Call forwarding on your MTN line is a useful tool for redirecting calls, but it can sometimes cause you to miss important conversations or incur unexpected charges. If you’re ready to take back control and have all calls come directly to your phone, this guide provides simple, step-by-step methods. Deactivating this feature is quick, easy, and completely free, ensuring you never miss a ring again.
What is Call Forwarding and Why Turn It Off
Call forwarding, also known as call divert, is a network feature that automatically sends your incoming calls to another phone number or to your voicemail. People use it when they are busy, out of network coverage, or simply prefer to answer calls on a different device.
However, you might want to turn it off for several reasons. It can prevent you from knowing who is trying to reach you in real-time. In some cases, depending on your plan and the number you are forwarding to, it could lead to extra costs. Deactivating call forwarding ensures all incoming calls ring directly on your primary MTN number.
There are a few different types of call forwarding that you might have active on your line, and it’s helpful to know what they are. This awareness helps you understand exactly what you are deactivating.
- Call Forwarding Always: All your incoming calls are redirected.
- Call Forwarding When Busy: Calls are redirected only when you are on another call.
- Call Forwarding When Unanswered: Calls are sent to another number if you don’t pick up after a few rings.
- Call Forwarding When Unreachable: This activates if your phone is switched off or out of network coverage.
The Fastest Way to Deactivate All Call Forwarding with a USSD Code
Using a USSD code is by far the most popular and efficient method to cancel all call forwarding settings on your MTN line at once. This single code works for every type of call divert and provides instant confirmation.
Follow these simple steps on your mobile phone:
- Open your phone’s dialer application, the one you use to make calls.
- Type in the universal deactivation code: ##002#.
- Press the call or send button, just as if you were making a phone call.
- You will receive a pop-up message on your screen confirming that “Call forwarding erasure was successful.”
This action immediately removes all active call forwarding rules from your account. It is the most recommended method because of its speed and simplicity, saving you the trouble of navigating through complex phone menus.
How to Manually Disable Call Forwarding in Your Phone Settings
If for some reason the USSD code does not work, or if you prefer to manage your settings manually, you can deactivate call forwarding directly from your phone’s settings menu. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on whether you use an Android or an iPhone.
For most Android devices, you can find the option under the main Phone or Dialer app settings. This method is also useful if you only want to disable a specific type of call forwarding, such as “Forward when busy.”
On an iPhone, the settings are located within the main Settings app under the “Phone” section. Once you locate the Call Forwarding menu, you can toggle each option off individually. Make sure you save your changes before exiting the menu to ensure the settings are applied correctly.
What to Do if You Still Have Problems
In rare cases, you might still face issues even after trying the USSD code and checking your phone’s settings. This could be due to a network glitch or a specific issue with your line. When this happens, the most reliable solution is to contact MTN’s customer support team directly.
You can reach an MTN representative by dialing 180 from your MTN line if you are in Nigeria. For other regions, please check your local MTN website for the correct helpline number. When you speak to an agent, simply explain that you want to deactivate all call forwarding services on your number, and they will be able to resolve it for you from their end.
How to Confirm Call Forwarding Is Off
After you have used one of the deactivation methods, it is a good idea to confirm that it has worked successfully. A simple test can give you peace of mind and ensure you are now receiving all your calls directly.
The easiest way to check is to ask a friend or use another phone to call your MTN number. If your phone rings as it should and the call is not redirected to another number or your voicemail, then the deactivation was successful. If it still forwards, try restarting your phone and then perform the test again before contacting customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions about MTN Call Forwarding
What is the USSD code to cancel all call forwarding?
The universal code to cancel every type of call forwarding on the MTN network is ##002#. Dial this code and press the call button to erase all forwarding settings instantly.
Does deactivating call forwarding on MTN cost money?
No, it is completely free to deactivate call forwarding. You will not be charged for using the USSD code or for changing the settings manually on your device.
Can I turn off only one type of call forwarding?
Yes, you can. To do this, you need to go into your phone’s call settings menu, find the call forwarding section, and manually disable the specific type you no longer need, such as “Forward when unanswered.”
What should I do if the ##002# code doesn’t work?
If the USSD code fails, first try restarting your phone. If that doesn’t help, proceed to deactivate the feature manually through your phone’s settings. As a final resort, contact MTN customer support by dialing 180.
Why would my calls still be forwarding after I tried to stop it?
Sometimes, there can be a slight delay in the network updating your settings. Wait a few minutes after deactivating, restart your device, and then test it again. If the problem persists, it may require assistance from customer support.
