If the Telstra call forwarding won’t turn off, stay with us throughout this guide for a quick fix!
With the assistance of Call Forwarding, you can redirect calls to an alternative mobile address.
The feature uses an in-built cellular technology to redirect incoming calls.
So, this guide will help you identify why your call forwarding is not turning off and what is preventing the deactivation.
When Telstra’s “Call Forwarding” feature won’t deactivate on your mobile device, send a deactivation message first and turn off “Call Forwarding” on your device.
Let’s learn more!
Why is the Telstra Call Forwarding Not Turning Off?
Call forwarding is a feature that allows your mobile device to redirect incoming calls to a specific mobile number assigned to your choice.
Typically, the forwarding must be deactivated from two instances to start using your original Telstra number as the receiving address.
Here’s why the Telstra call forwarding is not turning off:
Let’s learn all existing Telstra forwarding codes!
| Telstra Call Forwarding Codes | ||
| Code Description | Function | Code |
| “Call Forward Immediate” | Forwards the call to a different number. | 21 |
| “Call Forward Busy” | Redirects the call when the destination is unreachable. | 24 |
| “Call Forward No Answer” | Diverts the call when there is no answer. | 61 |
Telstra Call Forwarding Won’t Turn Off – Quick Solutions
Tip: Follow our steps in consecutive order!
1. Send a Deactivation Text Message
The easiest method to turn off incoming call redirection is to send a deactivation message to Telstra’s forwarding number.
The deactivation message does not differ based on the enabled call forwarding feature, and it can be turned off in an identical method and Telstra message.
How to Deactivate Call Forwarding On Android?
- Open the Messaging app on the Android mobile device.
- Access the dial pad once you’ve accessed the platform.
- Enter “##(Forwarding Code)#” and send the message.
- Wait until you’ve received the deactivation feedback.
How to Deactivate Call Forwarding On Apple’s iOS?
- Open the “Messages” app on your Apple iPhone.
- Tap the “Dial Pad” button at the bottom of the page.
- Type “##(Forwarding Code)#” and press on “Send.”
- Wait until Telstra has verified the service deactivation.
Reminder: Refer to the table above to determine the code for your active forwarding service!
2. Disable the “Call Forwarding” Feature
If your Android or iPhone call forwarding won’t turn off Telstra, you may not perform the deactivation correctly.
Aside from Telstra’s call forwarding activation, every mobile device has an in-built “Call Forwarding” feature.
Only enabling the “Call Forwarding” feature through Telstra or your mobile device’s settings will not suffice, as the feature must be activated on both ends.
How to Turn Off “Call Forwarding” On Android?
- Open the Phone Dialling App on your Android device.
- Access the “Settings” section within the dialling platform.
- Go to “Call Forwarding” or “Supplementary Services.”
- Tap the activation slider to deactivate Call Forwarding.
How to Turn Off “Call Forwarding” On Apple iOS?
- Open the “Settings” app and scroll down to “Phone.”
- Next, locate and enter the “Call Forwarding” section.
- Find the activation slider for the feature at the top.
- Tap the button to turn off the “Call Forwarding” option.
Remember that only deactivating your mobile device’s “Call Forwarding” feature will turn off the call forwarding feature entirely if you haven’t sent a deactivation message.
Note: If you wish to re-activate the feature, ensure you’ve sent a proper activation code!
3. Hard Reset your Mobile Device
The call forwarding may not deactivate immediately, even if you’ve already sent a deactivation message and disabled the feature in your device’s settings configuration.
The Hard Reset is an excellent solution for temporal issues with your Telstra mobile and helps with settings errors and stuck mobile features, such as in your case.
Here’s how to perform a hard reset on your mobile device in easy steps:
- Hold the “Power” button on the side panel of your mobile.
- Next, in the power menu, select “Power Off” or “Reboot.”
- Connect your Telstra mobile to your charging equipment.
- In 60 seconds, hold the Power button to turn on the unit.
- Send another deactivation request to stop the forwarding.
Note: Using your mobile device at low battery capacity might prevent the deactivation!
4. Optimise Your Cellular Coverage
Improper mobile coverage will prevent the deactivation of Telstra’s “Call Forwarding” due to poor cellular connection and reception.
