Many of us in Malawi face the challenge of intermittent power supply, particularly if we rely on the unreliable ESCOM and EGENCO power distributors and generators. To address this issue, we often resort to purchasing a small feature phone, which is an excellent idea. However, another issue arises when someone who wants to contact you only knows your number, which may be off at that time. In such situations, people often consider finding a SIM ejector to remove the SIM card from their Android phone and switching it to the feature phone. But what if the feature phone already has two SIM cards? In that case, the decision typically involves choosing which SIM card has more important calls and removing that one. However, a better solution is to register your numbers for call forwarding, ensuring that you remain reachable even when your primary phone is off.

What is Call Forwarding?
Invented by Ernest J. Bonanno, call forwarding, or call diversion, is a phone feature present in all phone switching systems that redirects phone calls to another destination, such as a mobile phone or another telephone number where the desired party is available.

Call forwarding can be a useful solution in various scenarios, such as:
- The primary number is busy,
- The primary number cannot be reached due to network coverage issues or being powered off,
- The primary number is not answered.

You can forward your calls to different recipients for various reasons, including your relatives or spouse.

How to Activate or Register Call Forwarding:
To forward your calls when the primary number is busy:
- Register: *67*[Secondary Phone number]#
- Check: *#67#
- DeRegister: ##67#

To forward your calls when the primary number is unreachable or off:
- Register: *62*[Secondary Phone number]# (Do not include the square brackets)
- Check: *#62#
- DeRegister: ##62#

To forward your calls when the primary number is not answered:
- Register: *61*[Secondary Phone number]#
- Check: *#61#
- DeRegister: ##61#

To forward your calls in all these conditions at once:
- Register: *004*[Secondary Phone number]#
- Check: *#004# (Note: By the time of our testing, this was not possible but check other USSD status codes)
- DeRegister: ##004#

If you notice unexpected call forwarding settings or if you did not set up call forwarding yourself, it may be worth investigating further.

Here are some important considerations:
- Check Call Forwarding Settings: After dialing *#62# or other status-checking codes, verify if the forwarded number is familiar. If it is unfamiliar, someone may have set up forwarding without your consent.
- Security Measures: Ensure your device is secure by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication where possible, and keeping your software updated to prevent unauthorized access.
- Contact Your Carrier: If you suspect unauthorized call forwarding, reach out to your mobile carrier for assistance in checking your account for any unauthorized changes.
- Signs of Tracking: Watch for unusual activity in your call history or unexpected phone behavior as potential indicators of a security issue.

In conclusion, while dialing *#62# does not automatically mean someone is tracking you, it is crucial to remain vigilant and secure your phone settings.