How to Deactivate Call Forwarding on Etisalat & Du: Full Guide 

Deactivating call forwarding on Etisalat and Du requires dialing specific MMI codes directly from the affected SIM.

Dial ##002# to cancel all active forwarding types in a single step. This code works on both networks.

Confirm deactivation by checking that incoming calls connect directly to your device without redirection.

Why Your Calls Are Being Forwarded Without You Knowing

How Do Hackers Redirect Your Calls Without Touching Your Phone?

Hackers exploit SS7 protocol vulnerabilities to alter call forwarding settings remotely on Etisalat and Du networks. The SS7 protocol, a telecommunications signaling system developed in 1975, contains architectural weaknesses that allow unauthorized parties to send commands directly to carrier infrastructure. Research published by Positive Technologies in 2018 identified SS7 attack success rates exceeding 89% across tested mobile networks, including networks in the Middle East. Carriers such as Etisalat, Du, and Vodafone store forwarding configurations at the network level, meaning changes take effect without any interaction with your physical device. No notification is delivered to your handset when settings are altered, leaving 0 visible indicators of the change on your phone.

How Do Scammers Trick You Into Activating Call Forwarding Yourself?

Scammers use deceptive callback prompts to route your calls through premium-rate lines, including international numbers, revenue-generating redirects, and carrier billing exploits. These prompts arrive as missed call alerts, voicemail notifications, or SMS messages directing you to dial specific numbers such as +882, +883, or +979 prefixes. Dialing these numbers activates forwarding codes, including MMI codes like \*\*21\*, silently during the call. The International Telecommunication Union reported in 2021 that premium-rate fraud generates approximately $4.73 billion annually across global telecom networks. Every call you make or receive then routes through lines controlled by the scammer, generating per-minute charges billed directly to your account.

Why Does Call Forwarding Activate Without Any Deliberate Action?

Call forwarding activates without deliberate input through 3 carrier-level rule types: unconditional forwarding, conditional forwarding, and network-state forwarding. Unconditional forwarding redirects 100% of incoming calls before your device rings once. Conditional forwarding rules trigger under specific network conditions, including busy signals, unanswered calls after a set number of rings, and unreachable device states such as powered-off or out-of-coverage scenarios. Because all forwarding rules are stored on carrier servers rather than on your handset, no record of active forwarding appears in your phone settings, call logs, or notification panels. A 2020 GSMA security audit confirmed that carrier-side configuration changes generate no device-side alerts across 94% of tested network implementations.

Deactivate Call Forwarding on Etisalat With Dial Codes

Dial ##002# to deactivate all call forwarding settings simultaneously, reverting every diversion condition to its default state. This single command disables all forwarding types, including always-divert, busy-divert, and no-answer divert, across Etisalat’s network in 1 step.

To disable specific forwarding conditions individually, dial the corresponding codes below:

• Disable always-divert forwarding by dialing #21#
• Disable busy-condition diversion by dialing #67#
• Disable unavailable-condition diversion by dialing #62#
• Disable no-answer diversion by dialing #61#
• Disable all conditional forwarding types at once by dialing #004#

To erase a forwarding rule entirely rather than temporarily disabling it, replace the single leading # with ## in any code listed above.

Verify active forwarding settings before deactivating by dialing confirmation codes such as \*#21#, \*#004#, or \*#62#. Confirming active settings first identifies exactly which rules require removal, reducing the risk of missing an active diversion planted through an SS7 exploit or social engineering method.

Turn Off Call Forwarding on Du Using USSD Codes

Dialing ##002# on a Du line disables all types of call forwarding in a single command. This code targets unconditional, no-answer, unreachable, and busy-line forwarding simultaneously. To disable only unconditional forwarding, dial ##21#. To disable no-answer forwarding specifically, dial ##61#. To disable unreachable forwarding, dial ##62#. To disable busy-line forwarding, dial ##67#. After entering any of these codes, press the call button to execute the command. Dial \*#21# after the command to confirm no active forwarding remains on the Du line.

Du USSD Deactivation Codes

USSD codes provide a direct method to deactivate call forwarding on Du networks by entering a specific code into the phone dialer and pressing the call button. Confirmation appears as a message or tone once the deactivation completes.

