Windows Mobile 6.5 Call Forwarding Rules

Windows Mobile 6.5 provided native telephony management directly within its settings interface, allowing users to redirect incoming cellular calls based on specific conditions. This article covers how to access the call forwarding menu on a Windows Mobile 6.5 device and explains the distinct forwarding rules available, including unconditional redirection and conditional triggers like busy lines, unanswered calls, and lost network connections.

Accessing Call Forwarding Settings

To configure call forwarding rules in Windows Mobile 6.5:

  1. Tap the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Select the Personal tab (or navigate directly to Phone depending on the device skin).
  3. Tap the Phone icon, then switch to the Services tab at the bottom.
  4. Highlight Call Forwarding from the list and tap Get Settings.

The device will query the cellular network to retrieve the current status of each forwarding rule.

Available Call Forwarding Rules

Once the settings load, Windows Mobile 6.5 presents two primary methods for routing calls: unconditional and conditional.

1. Forward All Calls (Unconditional Forwarding)

Selecting the Forward all incoming calls option directs every incoming phone call to a specified alternative number immediately. When this rule is active:

  • The mobile device does not ring.
  • All conditional rules are overridden.
  • A phone icon typically appears in the title bar to indicate that unconditional forwarding is enabled.

2. Conditional Forwarding

If "Forward all incoming calls" is disabled, users can configure specific conditions independently or together under the Forward calls: section.

  • No Answer: Forwards the call if the user does not pick up the handset. Windows Mobile 6.5 includes a drop-down menu alongside this rule allowing users to set a ring delay (typically from 5 to 30 seconds) before the call is redirected to voicemail or another phone number.
  • Busy / Unavailable: Redirects calls when the device is actively in use on another call (without call waiting handling it) or when the user manually rejects an incoming call.
  • No Service / Unreachable: Automatically routes calls to the specified number when the Windows Mobile device is turned off, in Airplane Mode, or outside the carrier's network coverage area.

Saving and Updating Rules

After assigning the desired destination numbers for each rule, tapping OK sends the updated GSM/CDMA network codes to the carrier. Once confirmed by the carrier's network, the settings remain active on the network side, meaning calls continue to route according to these rules even if the device is powered off.