
How to Cancel Call Forwarding on Etisalat – A Complete 2025 Guide
Call forwarding is a handy feature when you’re busy, unavailable, or out of network. But once you’re done using it, it’s important to turn it off—otherwise, you could miss important calls or waste balance on unnecessary call rerouting. Etisalat makes it easy to cancel call forwarding in a few simple steps. Whether you set it up for when your phone was off, unreachable, or busy, this guide shows you exactly how to disable every type of call diversion on your Etisalat number.
What Is Call Forwarding on Etisalat?
Call forwarding lets you redirect incoming calls from your Etisalat number to another UAE number or voicemail. There are several types of forwarding:
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Unconditional Forwarding: Forwards every single call.
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When Busy: Only forwards if your line is busy.
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No Answer: If you don’t pick up after a few rings.
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Unreachable: When your phone is off or out of coverage.
While helpful, these settings can cause confusion if you forget to turn them off.
Why Cancel Call Forwarding?
If you’re done traveling, switched SIMs, or no longer want your calls routed elsewhere, disabling call forwarding is essential. Here’s why:
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Missed calls: Forwarded calls might not ring on your phone at all.
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Unwanted charges: Some call forwarding may deduct from your credit.
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Privacy concerns: Your calls could be reaching someone else if left on.
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Voicemail confusion: People might keep hitting voicemail when you’re actually available.
How to Cancel All Call Forwarding at Once
The fastest and most effective method to cancel all types of call forwarding in one go is by dialing this code:
Dial ##002#
and press call
This command removes all active call forwarding settings including busy, unanswered, unreachable, and unconditional forwarding. You’ll receive a confirmation message from Etisalat once it’s deactivated.
Cancel Specific Types of Forwarding (Advanced Users)
If you only want to cancel a specific forwarding condition, use the codes below:
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Cancel Unconditional Forwarding:
##21#
→ disables forwarding of all calls -
Cancel When Busy:
##67#
→ cancels forwarding if line is busy -
Cancel No Answer:
##61#
→ disables call forwarding when you don’t answer -
Cancel When Unreachable:
##62#
→ stops forwarding if your phone is off or no signal
Just enter the code and press the call button. You’ll get a pop-up or SMS confirmation.
How to Check If Call Forwarding Is Active
Not sure if your number is currently forwarding calls? Here’s how to check:
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To view active call forwarding settings, dial:
*#21#
→ shows all call forwarding types*#67#
→ check when busy*#61#
→ check no answer*#62#
→ check unreachable
These codes will display the forwarding status and the number calls are being forwarded to.
Turn Off Forwarding via Phone Settings (iPhone & Android)
You can also cancel forwarding using your phone settings:
On Android:
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Go to Phone App
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Tap Settings > Calls
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Open Call Forwarding
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Tap each option and choose Disable
On iPhone:
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Go to Settings
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Tap Phone > Call Forwarding
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Toggle Call Forwarding off
This method only cancels unconditional forwarding. For full cancellation, use the USSD codes listed earlier.
Can You Cancel Through the Etisalat App?
As of now, Etisalat’s official app does not support direct call forwarding cancellation. It mainly focuses on data plans, recharge, billing, and usage tracking. Use USSD codes or phone settings to handle forwarding.
What Happens After Cancellation?
Once you cancel forwarding:
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All incoming calls will ring directly to your Etisalat number.
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If you previously forwarded to voicemail, calls may now ring until missed.
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No more diversion charges will apply to your credit.
You can re-enable call forwarding anytime by using the standard activation codes (e.g., **21*number#
to forward all calls).
Common Issues and Fixes
Forwarding won’t cancel?
Try restarting your phone after dialing the cancellation code. Also, ensure you have mobile signal when entering the code.
Calls still not ringing?
Check Do Not Disturb mode or silent profiles—they might block calls even without forwarding.
Can’t access USSD menus?
If you’re on a business line or limited device, contact Etisalat support at 101 for manual help.
Accidentally cancelled voicemail?
You can reactivate voicemail by forwarding missed calls back to 123 (Etisalat’s voicemail number).
FAQs on Call Forwarding Cancellation
Does Etisalat charge to cancel forwarding?
No, deactivating call forwarding is completely free.
Will I lose any settings or numbers?
No. Your contacts and settings remain unchanged.
Can I re-enable forwarding after cancelling?
Yes, anytime using standard activation codes.
Is cancellation permanent?
Not at all—you’re free to activate and deactivate call forwarding as often as needed.
Final Thoughts
Cancelling call forwarding on Etisalat is quick and straightforward. If you’re done forwarding calls to another number or just want to regain full control of your incoming calls, all you need to do is dial ##002#
to wipe out all active forwarding settings. For more specific needs, Etisalat’s individual cancellation codes let you control exactly how your calls behave. Keep these codes handy—you never know when you’ll need to reset your call settings.