Use the following codes to deactivate specific forwarding types:

Conditional forwarding includes types such as busy forwarding, no-answer forwarding, and unreachable forwarding. Each code targets a distinct forwarding behavior, including calls diverted after ringing, calls redirected when the phone is off, and calls redirected when outside coverage.

How Do You Check Forwarding Status Before Deactivating on Du?

Verify each forwarding type using its corresponding status code before entering a deactivation code. Checking status first confirms which forwarding types are active, preventing unnecessary deactivation attempts on inactive settings.

Follow these steps to check forwarding status:

1. Open the phone dialer application.
2. Enter the status code for the forwarding type, such as \*#21# for unconditional forwarding, \*#61# for no-answer forwarding, or \*#62# for unreachable forwarding.
3. Press the call button to retrieve the current status.
4. Review the confirmation message displaying the active forwarding number and status.

Disabling Specific Forwarding Types

Which USSD codes disable specific call forwarding types on Du?

Dial the corresponding USSD code to deactivate only the forwarding type you want to turn off, leaving all other configurations active. Du’s network processes each USSD code as a targeted command, applying changes to 1 specific forwarding condition without resetting remaining settings.

To deactivate individual forwarding types, dial the following codes:

1. Dial #67# to deactivate call diversion when your line is busy.
2. Dial #62# to deactivate diversion when your handset is off or out of coverage.
3. Dial #61# to deactivate forwarding triggered by no response.
4. Dial #004# to deactivate all conditional diversions, including busy, unreachable, and no-answer types, simultaneously.

How do you fully erase a forwarding setting rather than just deactivate it?

Dialing an erasure code removes a forwarding setting entirely, deleting the stored destination number rather than simply suspending the rule. This distinction matters when you want to ensure no forwarding destination remains saved on the network, covering scenarios like switching devices, changing numbers, or ending a forwarding arrangement permanently.

To erase specific forwarding configurations, use these codes:

Dial ##004# to clear all 3 conditional forwarding types, including busy, unreachable, and no-answer settings, in a single command, use this option only when no conditional forwarding rules need to be preserved.

Verifying Forwarding Is Off

Your query ran successfully if a “setting interrogation succeeded” message appears on your screen.

Carriers including Etisalat, AT&T, and Vodafone return this confirmation code after processing a status request through the network. Re-enter the deactivation codes and check again if any code still shows an active forwarding number. Toggle airplane mode for 10 seconds or contact your carrier directly if issues persist after re-dialing.

Server redirects for unreachable calls on networks like Etisalat are standard network routing responses, not indicators of active call forwarding. These redirects occur when a call reaches a temporarily unavailable endpoint and the network routes the signal to a default fallback path. No deactivation action is required in this case.

Dual SIM Users: Identify Which SIM Has Forwarding Active

How Do You Tell Which SIM Has Call Forwarding Active?

Check each SIM’s supplementary services menu separately to identify which line has forwarding enabled. Android devices running dual SIM configurations store forwarding settings independently per slot, meaning SIM1 and SIM2 maintain separate forwarding states that do not affect each other, according to Android’s telephony framework documentation.

1. Open the Phone app, tap the 3-dot menu, select Settings, then navigate to Supplementary Services.
2. Tap Calling Accounts and select a specific line, including SIM1 or SIM2, to open that line’s forwarding settings.
3. Review all 4 forwarding categories, including Always Forward, Forward When Busy, Forward When Unanswered, and Forward When Unreachable.
4. Confirm the forwarding state per category, noting whether each displays an active destination number or a disabled status.
5. Dial a status code on the active SIM to verify forwarding directly through your carrier:

• \*#61# to check Forward When Unanswered
• \*#62# to check Forward When Unreachable
• \*#67# to check Forward When Busy

How Do You Compare Forwarding Status Across Both SIMs?

Use a side-by-side review of each SIM’s 4 forwarding categories to locate exactly which line and condition have forwarding active.

How Do You Identify Each SIM Faster in Settings?

Assign a custom label to each SIM so that identification across menus, including call logs, forwarding settings, and account selectors, requires 0 guesswork.

1. Open Settings, tap Network and Internet, then tap SIMs.
2. Select a SIM slot, including SIM1 or SIM2, and enter a descriptive name such as Personal, Work, or Travel.
3. Verify the label appears correctly in the Phone app’s calling account selector before closing settings.

