devices and numbers > New linked number. To verify a mobile number, tap Send code and enter the texted code. For a landline, tap Verify by phone then Call and enter the spoken code.
How to forward unanswered calls to Google Voice
Use the code *61*GoogleVoiceNumber# to forward calls when you do not answer. Open your phone's dialer, enter the full string with your Google Voice number in place of "GoogleVoiceNumber", and press the call button. You should hear a confirmation tone or message that call forwarding when unanswered has been activated. For example, if your Google Voice number is 555-123-4567, you would dial *61*5551234567#.
How to forward calls when unreachable to Google Voice
Use the code *62*GoogleVoiceNumber# to forward calls when your phone is off or has no signal. Enter the code exactly as shown with your Google Voice number, then press call. A confirmation message will indicate that forwarding when unreachable is now active. This ensures calls still reach your Google Voice voicemail even if your phone is out of range or powered down.
How to forward calls when busy to Google Voice
Use the code *67*GoogleVoiceNumber# to forward calls when you decline an incoming call or are already on another call without call waiting. Dial the code with your Google Voice number and press call. After confirmation, any call that encounters a busy signal will be sent to your Google Voice number instead of your carrier's busy signal or voicemail.
How to disable call forwarding to Google Voice
To turn off each type of forwarding, use the corresponding disable codes:
- Disable forwarding when unanswered: dial ##61# and press call.
- Disable forwarding when unreachable: dial ##62# and press call.
- Disable forwarding when busy: dial ##67# and press call.
Each code will produce a confirmation that the specific forwarding rule has been deactivated. You can disable one, two, or all three depending on which you had enabled.
Troubleshooting forwarding problems
If the dial codes do not work, first confirm that your carrier supports standard GSM forwarding codes. Test the forwarding by asking a friend to call your cell phone while you do not answer, turn your phone off, or stay on another call. Double-check that you entered your Google Voice number correctly in the dial string, including the asterisks and hash symbols. If the codes still fail, contact your carrier to verify that call forwarding is enabled on your account and that there are no restrictions. You can also view your custom call forwarding rules in the Google Voice app by going to Menu > Settings > Custom call forwarding > Manage rules on iPhone, iPad, or Android. Google Voice provides a setting called 'Show my Google Voice number as caller ID when forwarding calls' under Settings > Calls on iPhone and iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I forward a cell phone to Google Voice without using dial codes?
Some carriers offer call forwarding settings in their phone app or online account portal. Check your carrier's settings menu for call forwarding options and enter your Google Voice number there instead of using dial codes.
Why would a cell phone give a busy ring when I call it?
A busy signal can happen if you are already on another call without call waiting enabled, or if you have manually declined the call. Setting up the busy forwarding code (*67*GoogleVoiceNumber#) sends those calls to your Google Voice number instead.
Will call forwarding to Google Voice work if I use Wi-Fi calling on iPhone?
Wi-Fi calling may affect how call forwarding behaves on some carriers. If you use Wi-Fi calling on iPhone, test the forwarding codes while connected to Wi-Fi and while on cellular to confirm both work as expected.
Does forwarding calls to Google Voice use my carrier minutes?
Yes, the forwarded call from your carrier to Google Voice counts as an outgoing call from your cell phone on your carrier's network. Standard voice call rates from your plan may apply.
Can I set different forwarding rules for different contacts?
Google Voice itself does not offer contact-specific forwarding from your carrier line. However, you can create custom call forwarding rules within the Google Voice app to handle calls differently based on the caller when they reach your Google Voice number.
