Call Forwarding Codes Nigeria: MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile (2026)

Last week, a friend called me in a panic. “My business line isn’t ringing but customers say they called.”

Took me 30 seconds to figure out what happened. Someone had activated call forwarding on his MTN line without him knowing. All his calls were going to a number he didn’t recognize.

One code fixed it. ##002#.

But here’s what bothers me—most Nigerians don’t know these codes exist, let alone how to use them or check if someone’s messing with their line. So here’s everything, starting with the codes you actually need.

 

Quick Start: MTN Nigeria Call Forwarding Codes

If you just need the codes right now (and I get it, you’re probably troubleshooting something), here they are:

 

What You Want	Code to Dial	Example
Forward ALL calls	*21[number]#	**21*08012345678#
Forward when busy	*67[number]#	**67*08012345678#
Forward if no answer	*61[number]#	**61*08012345678#
Forward when phone is off	*62[number]#	**62*08012345678#
Turn OFF all forwarding	##002#	##002#
Check if forwarding is active	*#21#	*#21#

 

That last one? Use it right now. Seriously, dial *#21# and see what comes up.

If you see a phone number you don’t recognize, keep reading the security section below.

 

Is Someone Secretly Forwarding Your Calls? Check Now

So this friend I talked about earlier… he kept missing calls he was expecting from business prospects. Turns out someone had accessed his phone and activated call forwarding to intercept his calls.

To check your line RIGHT NOW:

1. Open your phone dialer
2. Type: *#21#
3. Press call
4. Look at the screen

 

You’ll see either:

“Voice Call Forwarding On All Calls Disabled” — You’re safe
“Voice: Forwarded to +234XXXXXXXXXX” — Someone is forwarding your calls

If you see a number you don’t recognize, dial ##002# immediately. This kills all forwarding, no questions asked.

Can’t get *#21# to work?** Might be one of these common call forwarding problems. Fix it, then check your status.

 

Then:

• Change your phone’s lock screen PIN
• Check your recent calls for anything suspicious
• Contact MTN customer care (180) and report it
• Set up a new SIM PIN by dialing **040000new PIN*new PIN# (default PIN is usually 0000)

 

Why This Matters:

Scammers in Nigeria are using call forwarding to steal OTP codes. They clone your SIM or temporarily access your phone, turn on forwarding, and boom—every verification code you get goes to them first. They’ve emptied bank accounts this way.

So yeah. Check your line.

 

 

 

How to Activate Call Forwarding on MTN (Step by Step)

Okay, say you actually WANT to forward calls. Maybe you’re traveling, switching phones, or need your business line to ring somewhere else. Here’s how.

Basic Steps:

1. Decide which type you need (I’ll explain the difference in a sec)
2. Dial the code with your destination number
3. Press call
4. Wait for the confirmation message
5. Done

Takes maybe 20 seconds total.

 

The Different Types (and When to Use Each):

 

Unconditional Forwarding (Forward ALL Calls)
❯

• Code: **21*destination number#
• Use when: You want every single call to go to another number, period
• Example: You’re traveling abroad and want all calls to go to your assistant

To be honest, this is the nuclear option. Your original line won’t ring at all. Everything goes to the other number immediately.

 

Forward When Busy
❯

• Code: **67*destination number#
• Use when: You’re on a call and another call comes in
• Example: You’re running a small business solo and can’t afford to miss the second caller

 

Forward When No Answer
❯

• Code: **61*destination number#
• Use when: You don’t pick up after 15-20 seconds
• Example: Your main line rings first, but if you don’t grab it in time, it forwards to your backup phone

This is my favorite for business lines. Gives you a chance to answer, but nothing gets missed.

 

Forward When Unreachable
❯

• Code: **62*destination number#
• Use when: Your phone is off, dead battery, or no signal
• Example: You’re going into a long meeting and turning off your phone

 

 

I’ll give you an example from my business.

I run a small consulting firm. Before I switched to a proper business phone system, I used **61*08012345678# (forward when no answer) on my MTN line. Here’s why:

Between 9 AM and 5 PM, my primary phone rang first. If I was in a meeting or bathroom or whatever, after 20 seconds it forwarded to my assistant’s line. After 5 PM? ##002# to turn it all off because I wasn’t working.

Took me two years to figure out this setup. Could’ve saved myself a lot of missed calls if someone had just explained it like this.

 

 

Airtel Nigeria Call Forwarding Codes

Airtel uses the same codes as MTN. And I mean exactly the same.

 

Function	Code
Forward all calls	*21[number]#
Forward when busy	*67[number]#
Forward if no answer	*61[number]#
Forward unreachable	*62[number]#
Deactivate all	##002#
Check status	*#21#

 

Why’s this useful?

If you’re switching from MTN to Airtel or running dual SIMs (like most Nigerian business owners I know), you don’t need to learn new codes. Muscle memory works across networks.

One thing though: Airtel’s confirmation messages are slower. Sometimes takes 5-10 seconds to get the “forwarding activated” text. Don’t panic and redial. Just wait.

