SMS Forwarding Deactivate Code

How to Deactivate SMS Forwarding: Codes & Step-by-Step Guide

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SMS Forwarding Deactivate Code:

If your texts are being forwarded to another number or device, you need to fix it fast. SMS forwarding  Deactivate Code can be useful when you set it up yourself—but if it was enabled by mistake or without your permission, it’s both annoying and a serious security risk.

This complete guide shows you the exact SMS forwarding deactivate codes to use, how to disable forwarding in iPhone and Android settings, and what to do if the problem doesn’t go away.

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What Is SMS Forwarding and Why Does It Matter?

SMS forwarding automatically sends your incoming text messages to another number or device. It’s similar to postal mail forwarding, but for your SMS inbox.

People usually enable it when:

  • They use a separate work phone and want all messages in one place

  • They’re traveling and want texts routed through a local SIM

  • They use third‑party tools or apps that mirror SMS to other devices

However, if you never turned it on or don’t remember doing it, forwarding could:

  • Cause you to miss important messages

  • Send your OTP and banking codes somewhere else

  • Leak personal or business conversations to another device

That’s why knowing the correct deactivate code and backup methods is essential.

Universal SMS Forwarding Deactivate Codes

Most networks manage SMS forwarding through the same system that handles call forwarding. These are the codes you should try first.

Main Deactivate Code (Works on Many Carriers)

  • ##004# – Cancels all conditional forwarding (busy, unanswered, unreachable).

Dial this in your phone app as if you’re placing a call, then press the call button. Wait for a confirmation message such as “Erasure was successful” or “Service disabled.”

Other Useful Codes

  • ##21# – Cancel all call forwarding

  • ##62# – Disable forwarding when your phone is unreachable

  • ##67# – Turn off forwarding when your line is busy

  • **61# – Stop forwarding when you don’t answer

Because SMS forwarding often rides on these same forwarding profiles, using these codes can wipe out hidden SMS forwarding rules too.

For many networks (including Airtel and several global carriers), the “reset everything” code is:

  • ##002# – Cancel all types of call and SMS forwarding on your number

Step‑by‑Step: Turn Off SMS Forwarding Using Codes

Follow this process in order:

  1. Open your phone dialer (the regular call app).

  2. Type ##002# and press the call button.

  3. Wait for a success message.

  4. Then type **004# and press call as a second clean‑up step.

  5. Optional: run ##21#, ##61#, ##62#, and ##67# if your carrier supports them.

When the network accepts the command, you’ll usually see a confirmation on screen. If there’s any error message, screenshot it; support can use it later.

How to Disable SMS Forwarding in Phone Settings

Sometimes the issue isn’t just at carrier level—your phone settings may be forwarding texts too. Here’s how to turn it off on both iPhone and Android.

iPhone

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Scroll to Messages.

  3. Tap Text Message Forwarding.

  4. You’ll see a list of linked devices (iPad, Mac, etc.).

  5. Toggle off any device you don’t want receiving your SMS.

Also check:

  1. Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding.

  2. Make sure the switch is off.

Because Apple ties call and SMS behaviour together, disabling call forwarding often helps stop SMS from being redirected as well.

Android (Samsung, Pixel and others)

Menus differ slightly by brand, but the general path is:

  1. Open the Phone app.

  2. Tap the three dots ▸ Settings.

  3. Go to Call settings or Calling accounts.

  4. Choose your SIM / carrier.

  5. Tap Call forwarding.

  6. Make sure all forwarding options are disabled or set to “Never forward”.

Some messaging apps also have their own mirroring/forwarding settings, so check inside your default SMS app under Settings ▸ Advanced for anything mentioning “forward” or “sync to other devices”.

How to Check If SMS Forwarding Is Really Off

After using the codes and changing settings, always verify:

  1. Dial #21# and press call.

    • The network will display the current call forwarding status. Look for “Not forwarded” or “Disabled” for all conditions.

  2. Ask a trusted friend to text you.

    • Confirm that the message arrives only on your phone and not on any secondary device.

  3. Log in to your carrier’s online account or app.

    • Many carriers show call/SMS forwarding settings in their dashboard.

Why the Deactivate Code Might Not Work

If forwarding still seems active after you’ve used the codes, common causes include:

  • Carrier‑specific rules – Some networks use custom codes or disable universal codes on prepaid plans.