To restore your service’s capability of managing cellular settings, you must improve the connection of your mobile device with the cellular network.
Here are some valuable tips to improve the cellular coverage of your device:
- Move out of enclosed spaces causing reception loss.
- Dislocate devices that are interfering with the signal.
- Set the smartphone from “3G” to “4G” or vice versa.
- Update the firmware of your phone to the latest OS.
- Re-activate the “Mobile Data” feature on your device.
Tip: You can track the reception status of your mobile through the SIM indicator at the top!
5. Correct Your Mobile’s APN Settings
Not using Telstra’s APN configuration could potentially disallow further adjustments to your cellular preferences and management of your mobile’s reception.
Thus, deactivating the “Call Forwarding” feature requires correcting the APN of your mobile device to Telstra’s preferences.
| Telstra APN Settings (iPhone & Android) | |
| Setting Name: | Correct Telstra Value: |
| Name | Telstra Internet |
| APN | telstra.iph |
| Proxy | <Optional> |
| Port | <Optional> |
| Username | <Optional> |
| Password | <Optional> |
| Server | <Optional> |
| MMSC | http://mmsc.telstra.com:8002 |
| MMS Proxy | 10.1.1.180 |
| MMS Port | 80 |
| MMS Protocol | WAP 2.0 |
| MCC | 505 |
| MNC | 01 |
| Authentication Type | <Optional> |
| APN Type | default,supl,mms |
Note: Use your mobile device’s search field in the settings to locate the APN set-up section!
6. Set Telstra as the “Default” Carrier
Not selecting Telstra as the default cellular carrier in your mobile’s settings will prevent the deactivation of the call-forwarding feature if it has already been set up.
All mobile devices can manually connect with wireless networks and recognise carriers once the SIM is inserted, so this is an easy method to carry out.
How to Specify Default Carrier On Android?
- Access the “Settings” application on your Android mobile.
- After that, navigate to “More Networks” or “More Settings”
- Tap “Network Operators” and set the search to “Manual.”
- Scroll down the networking list and locate “Telstra” below.
- Double-tap the provider to set it as your default selection.
How to Specify Default Carrier On iOS?
- Open the “Settings” application on your iOS device.
- Tap “Mobile Data” and navigate to “Cellular Network.”
- Choose “Network Selection” from the options below.
- Tap “Automatic” to activate manual carrier selection.
- Select “Telstra” as the default carrier for this iPhone.
Tip: Reboot your mobile device after adjusting the system’s carrier selection!
7. Reinsert the Telstra SIM Card
Reinserting the SIM card from your Telstra mobile is another proven way to resolve reception and coverage issues.
A potential failure in the connection between the mobile device and the SIM card could prevent the smartphone from sending messages and turning off the forwarding.
Follow these steps to reinsert the SIM card from your Telstra mobile:
- Locate the SIM tray on the left or right side.
- Insert a SIM tool or paperclip to release it.
- Remove the Telstra SIM card from the tray.
- Remove all dust accumulation/obstructions.
- Embed the Telstra SIM back into the mobile.
Note: For a damaged, defective or incompatible Telstra SIM card, contact Telstra Customer Support via live chat or connect with an agent by calling 00 44 800 856 0000.
8. Reset the Phone’s Network Options
Misconfigured network settings of the Telstra mobile could prevent the call-forwarding functions deactivation.
So, the next step is to reset the remembered networks on your mobile device by conducting a Network Reset through the settings.
Warning: This method will erase your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular settings!
How to Network Reset an Android Device?
- Launch the “Settings” application on your Android device.
- Navigate to “Reset” and access the “Network Reset” tab.
- Confirm the network reset by inputting your device’s PIN.
- Follow the remaining instructions to finalise the reset.
How to Network Reset an Apple iOS Device?
- Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone or iPad device.
- Access the “General” tab once within the iOS settings.
- Scroll down and tap on “Transfer or Reset [Device].”
- Choose “Network Reset” and follow the instructions.
When you’re ready, test whether you can now disable Telstra’s forwarding!
Quick Recap:
Whenever the Telstra call forwarding won’t turn off, send a deactivation message and turn off your device’s “Call Forwarding” feature.
If the issue persists, check the mobile coverage of your device and reset the network configuration to clear all your problems.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.