Ever wondered what those strange sequences like **21*number# mean when you see them online? These are call forwarding codes. Think of them as simple, direct commands you punch into your phone to redirect incoming calls to a different number automatically. No need to dig through settings menus; it’s a quick instruction that tells your mobile network exactly where to send your calls.
How Call Forwarding Actually Works in the UAE
When you dial a forwarding code on your Etisalat or du line, you're not just changing a setting on your handset. You're actually sending a command directly to the network's central switch. It’s like leaving a message for the operator telling them, "If someone calls my number, send them over to this other line instead."
This entire process happens at the network level, which is a key detail. Because the redirection is handled by the network switch, your phone doesn't even have to be turned on or connected to the network for call forwarding to work flawlessly.
Understanding the Different Forwarding Types
The real magic of these codes is in their flexibility. You can set specific rules for when and how your calls get rerouted, which is incredibly useful for both personal and business communications. Getting a handle on the different types is the first step.
- Unconditional Forwarding: This is the "all-in" option. Every single call gets sent to your chosen number instantly. A freelancer in Dubai, for instance, could use this to route all work calls to a virtual assistant during a deep-focus session, guaranteeing zero distractions.
- Busy Forwarding: This one is smart. It only kicks in when you're already on another call. A sales professional can't risk missing a potential lead, so they might forward incoming calls to a colleague's line whenever they're busy closing another deal.
- Unanswered Forwarding: If you can't get to the phone in time, this feature has your back. After a certain number of rings, the call is automatically sent to another number. It's a perfect way to make sure a call to your mobile eventually finds its way to the office landline if you miss it.
Key Takeaway: The specific code you use tells the network why it should forward the call. By choosing the right trigger—unconditional, busy, or unanswered—you can build a call management system that’s perfectly suited to your day-to-day needs.
The Regulatory Landscape in the UAE
Here in the UAE, call forwarding is also shaped by local telecommunications regulations. To bolster security and prevent fraud, authorities have put policies in place that govern VoIP services and block international calls that spoof local numbers.
These security measures have proven effective in reducing fraudulent activity and also reinforce the control that local providers have over the network. This means that every time you use a code like *21* or **004*, it's operating within the legal framework established by Etisalat and du to comply with national telecom laws. You can discover more insights about calling regulations and see how they affect various services across the region.
The Essential Call Forwarding Codes for Etisalat and du
When you need to manage call forwarding in the UAE, the good news is that both Etisalat and du keep things simple. They rely on a standard set of MMI codes (Man-Machine Interface codes) that work across both networks.
Think of these codes as quick commands for your phone line. Instead of digging through layers of menus in your phone’s settings, you just punch in a short code to tell the network exactly what to do. It’s a direct, no-fuss way to activate, cancel, or just check on your forwarding settings.
Your Go-To Code Reference
I've put together a quick reference table with all the essential codes you'll need. This covers every common scenario, whether you want to forward all calls or only when your line is busy. Just be sure to swap "your number" with the full phone number you want to send calls to.
MMI Codes for Etisalat & du Call Forwarding
| Forwarding Condition | Action | Code to Dial (replace with your number) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unconditional (All Calls) | Activate | **21*your number# | Etisalat & du |
| Deactivate | ##21# | Etisalat & du | |
| Check Status | *#21# | Etisalat & du | |
| When Busy | Activate | **67*your number# | Etisalat & du |
| Deactivate | ##67# | Etisalat & du | |
| Check Status | *#67# | Etisalat & du | |
| When Unanswered | Activate | **61*your number# | Etisalat & du |
| Deactivate | ##61# | Etisalat & du | |
| Check Status | *#61# | Etisalat & du | |
| When Unreachable | Activate | **62*your number# | Etisalat & du |
| Deactivate | ##62# | Etisalat & du | |
| Check Status | *#62# | Etisalat & du | |
| Deactivate All Forwarding | Deactivate | ##002# | Etisalat & du |
This list should cover just about any situation you run into. If you want to explore more provider-specific details, our complete guide on https://cloud-call-center.ae/2025/08/30/call-forwarding-etisalat/ breaks everything down even further.
Pro Tip: Here’s a trick I always use. Save the code
##002#as a contact named something like "Stop All Forwarding." This gives you a one-tap way to instantly cancel every forwarding rule and make sure all calls come straight to your phone again. It’s a lifesaver when you need to quickly reset everything.
Activating Your Codes: A Practical Walkthrough
Knowing the right call forwarding code is one thing, but using it correctly is what really counts. Thankfully, the whole process is designed to be quick and easy, done right from your phone's dialer. No digging through confusing settings menus required.
Let's say you're stepping out of the office for a bit but can't miss a critical client call. You need those calls to ring on your colleague's desk phone (04-555-1234) instead of your mobile. This is the perfect use case for unconditional call forwarding.
Putting the Codes to Work
To get this set up, you’d just open your phone's keypad and punch in the sequence: **21*045551234#.
Once you've typed it in, hit the call button just like you're making a regular phone call. In a few seconds, a confirmation message should pop up on your screen from your carrier, letting you know that call forwarding is now active. It’s really that simple.
This process breaks down into three core actions for any call forwarding setup.
As you can see, it's a straightforward sequence: enter the code, add the destination number, and then confirm. It's designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of how tech-savvy you are.
Taking Back Control: How to Deactivate
Just as crucial as turning it on is knowing how to turn it off. When you’re back at your desk and ready to take calls on your mobile again, you'll need to deactivate the forwarding. This is where the deactivation codes come into play.
