How to Deactivate Call Forwarding on Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL

2026-09-21 · 6 min read

If calls to your number are going somewhere else, or you set up forwarding once and forgot about it, one code usually fixes it: dial ##002# and press call. It cancels every kind of forwarding on every Indian mobile network. The rest of this guide covers the cases where you only want to switch off one kind, the Jio shortcuts, landlines, and what to do when the network refuses the code.

The one code that turns off all forwarding

Type ##002# and press the call button. Within a few seconds the screen should say something like Erasure was successful or Call forwarding deactivated. That single code cancels all four kinds of forwarding at once: all calls, when busy, when not answered and when unreachable. It works on Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL mobile numbers, prepaid and postpaid, because it is a standard GSM code handled by the network rather than by your phone.

If you are not sure what was set, use this code. There is no harm in running it when nothing is forwarded; the network simply confirms that nothing is active.

Turning off one kind of forwarding only

Sometimes you want to keep one condition and drop another. For example, you may want missed calls to keep going to a receptionist but stop forwarding every call. Each condition has its own off code:

A single hash (#21#) disables a setting but keeps the number stored, so *21# brings it back later. A double hash (##21#) erases it completely. For switching off, the double hash is the cleaner choice.

Jio's own short codes

Jio numbers accept the standard codes above, and Jio also has its own codes that you dial like a normal number and press call:

• All calls: set with *401*NUMBER, turn off with *402
• When not answered: set with *403*NUMBER, turn off with *404
• When busy: set with *405*NUMBER, turn off with *406
• When unreachable: set with *409*NUMBER, turn off with *410

You can also do it in the MyJio app under Settings, Call settings, Call forwarding. If you are unsure which system set the forwarding, run ##002# first; it clears the standard settings, and then check the MyJio app.

From the phone's settings instead of a code

On Android, open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then Settings, Calls or Supplementary services, then Call forwarding. Choose voice calls and switch off each condition. On an iPhone, open Settings, Apps, Phone, Call Forwarding and turn the switch off. Note that the iPhone switch only controls forwarding of all calls. Forwarding when busy or not answered is set in the network and only shows up through the codes above, so an iPhone can show the switch off while missed calls are still being forwarded. That catches a lot of people out; ##002# settles it.

When the code does not work

If the screen says connection problem or invalid MMI code, try these in order. Make sure the phone is on the network (not in flight mode or on Wi-Fi calling only). Dial the code from the SIM whose forwarding you are changing if you have two SIMs. Restart and try once more. If it still fails, call your operator's care number (198 or 199 for most, 121 on Airtel, 1503 on BSNL) and ask them to remove call forwarding from the number. They can see and clear it from their side in a minute.

Landlines are different

A BSNL or MTNL copper landline usually turns forwarding off with #21# dialled from the handset, or by asking customer care to remove the call diversion. Fibre voice lines from Jio, Airtel and Tata are managed in the provider's app under the landline number, not by dialling.

Why businesses often keep forwarding on

Forwarding is how a clinic or shop keeps its own number and still has every call answered. The owner or the desk answers first; if nobody picks up in fifteen seconds, the call moves on to a receptionist line that takes the caller's name, number and reason and sends it on WhatsApp. If you are switching forwarding off because calls were going to an old number, it may be worth setting it again to a line that actually answers, using the codes on our call forwarding page.

Common questions

What is the code to deactivate call forwarding?

Dial ##002# and press call. It turns off every kind of call forwarding on Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL mobile numbers.

How do I turn off call forwarding on Jio?

Dial ##002# to clear all standard forwarding, or use Jio's own codes: *402 for all calls, *404 for not answered, *406 for busy and *410 for unreachable. The MyJio app also has a switch under Call settings.

Why are my calls still forwarded after I turned it off on my iPhone?

The iPhone switch only controls forwarding of all calls. Forwarding when busy or not answered lives in the network. Dial ##002# to clear those too.

Is there a charge to turn off call forwarding?

No. Setting, checking and removing forwarding with these codes is free.

How do I know forwarding is off?

Dial *#21#, *#61#, *#62# and *#67#. Each should report that the service is disabled or not active.

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