How to Check SMS Forwarding on Android: Easy Guide for  Users

In India, SMS is still very important for banking OTPs, Aadhaar alerts, government services, UPI transactions, and important notifications. If your SMS messages are being forwarded without your knowledge, it can lead to serious privacy and security risks. Hackers or unauthorized persons may steal OTPs and access your accounts.

Android does not have a built-in automatic SMS forwarding feature like some iPhones, but forwarding can happen through third-party apps, carrier settings, or linked devices. This guide explains how to check if your SMS is being forwarded and how to stop it.

Why Should You Check SMS Forwarding?

• Prevent theft of banking OTPs and personal information.
• Stop spam or unauthorized monitoring.
• Fix issues where you are not receiving important messages.
• Ensure privacy, especially on dual-SIM phones common in India.

1. Check Using USSD Code (Fastest Method)

Many carriers support basic forwarding checks.

1. Open the Phone app (dialer).
2. Dial *#21# and press the call button.
3. Wait for the pop-up or message. It will show status for:

• Voice call forwarding
• Data forwarding
• SMS forwarding

If it says “SMS forwarding: Disabled” or “Not forwarded”, you are safe.

If it shows a number, SMS is being forwarded to that number.

Other useful codes:

• ##002# → Disable all types of forwarding (recommended if suspicious).
• *#62# → Check forwarding when phone is unreachable/switched off.

Note: Results depend on your carrier (Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL). If nothing shows, proceed to next methods.

2. Check in Phone Settings

For Google Messages (Most Common Default App)

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right.
3. Go to Settings → Advanced or Message settings.
4. Look for options like SMS forwarding, Linked devices, or Web & devices.
5. Check if any unknown devices or numbers are connected.

Samsung Users (One UI)

• Go to Settings → Connections → More connection settings → Look for Call & text on other devices.
• Turn it off if enabled for unknown devices.

Other Brands (Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo)

• Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS app.
• Check permissions and linked accounts.

3. Check Apps with SMS Permissions (Most Important Step)

Most SMS forwarding happens through apps.

1. Go to Settings → Apps (or Apps & notifications).
2. Tap See all apps or App permissions.
3. Select SMS or search for “SMS”.
4. Review which apps have Read SMS, Receive SMS, and Send SMS permissions.
5. Suspicious apps to watch: Unknown apps, “SMS Forwarder”, productivity tools, or recently installed apps.

Action: Revoke permissions for unknown apps. Uninstall if not needed.

4. Check Connected Devices & Google Account

1. Open Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account.
2. Go to Security → Your devices.
3. Look for unknown phones, tablets, or computers logged into your account.
4. Sign out from any suspicious device.

Also check:

• Settings → Accounts for any synced email or third-party accounts that might forward SMS.

5. Check Carrier Settings (Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL)

• Open the official app (Airtel Thanks, MyJio, Vi App, BSNL Selfcare).
• Look in Account or Services section for call/SMS forwarding options.

Contact customer care:

• Airtel: 121
• Jio: 199
• Vi: 199
• BSNL: 1503

Ask them: “Is SMS forwarding active on my number?”

6. Additional Checks

• Battery Usage: Go to Settings → Battery → See if any app is using high battery (forwarding apps run in background).
• Notification History: Long-press a notification → Check if messages are duplicated elsewhere.
• Safe Mode: Restart in Safe Mode (press Power button → long-press Restart). If forwarding stops, a third-party app is responsible.

How to Disable SMS Forwarding

1. Dial ##002# and call → This cancels all forwarding.
2. Revoke SMS permissions from suspicious apps.
3. Uninstall forwarding apps (search “SMS Forwarder” in Play Store and remove).
4. Sign out from unknown devices in Google account.
5. Restart your phone.

Extra Tips for  Users

• Banking Safety: Never ignore OTPs not reaching you. Contact your bank immediately if suspicious.
• Dual SIM: Check both SIMs separately.
• Kids/Elderly Phones: Regularly check permissions.
• After Factory Reset: Forwarding usually gets removed, but re-check.
• Popular Forwarding Apps: Avoid unknown ones. Use only trusted apps if you intentionally want forwarding (e.g., for business).
• Android Version: Steps are similar on Android 12 to 16. Update your phone for better security.
• Power Cuts & Network Issues: Sometimes messages get delayed — not always forwarding.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Prefer app-based authenticators over SMS where possible.

Common Problems & Solutions

• No response to #21#: Try from both SIMs or contact carrier.
• Forwarding still active: Check Google Messages Web (messages.google.com) on any computer.
• Battery draining fast: Likely a forwarding app running in background.
• After installing new app: Always review permissions carefully.

Conclusion

Checking SMS forwarding on Android is simple and important for your security. The quickest methods are:

• Dial *#21#
• Check SMS permissions in Settings → Apps
• Review connected devices in Google account

Save this article and check your phone today. Regular checks protect your banking details and personal information.

Share this guide with family and friends via WhatsApp — especially useful for students, senior citizens, and anyone using mobile banking in India. Stay safe and secure!

Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on your Android version, phone brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.), and carrier. Always download apps only from Google Play Store and keep your phone updated.