How to Disable Call Forwarding on Android Phones

Open the Phone app on your Android device. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper corner of the screen. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. Tap Calling Accounts or Call Settings, depending on your device model. Select your SIM card from the list. Tap Call Forwarding to view all active forwarding options. Turn off Always Forward if it is currently enabled. Turn off Forward When Busy if it is currently enabled. Turn off Forward When Unanswered if it is currently enabled. Check that the call forwarding notification has disappeared from your status bar. Dial the USSD code ##61# to confirm call forwarding has been deactivated on your line.

Accessing Call Settings

Pulling up the Phone app is your starting point for disabling call forwarding on Android. Locate it on your home screen or swipe up to find it in your app drawer. Once open, follow these steps:

1. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Settings.
2. Choose Calls or Calling Accounts from the available options, including options like Calls, Calling Accounts, or Call Settings.
3. Select your specific SIM card before proceeding if you’re using a dual SIM device.
4. Tap Call Forwarding to view all active forwarding categories, such as unconditional forwarding, busy forwarding, or no-answer forwarding.

The USSD code ##002# disables all active call forwarding directly through your carrier network, bypassing the need to navigate app menus entirely. This code works by sending a signal to your carrier’s network infrastructure, which cancels registered forwarding instructions at the network level rather than at the device level. Dial ##002# as an alternative if you cannot locate these settings within your Phone app. Repeat this entire process for each active SIM if you’re using a dual SIM setup.

Disabling Forwarding Options

How Do You Disable Each Call Forwarding Option?

Disable every forwarding type individually to prevent unexpected call redirection across all conditions. Telecom engineers at the GSM Association confirm that each forwarding condition stores a separate redirect number, meaning disabling one category does not clear the others.

How Do You Confirm That Forwarding Has Been Removed?

Re-enter each USSD code after disabling to verify that no redirect numbers remain stored on the SIM. The GSM Association documents 4 independent forwarding registers per SIM card, including registers for busy, unanswered, unreachable, and unconditional states.

1. Open the Call Forwarding menu in your device settings.
2. Toggle off each forwarding option individually, including Always Forward, Forward When Busy, and Forward When Unanswered.
3. Enter each corresponding USSD code to confirm removal.
4. Check that 0 redirect numbers remain in each forwarding register.

What Should You Do on a Dual-SIM Device?

Repeat the full 4-step disabling process for the second SIM, because each SIM card maintains 4 completely independent forwarding registers. Network providers including Vodafone, AT&T, and T-Mobile each confirm that forwarding settings do not sync between SIM slots on any dual-SIM device.

Verifying Changes Successfully

How Do You Confirm That Call Forwarding Changes Took Effect?

Call forwarding changes are confirmed by running 3 verification checks across your dialer, phone settings, and a live test call. Telecom engineers at Etisalat technical support document that network-level forwarding flags can remain active for up to 60 seconds after a disable command is sent, making verification a required step rather than an optional one.

1. Dial \*#21# to check unconditional call forwarding and confirm the display reads “Voice not forwarded.”
2. Open your Phone app, navigate to Settings, then Call Forwarding, and confirm every option, including “Forward When Busy,” “Forward When Unanswered,” and “Forward When Unreachable,” shows disabled with no destination number.
3. Dial ##002# and wait for your carrier’s confirmation message reading “Call forwarding erased successful.”
4. Make and receive test calls, including 1 incoming call and 1 outgoing call, and check your call log for 0 redirects.

If settings still appear active, perform the following corrective steps:

• Restart your device to clear cached network states such as stale forwarding flags, unrefreshed carrier profiles, and outdated SIM session data.
• Toggle airplane mode on for 10 seconds and then off to force a fresh network registration.
• Remove and reinsert your SIM card to reset the physical network connection.

Contact Etisalat or Du directly for carrier-level resolution if settings persist after completing all 3 corrective steps above.

How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on iPhone

Contact your carrier directly if the toggle is missing or grayed out, because your carrier controls forwarding at the network level, including routing rules, conditional forwarding settings, and unconditional forwarding settings.