 

Glo Call Forwarding Codes

Glo? Also the same codes.

 

Function	Code
Forward all calls	*21[number]#
Forward when busy	*67[number]#
Forward no answer	*61[number]#
Forward unreachable	*62[number]#
Turn off	##002#
Check	*#21#

 

Glo-Specific Weirdness I’ve Noticed:

If you’re on Glo Berekete Smart or any special plan, sometimes call forwarding eats into your bonus minutes. Regular airtime is fine, but those bonus minutes? They don’t work for forwarded calls in my experience.

Happened to me twice before I figured it out. Set up forwarding, thought I had plenty of minutes, then got a “low balance” message because all my forwarded calls were burning through my regular airtime only.

Just something to watch.

 

T2mobile (Formerly 9mobile) Call Forwarding Codes

9mobile still uses the same standard:

 

Function	Code
Forward all calls	*21[number]#
Forward when busy	*67[number]#
Forward no answer	*61[number]#
Forward unreachable	*62[number]#
Deactivate	##002#
Status check	*#21#

9mobile Caveat:

Their network coverage in some parts of Nigeria (especially Lagos) can be spotty.

If you set up call forwarding from a 9mobile line but you’re in a low-signal area, the forwarding might not trigger properly. Calls just fail instead of forwarding.

Test it before you rely on it. Call yourself from another line and confirm the forwarding actually works.

 

How Much Does Call Forwarding Cost in Nigeria?

Okay, so the codes are free to activate. That part doesn’t cost anything.

But here’s the catch: the forwarded calls themselves cost money.

Think of it like this—when someone calls your original number and it forwards to another number, you’re basically making a call from your original line to the destination line. You pay for that connection.

 

The Breakdown:

• MTN to MTN: Normal call rates (₦11-₦12 per minute on most plans)
• MTN to other networks: Higher rates (₦15-₦20 per minute)
• International forwarding: Don’t even think about it unless you have money to burn. ₦60-₦100+ per minute

 

Real Cost Example:

Say you’re unavailable for some reason for about 3 days and you have call forwarding active; Your business line (MTN) forwarded to your employee’s line (also MTN), and they take about 40 minutes of calls per day.

Total cost: ₦1,440 for 3 days (120 minutes × ₦12/minute)

Not terrible, but it adds up. If you’re running a business and using this daily, factor it into your budget.

 

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

 

“I dialed the code but nothing happened”

 

Check these:

• Did you include the asterisks and hash symbols? It’s **21*number# not 21-number
• Is the destination number format correct? Include the zero at the start (08012345678, not 8012345678)
• Do you have network signal? Call forwarding setup needs a good connection
• Is your airtime balance above zero? Some networks won’t let you set up forwarding with zero balance

 

“Forwarding activated but calls aren’t forwarding”

This happened to me once. Here’s what usually causes it:

1. The destination number is switched off or out of network range
2. You activated the wrong type (maybe you did busy-forward but you need all-call-forward)
3. The destination number has call barring active
4. Network glitch (rare but happens)

 

 

“I can’t turn off forwarding”

• Dial ##002# three times in a row. Sometimes the first attempt doesn’t register.
• Still not working? Restart your phone, then try again.
• Nuclear option: Contact customer care and have them deactivate it from their end.

 

“The code works but I’m getting charged more than I expected”

Yeah, this is annoying. If you forward from MTN to Airtel, you’re paying cross-network rates even though it’s all “local” to Nigeria. The networks see it as MTN calling Airtel.

 

Your options:

• Forward only to the same network
• Use conditional forwarding (no-answer, busy) instead of all-calls to reduce minutes
• Consider a virtual number solution

 

Security: The Growing Problem with Call Forwarding Scams

I need to talk about this because it’s getting worse.

 

How the Scam Works:

1. Scammer gets access to your phone (borrowed for “emergency call”, pickpocket, social engineering)
2. They quickly dial **21*their number# to forward all your calls
3. They return your phone
4. You don’t notice anything wrong because you can still make calls
5. But INCOMING calls go to them
6. Your bank sends OTP to verify a transaction? They get it
7. Your account gets emptied

I’ve personally dealt with three people this happened to in the last two years.

 

Warning Signs:

• People tell you they called but you never saw the call
• You’re not getting expected callbacks
• Your call log shows outgoing but very few incoming calls
• Strange activity on your bank account

 

Protect Yourself:

• Check weekly: Dial *#21# every Monday morning. Make it a habit
• PIN your SIM: Set up a PIN so nobody can use your SIM even if they steal your phone
• Lock your phone properly: Not just the screen lock—the SIM PIN too
• Never leave your phone unlocked with strangers: “Can I make a quick call” is how they get you
• Watch your phone bill: Unexpected charges can mean unauthorized forwarding

 

If You Discover Unauthorized Forwarding:

• ##002# immediately
• Call your network customer care and report it
• Change all your passwords (bank apps, email, everything)
• Check your bank accounts for suspicious transactions
• Report to police if money was stolen
• Consider getting a new SIM card with a new number (nuclear option but sometimes necessary)

 

Business Use Cases (Why You’d Actually Want This)

Call forwarding isn’t just for emergencies. Here’s how real Nigerian businesses use it:

 

Small Business Owner with One Line:

You can’t answer every call in real-time. Use forward-when-busy or forward-when-no-answer to send calls to an employee’s phone after 20 seconds.

