T-Mobile allows you to easily forward incoming voice calls using short dial codes (USSD codes) entered directly into your phone’s keypad. However, T-Mobile does not support automatic forwarding of traditional SMS text messages from the network to a different phone number.
To achieve seamless forwarding of both calls and texts to another device, T-Mobile customers should utilize the T-Mobile DIGITS service, which syncs your mobile number across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
This guide provides the necessary dial codes for calls and explains the best way to handle text message forwarding on the T-Mobile network.
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How to Forward Voice Calls on T-Mobile
T-Mobile uses universal Supplementary Service (SS) codes, which are entered into your phone’s dialer app, to instantly activate and deactivate call forwarding features.
Unconditional (Immediate) Call Forwarding
This option forwards all incoming calls immediately to the destination number. Your T-Mobile phone will not ring.
| Action | Dial Code |
| Activate Forward All | **21*1+[10-Digit Phone Number]# |
| Example | **21*12125551234# |
| Deactivate Forward All | ##21# |
Conditional Call Forwarding
Conditional forwarding only reroutes calls when you are unable to answer, allowing your T-Mobile phone to ring first.
| Condition | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
| No Answer (If you don’t pick up) | **61*1+[Number]# | ##61# |
| Busy (If you are already on a call) | **67*1+[Number]# | ##67# |
| Not Reachable (Phone is off or out of range) | **62*1+[Number]# | ##62# |
| Reset ALL Forwarding | N/A | ##004# |
Optional: Setting the Ring Delay Time (Conditional)
For No Answer forwarding, you can typically set the number of seconds the phone rings before forwarding the call (5, 10, 15, up to 30 seconds).
- Code Format: **61*1[Number]**[Seconds]#
- Example (10 seconds): **61*12125551234**10#
Alternative Method: Phone Settings
If you prefer using menus over dial codes, you can usually manage call forwarding in your device’s settings:
- Open your Phone or Dialer
- Go to Settings (often a three-dot or menu icon).
- Navigate to Calls > Call Forwarding.
- Select the desired option (e.g., Always Forward, Forward when Unanswered) and enter the 10-digit number.
- How to Forward Text Messages on T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s network does not support an automatic network-level SMS forwarding feature (like the dial codes used for voice calls) to a different number. If you want incoming texts to automatically appear on a secondary device, you must use T-Mobile’s proprietary app or native device features.
Option A: T-Mobile DIGITS (Recommended Solution)
T-Mobile DIGITS is the carrier’s solution for multi-device communication. It allows you to use your single T-Mobile number (calls, texts, and voicemail) on up to five compatible devices. This effectively mirrors your texts rather than forwarding them.
- What it does: Your primary T-Mobile number rings and receives texts on your primary phone, your secondary tablet, and a computer simultaneously.
- How to Access:
- Download the T-Mobile DIGITS app (for iOS/Android) or access the DIGITS web client via Chrome or Firefox browser.
- Log in using your T-Mobile ID and follow the steps to link your line.
- Once linked, all incoming texts will instantly appear on your linked device.
Option B: Native Device Syncing (iOS/Apple Users)
If you are forwarding texts to another Apple device (iPad, Mac), you can use Apple’s built-in feature:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages.
- Select Text Message Forwarding.
- Toggle ON the devices (iPad, Mac, etc.) you want to receive your SMS/MMS messages.
- Your iPhone must be turned on and connected to Wi-Fi/cellular for this to work.
Option C: Third-Party Apps (Android Users)
For Android users wanting to forward texts to another device or an email address, you must rely on a third-party application designed for SMS automation, as T-Mobile does not offer this function natively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does T-Mobile charge extra to forward calls?
No, T-Mobile does not charge an extra fee to activate or use call forwarding within the United States. However, if you forward a call to an international number, international calling rates will apply for the forwarded portion of the call.
Can I forward my texts to an email address?
T-Mobile does not offer a direct network feature for this. The only way to forward a text to an email address is to do it manually from your phone’s messaging app by selecting the message, choosing the Forward option, and entering the recipient’s email address in the “To” field.
If I use Unconditional Call Forwarding, does my phone still use battery?
Yes. While your phone won’t ring, the device still needs to maintain a connection to the cell tower and process the incoming call data before the network reroutes the call. However, battery drain will be slightly lower than if the phone were constantly ringing.
Why is T-Mobile DIGITS necessary for texts?
T-Mobile DIGITS uses the internet (VoIP) to deliver messages to all your logged-in devices simultaneously. Traditional SMS is tied to the SIM card and the network’s SMS Center (SMSC); without a specialized service like DIGITS, the network can only deliver the text to one device at a time.