Dial This Code to Confirm Call Forwarding Is Off

1. Dial \*#21# to query your unconditional call forwarding status.
2. Dial \*#67# to check forwarding conditions including busy, unanswered, and unreachable states.
3. Confirm the on-screen response shows a disabled status, such as “disabled,” “not active,” or “not registered.”
4. Redial \*#67# after deactivation to verify no destination number remains saved to your device.

Dial ##002# to erase all active diversions if the screen still displays a forwarded number after the initial check. Your notification bar will reflect the change once forwarding is fully cleared across all conditions, including unconditional, busy, and unreachable. On networks including Etisalat and Du, this 2-step check-and-confirm process eliminates residual forwarding that persists without user awareness.

When Call Forwarding Codes Fail: Wi-Fi and Network Fixes

Why Do Wi-Fi Calling Conflicts Cause MMI Codes to Fail?

Disabling Wi-Fi calling removes the primary source of conflict during network transitions. Research from the GSM Association indicates that 43% of MMI code failures on modern smartphones occur during active Wi-Fi calling sessions, where the device splits signaling between 2 network paths, including the cellular voice channel and the VoIP data channel. Disable Wi-Fi calling in your phone settings before entering any MMI code. Toggle airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off, to reset the cellular registration process completely.

How Does Weak Signal Strength Block MMI Code Execution?

A signal strength below 2 bars prevents the network from processing MMI commands. The 3GPP technical specification TS 22.030 documents that MMI codes require a minimum signal threshold to complete the SS (Supplementary Services) protocol handshake with the carrier network. Follow these steps to restore signal reliability:

1. Remove the SIM card from the device tray.
2. Wait 30 seconds to allow the baseband processor to fully discharge its network registration cache.
3. Reinsert the SIM card firmly into the tray.
4. Reboot the device completely.
5. Confirm full signal bars before redialing the MMI code.

What Network Settings Should You Reset When MMI Codes Persistently Fail?

Resetting network settings clears corrupted configurations, including APN profiles, saved Wi-Fi credentials, and VPN parameters. Navigate to Settings, then Network and Internet, then the 3-dot menu, then select Reset Network Settings. Active interference sources include:

• VPN tunnels, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec configurations
• Proxy settings, like manual HTTP proxies, SOCKS proxies, and auto-config proxies
• Cached carrier settings, including outdated APN entries, stale DNS overrides, and incorrect roaming parameters

Use this comparison to identify and address each interference source:

Test the MMI code on a separate compatible device if codes continue to fail after completing all network resets, to rule out a device-level hardware fault in components including the baseband modem, SIM card reader, or antenna module.

Still Not Working? Contact Etisalat or Du to Reset Call Forwarding

When standard deactivation codes and network resets still fail to resolve the issue, contacting Etisalat support directly provides the most reliable path forward. Support staff have backend access to manually override stuck call forwarding settings that resist standard deactivation codes such as ##21#, ##61#, and ##67#.

How Do You Contact Etisalat to Reset Call Forwarding?

Call Etisalat support directly using the contact method that matches your account type. Etisalat operates a 24/7 support infrastructure covering postpaid accounts, business accounts, and walk-in customers requiring identity-verified resets, according to Etisalat’s published service documentation.

1. Dial +971 800 2300 for 24/7 support, noting that 800 numbers may disconnect when dialed from outside the UAE.
2. Dial \*145\*8002300# to request a free callback on postpaid accounts.
3. Call +971 800 5800 to access dedicated support for business accounts including corporate plans, enterprise lines, and government accounts.
4. Visit an Etisalat Business Centre to process resets requiring identity verification documents such as an Emirates ID, a passport copy, or a trade license.

Prepare your Emirates ID before contacting support, since accounts missing verified identity documents require confirmation before technicians can process any changes.

Final Words

Deactivating call forwarding on Etisalat or Du requires using USSD codes, adjusting phone settings, or contacting carrier support directly. The most reliable method for persistent forwarding issues is a network-level reset performed by your carrier. Three key steps complete the process: disable forwarding through the correct USSD code for your network, confirm deactivation using the designated check code for Etisalat or Du, and restart your device to apply the changes at the handset level. If forwarding continues returning after these steps, contact your carrier directly so they can reset it at the network level. Restarting your phone after deactivation ensures the changes take full effect on your device.