Call forwarding on Etisalat is free to set up, but every forwarded call is billed to you at standard rates — effectively, you pay for a call you didn’t personally choose to place at that moment, which makes picking the right forwarding condition as much a cost decision as a convenience one.
Quick answer
Dial *21*[number]# to forward ALL calls. Dial ##002# to cancel every forwarding rule at once.
The four conditions
| Code | Forwards when | Cost implication |
|---|---|---|
| *21*[number]# | Always, unconditionally | Every call costs you the forwarding rate |
| *67*[number]# | Line is busy | Only when you’d have missed it anyway |
| *61*[number]# | No answer | Only when you’d have missed it anyway |
| *62*[number]# | Phone off/unreachable | Only when you’d have missed it anyway |
Why conditional beats unconditional for cost
Unconditional forwarding (*21*) redirects and charges you for every single call, including ones you could have simply answered yourself. The three conditional codes only activate — and only cost you — in situations where the call would otherwise have gone unanswered anyway. Unless you have a specific reason to redirect everything (extended travel, decommissioning a line), the conditional codes are almost always the more cost-effective choice.
Practical scenarios
- Travelling abroad: *62* catches calls only when your phone is genuinely unreachable, rather than paying to forward every call regardless of whether you could answer.
- Backup for missed calls: *61* to a colleague or family member ensures someone picks up what you don’t, without affecting calls you do answer.
Cancelling selectively
Cancel one condition at a time — #21#, #67#, #61#, #62# — or clear everything with ##002#.
Want to block calls instead? See Etisalat call barring.
Codes verified against e&’s official support guidance, July 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Choose forwarding type
Decide: forward all calls (*21*), when busy (*67*), when no answer (*61*), or when unreachable (*62*).
- 2
Dial the code
Type the code followed by the destination number and #. Example: *21*0501234567# forwards all calls.
- 3
Verify activation
You'll receive a confirmation message. To check status, dial *#21# (shows if "forward all" is active).
Alternative Methods
Dial *21*Number# from your phone dialer.
e& App > Services > Call Forwarding
Troubleshooting
Calls not being forwarded
Ensure you entered the destination number correctly including the full number. Try ##002# to clear all, then set up again.
Being charged unexpectedly
Remember: you pay for forwarded calls. Each forwarded call costs you the call rate to the destination number. Consider using voicemail instead for cost savings.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is call forwarding setup free on Etisalat?
Setup is free. Forwarded calls are charged at standard rates — you're billed as if you made the call yourself.
Can I forward Etisalat calls to a Du number?
Yes, to any number including Du, international, or landline.
How do I cancel ALL call forwarding at once?
Dial ##002# — the master cancel that removes every forwarding rule in one step.
Which forwarding type costs the least?
The conditional codes (*67*/*61*/*62*) only redirect calls you'd have missed anyway, unlike *21* which forwards and charges for every call regardless.
Should I use voicemail instead of forwarding to save money?
For calls you're happy to return later, voicemail avoids the forwarding charge entirely — forwarding is worth the cost mainly when immediate live pickup by someone else matters.