  • Network delay – Changes can take 15–30 minutes to propagate.

  • Device‑level settings overriding carrier rules – Your phone or a third‑party app may still be mirroring texts.

  • Third‑party services – Tools like Google Voice, VoIP numbers, or special SMS apps can forward independently from your primary carrier.

Give it some time, then re‑check with #21# and those test messages.

Security Risks of Unauthorized SMS Forwarding

This is the part many people underestimate. If someone else managed to enable forwarding on your number, they can:

  • Catch two‑factor authentication (2FA) codes for your bank, email, or social media

  • Read your transaction alerts and OTPs

  • Monitor personal chats without touching your phone

Before installing or using any AI tools, security helpers, or “free” video apps that request SMS access, always research their safety record. For example, if you’re curious about AI‑video related tools, review a detailed safety breakdown like this Dacmef Free review before trusting it with permissions:
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Signs Your SMS Might Be Forwarded Illegitimately

  • You stop receiving expected OTPs or login codes

  • Friends mention messages you never saw

  • Your accounts show login attempts from unfamiliar devices or locations

  • Your phone bill lists strange services or extra numbers

If any of these sound familiar:

  1. Immediately run ##002# and ##004# from your dialer.

  2. Change your carrier account password/PIN.

  3. Enable extra security (account PIN, 2FA, or SIM‑lock) with your provider.

  4. Audit which devices and apps have access to your messages.

Carrier‑Specific Notes (US Examples)

Verizon

  • In most cases ##004# and ##002# work.

  • You can also manage forwarding through the My Verizon app or via their website under My Services.

AT&T

  • AT&T users often rely on ##21# to cancel active forwarding.

  • The myAT&T app also shows call and text features; disable forwarding there if visible.

T‑Mobile & Sprint

  • Both typically support ##004# and ##002#.

  • You can double‑check in the T‑Mobile app or online portal.

If codes fail and you’re unsure what your operator supports, skipping straight to support is fastest.

What to Do If Forwarding Still Won’t Turn Off

If you’ve tried codes and settings and SMS is still being forwarded:

  1. Restart your phone

    • Power off completely, wait 30 seconds, restart, then try the codes again.

  2. Reset network settings

    • iPhone: Settings ▸ General ▸ Transfer or Reset iPhone ▸ Reset ▸ Reset Network Settings.

    • Android: Settings ▸ System ▸ Reset options ▸ Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

    • Note: This wipes saved Wi‑Fi passwords, so have them handy.

  3. Check all apps with SMS permissions

    • Look for security apps, call managers, SMS backup/forwarding tools and review their settings or temporarily disable them.

  4. Contact your carrier (best final step)

    • Call support and say:

      “Please disable all conditional call and SMS forwarding on my number at network level.”

      They can view and clear any forwarding rules that you can’t see from your phone.

Preventing Future SMS Forwarding Problems

Once you’ve successfully used the SMS forwarding deactivate code and confirmed everything is normal, lock things down:

  • Set a strong account PIN/password with your carrier

  • Turn on two‑factor authentication for your carrier login and email

  • Regularly dial #21# to check that forwarding is still off

  • Review which devices your SMS app is syncing with

  • Be very selective about apps that request SMS or phone permissions

Quick FAQ About SMS Forwarding Codes

What does ##002# actually do?
It tells your carrier to immediately cancel all forwarding settings (calls and SMS) for your number.

Is there a charge for using codes like ##002# or ##004#?
No—USSD deactivate codes like these are free on almost all networks.

What code should Airtel users try?
Airtel generally supports **##2# to clear all forwarding types.

Why do some guides mention only call forwarding, not SMS?
Many carriers don’t separate the two at network level; SMS forwarding is controlled through the same conditional forwarding rules as voice calls.

Final Summary

To quickly turn off SMS forwarding on any phone:

  1. Dial ##002# and press call to cancel all forwarding.

  2. Follow with ##004# to clear conditional rules.

  3. Turn off forwarding in your iPhone or Android settings.

  4. Confirm status with **1# and real test messages.

  5. If problems continue, reset network settings and contact your carrier to remove forwarding from their side.

For more step‑by‑step security and mobile guides, along with in‑depth tech explainers, you can always come back to the Just Tech Hub homepage:
👉 https://justtechhub.com/

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