If you’ve set up call forwarding on any other operator before, Du will trip you up in one specific way: every code uses a double asterisk (**21*) where Etisalat and virtually every other GCC operator use a single one (*21*). Dial the single-asterisk version out of habit and it simply won’t register.
Quick answer
Dial **21*[number]# to forward ALL calls. Dial ##002# to cancel every forwarding rule at once.
The double-asterisk code set
| Code | Forwards when |
|---|---|
| **21*[number]# | Always, unconditionally |
| **67*[number]# | Line is busy |
| **61*[number]# | No answer |
| **62*[number]# | Phone off or unreachable |
Why the difference matters in practice
If you’re moving between a Du and an Etisalat line — a personal phone on one carrier, a work phone on the other — muscle memory from one will fail on the other. There’s no workaround beyond remembering which network you’re on; Du genuinely requires the doubled asterisk for every forwarding code in this set.
Cancelling
Du also supports cancelling each forwarding type individually — ##21#, ##67#, ##61#, ##62# — alongside the master ##002# that clears all of them in one step.
Charges
Setup is free; forwarded calls are billed to you at Du’s standard rates for the destination, since forwarding effectively places a new call on your behalf.
Need to block calls instead of redirecting them? See Du call barring.
Codes verified against du’s official support guidance, July 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Choose forwarding type
Forward all (**21*), when busy (**67*), no answer (**61*), or unreachable (**62*).
- 2
Dial the code
Type the code + destination number + #. Example: **21*0551234567# to forward all calls.
- 3
Verify
A confirmation message appears. Dial *#21# to check status.
Alternative Methods
Dial **21*Number# from your phone dialer.
Du App > Services > Call Forwarding
Troubleshooting
Code not working
Du uses double asterisks (**21*) not single (*21*). Ensure correct format.
Cancel all forwarding
Dial ##002# to remove all forwarding settings at once.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't *21* work on Du?
Du uses a double asterisk (**21*) for all its forwarding codes, unlike Etisalat's single-asterisk (*21*) format — using the wrong format simply fails to activate anything.
Is Du call forwarding free?
Setup is free. Forwarded calls incur normal call charges — you pay for the forwarded leg.
Can I forward to international numbers?
Yes, to any number including Etisalat, international, or landline numbers.
How do I check if forwarding is active?
Dial *#21# (single asterisk for the status check) to see if "forward all" is currently active.
Can I cancel just one forwarding type without clearing the others?
Yes — ##67#, ##61#, and ##62# each cancel their specific condition individually, leaving other active rules untouched.