Your go-to command for canceling all forwarding at once is the universal code ##002#. Just dial this and press call. It instantly wipes the slate clean, so all new calls will ring right on your own device.
This single command gives you the power to toggle the service on and off whenever your schedule demands it.
For a deeper dive into different situations, check out our guide on how to divert calls to another number, which offers up more tips and tricks. Understanding both sides of the coin—activation and deactivation—is the key to managing your calls like a pro, with no guesswork involved.
Putting Call Forwarding to Work for Your Business
Call forwarding is much more than a personal convenience; it's a surprisingly powerful tool for any business in the UAE. When you pair simple forwarding codes with a virtual phone number, you can instantly create a polished, seamless experience for your customers and project a strong local presence.
Think about a global e-commerce company trying to break into the Dubai market. Setting up a physical office is a massive expense. Instead, they can get a local Dubai number that automatically forwards all incoming calls to their main support center, no matter where it is in the world. This small touch builds immediate trust, making customers feel like they're dealing with a company that's right around the corner.
Elevate Your Customer Experience and Availability
This strategy is a game-changer for managing busy periods or offering support outside of standard business hours. A small business, for example, can forward calls to an on-call team member's mobile after 6 PM. This simple act ensures that urgent customer needs are never missed and maintains the image of a company that's always available, all without the cost of a dedicated night shift.
It's all about being smarter with your resources.
- Handle Peak Hours: Divert those overflow calls to a partner contact center when your team is swamped.
- Provide After-Hours Support: Make sure critical calls find their way to a designated on-call phone.
- Maintain a Unified Presence: Use a single business number that intelligently routes calls to different departments or remote employees, wherever they are.
In the UAE, the real power of call forwarding is unlocked when combined with virtual numbers, especially for international businesses. We've seen the demand for UAE virtual numbers climb by over 30% each year since 2018. It's a clear trend: global firms buy these local numbers and forward the calls to their international hubs. The result? Customer pickup rates can jump by as much as 40%. You can learn more about the impact of UAE virtual numbers and see for yourself how they build caller confidence.
As you map out your communication strategy, it's worth remembering that call forwarding is often just one feature within a larger package. Properly choosing business phone and internet services is the first step to building a robust system.
To take things even further, integrating these features with modern phone systems can have a huge impact on your team's efficiency. For businesses looking to upgrade, understanding how Voice over IP in Dubai works will show you how call forwarding fits into a bigger, more dynamic communications picture.
What to Do When Call Forwarding Fails
It’s incredibly frustrating when you dial a forwarding code and get hit with an error message like "Invalid MMI code." But before you spend time waiting on hold with customer support, take a breath. Most of the time, these errors stem from a simple, easily corrected mistake.
Running through a few quick checks on your own can often resolve the problem in seconds, getting you back to business without the hassle.
Your First-Pass Troubleshooting Checklist
Let's start with the most common culprits. From my experience, the vast majority of forwarding issues on both Etisalat and du networks come down to one of these minor slip-ups.
-
Check the Code's Syntax: This is the big one. It's surprisingly easy to miss a
*or a#. Take a moment to carefully re-examine the code you entered. For example, the format should be exact, like**21*phonenumber#. One wrong character and the command will fail. -
Verify the Destination Number: Did you type the receiving number correctly? Make sure it's an active line and that you've included the full number as required. A simple typo here is a frequent cause of errors.
-
Confirm Your Plan Supports It: While call forwarding is standard on most plans, some basic or older subscriptions might not include it, or certain types of forwarding could be disabled. It's worth a quick look at your account details to be sure the feature is active.
Pro Tip: When things get tangled, sometimes the best move is a clean slate. Dialing ##002# acts as a master reset, canceling all call forwarding on your line. This lets you start fresh and can often clear up stubborn glitches.
If you’ve gone through this checklist and are still running into trouble, the issue might be something on the network's end. This is the point where reaching out to your provider is the right call. The support teams at Etisalat and du can look into your account specifically and diagnose any deeper issues for you.
Common Questions About Call Forwarding
Even when you have the right codes handy, some practical questions always seem to pop up. Let's tackle some of the most common things people in the UAE ask about call forwarding, so you can use the service with confidence and avoid any billing surprises.
Are There Charges for Using Call Forwarding Codes?
Yes, there are usually costs, but it’s crucial to know what you’re actually paying for. Using a call forwarding code to turn the feature on or off is typically free with providers like Etisalat and du. The charge comes from the call itself.
Think of it like this: you're billed for the second leg of the journey—the part where the call is redirected from your phone to the new number. So, if you forward your mobile to a local landline, you’ll be charged the standard rate for that mobile-to-landline call for its full duration.
Be particularly careful with international forwarding. Those costs can stack up fast, as you'll be paying standard international rates for every single call that gets sent overseas. It’s always a good idea to check your provider’s latest tariff sheet before you set it up.
Can I Forward My Calls to an International Number?
You absolutely can. Both major UAE networks support forwarding calls to international numbers. The activation process is identical, but you just need to enter the destination number in the full international format.
For example, to send your calls to a number in the UK, you would dial the code like this: **21*+44...#.
It’s a fantastic option for staying connected across different countries, but always keep the cost in mind. You're covering the international leg of the call, and those minutes can get expensive.
What Happens to My Text Messages?
This is a really common question, and the answer is simple: nothing. Call forwarding is built to handle voice calls only.
Your SMS and MMS messages are completely separate from this service. They’ll still arrive on your original device just like they always do, so you don't have to worry about missing any important texts.
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