Costs a bit more but you never miss a customer.

 

Remote Team Setup:

Your Lagos office line forwards to whoever’s on duty that day. Morning shift? Forward to Tunde’s line. Afternoon? Switch to Bimpe’s line. Just change the forwarding number each shift.

 

After-Hours Coverage:

Set up forward-when-no-answer during business hours (catches calls when you’re busy), then switch to forward-all-calls after 6 PM to forward to an emergency line or answering service.

 

Multiple Location Businesses:

Your Abuja office calls forward to Lagos headquarters after 5 PM local time. Centralized coverage without paying for multiple dedicated lines.

 

Personal Assistant Setup:

Forward your business line to your assistant during meetings, then use ##002# to turn it off when you’re free. Toggle it on and off as needed.

 

Quick Reference: All Codes for All Networks

 

Activation Codes (Works on MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile):

• *21[number]# = Forward all calls
• *67[number]# = Forward when busy
• *61[number]# = Forward if no answer
• *62[number]# = Forward when unreachable

 

Deactivation:

• ##002# = Turn off ALL forwarding (use this when in doubt)
• ##21# = Turn off all-call forwarding only
• ##67# = Turn off busy forwarding only
• ##61# = Turn off no-answer forwarding only
• ##62# = Turn off unreachable forwarding only

 

Status Check:

• *#21# = Check if any forwarding is active
• *#67# = Check busy forwarding status
• *#61# = Check no-answer forwarding status
• *#62# = Check unreachable forwarding status

 

 

 

What Actually Happens When You Activate Forwarding

Just so you understand what’s going on behind the scenes:

When you dial **21*08012345678#, you’re telling your network: “Hey, whenever someone calls my number, don’t ring my phone. Instead, automatically call 08012345678 and connect the two calls.”

Your phone becomes a middleman. The person calling you doesn’t know their call was forwarded. The destination number sees your original caller ID.

That’s why it costs money—you’re essentially making a call in the background to connect everything.

 

Quick Answers

Why isn’t my call forwarding working?
❯

The most common reasons are incorrect number formatting, network issues, or using the wrong forwarding code type. See our complete troubleshooting guide for call forwarding issues which covers 7 specific problems and their fixes.

 

Can I forward to international numbers?
❯

Yes, but please don’t. The cost is crazy. I’ve seen bills over ₦10,000 for a few hours of forwarding to US numbers. If you need international forwarding, use a VoIP service that offers a USA number.

 

Can I forward to multiple numbers?
❯

No. One destination number per forwarding type. But you can get creative—forward to a second phone, and on that phone, set up a different forwarding rule.

 

Does the caller know their call was forwarded?
❯

Usually no. They might hear a slightly different ring tone or connection delay, but most people don’t notice.

 

Can I forward WhatsApp calls?
❯

No. Call forwarding only works for regular cellular calls. WhatsApp uses internet data, different system entirely.

 

What if both phones are switched off?
❯

The call fails. Forwarding can’t create a connection if the destination is unreachable.

 

Can someone activate forwarding remotely without touching my phone?
❯

Not easily, but yes if they have your SIM PIN or use sophisticated SIM swap attacks. This is why you should protect your SIM with a PIN and check forwarding status regularly.

 

Does it work on all MTN plans?
❯

Yes. Prepaid, postpaid, all of them. The codes are universal across MTN Nigeria.

 

When to Use Virtual Numbers Instead

Look, I have to be honest with you. Call forwarding is useful but it’s clunky and costs add up.

If you’re running any kind of business, or you need professional call management, or you want separate work/personal numbers without carrying two phones, consider a virtual number.

With PressOne, you get:

• Multiple numbers on one phone
• Call forwarding that doesn’t eat your airtime
• Professional features like call recording, voicemail, business hours
• Way cheaper for long-term use
• No codes to remember

I switched my consulting business to a virtual number a year ago and saved about ₦4,000 per month in forwarding charges. Plus I can forward calls through the app, not by memorizing codes.

If you find yourself using call forwarding codes every day, there’s probably a better way.

 

Final Thoughts

Call forwarding is one of those features that’s incredibly useful when you need it and invisible when you don’t.

Three things to remember:

1. Check your line regularly with *#21#—takes 5 seconds and could save you from a major scam
2. Know the codes but understand the costs before you rely on it for business
3. Test it before you need it. Set up forwarding, call yourself from another line, make sure it works

And honestly? If the scam stuff sounds scary, that’s because it should be. Three people I personally know have lost money to call forwarding fraud in the last two years. Not because they were careless—because they didn’t know it was possible.

Now you know.