Call forwarding is an essential telecommunications feature that redirects incoming calls from your du number to another phone number of your choice. Whether you are traveling abroad, using a secondary device, or simply want to ensure you never miss an important call, du provides multiple call forwarding options for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers in the UAE. This complete guide explains every type of call forwarding available on du and how to activate or deactivate each one in 2026.
Types of Call Forwarding on du
du offers four distinct types of call forwarding, each designed for a specific scenario. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right option for your needs.
1. Forward All Calls (Unconditional)
This option redirects every incoming call to your designated number regardless of whether your phone is on, off, busy, or unreachable. It is the most comprehensive forwarding type and is ideal when you want all calls routed to a different number without any exceptions.
2. Forward When Busy
This setting only activates when you are already on another call. Instead of the caller hearing a busy tone, their call is automatically redirected to your chosen forwarding number. This is perfect for professionals who receive frequent calls and do not want any caller to encounter a busy signal.
3. Forward When No Answer
If you do not pick up your phone within the standard ringing period (usually 15 to 30 seconds), the call is forwarded to your specified number. This works well when you occasionally miss calls but still want them to reach you through an alternate number or voicemail.
4. Forward When Unreachable
This forwarding type activates only when your phone is switched off, out of network coverage, or in airplane mode. Calls are routed to your chosen number so that callers can still reach you even when your primary device is completely unavailable.
How to Activate Call Forwarding Using Dialer Codes
The fastest method to set up call forwarding on du is through standard GSM dialer codes. These codes work universally across all phone types including basic feature phones and smartphones.
Activation Codes
| Forwarding Type | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
|---|---|---|
| Forward All Calls | **21*[number]# | ##21# |
| Forward When Busy | **67*[number]# | ##67# |
| Forward When No Answer | **61*[number]# | ##61# |
| Forward When Unreachable | **62*[number]# | ##62# |
| Cancel All Forwarding | - | ##002# |
How to Use These Codes
Replace [number] with the full phone number you want calls forwarded to, including the country code. For example, to forward all calls to a UAE number, you would dial **21*0501234567# and press the call button. You will hear a confirmation tone or see a popup message indicating that call forwarding has been successfully activated. To deactivate, simply dial the corresponding deactivation code.
How to Set Up Call Forwarding from Phone Settings
Both Android and iPhone devices offer built-in call forwarding settings that provide a user-friendly interface for managing redirections.
On Android Devices
Open the Phone app. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner. Select "Settings" followed by "Call Settings" or "Supplementary Services." Tap on "Call Forwarding" to see all four forwarding types listed. Select the type you want to enable, enter the destination phone number, and tap "Turn On" or "Enable." The phone will process the request through the du network and confirm activation.
On iPhone
Go to Settings and tap "Phone." Select "Call Forwarding" and toggle the switch to the ON position. Enter the destination number in the "Forward To" field. The iPhone only supports unconditional (forward all calls) forwarding through this menu. For conditional forwarding (busy, no answer, unreachable), you will need to use the GSM dialer codes described in the previous section.
Call Forwarding via the du App
The du app provides another convenient way to manage call forwarding settings. Download the du app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in with your du number and navigate to the "Services" or "Manage" section. Look for call forwarding options where you can enable or disable forwarding, set the destination number, and choose which forwarding type to activate. The app interface provides clear visual feedback on which forwarding rules are currently active.
Important Things to Know
Call forwarding on du may incur additional charges depending on your plan. Forwarded calls are typically billed at the standard call rate from your du number to the destination number. If you forward calls to an international number, international calling rates will apply. Always check with du customer service or the du app for current pricing details before activating forwarding to avoid unexpected charges on your bill.
Checking Active Forwarding Status
To check whether any call forwarding is currently active on your du number, dial *#21# for unconditional forwarding status, *#67# for busy forwarding, *#61# for no answer forwarding, or *#62# for unreachable forwarding. The system will display a message showing whether forwarding is enabled and which number calls are being redirected to.
Conclusion
Call forwarding on du is a powerful feature that ensures you never miss an important call regardless of your circumstances. Whether you activate it through simple dialer codes, phone settings, or the du app, the process takes just seconds. By understanding the four different forwarding types and their specific use cases, you can configure your du number to handle every calling scenario efficiently and stay connected at all times in 2026.