How to Set Up Call Forwarding: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine you had a helper who could send your phone calls to a different phone. That is what call forwarding does. It is a feature on your phone that automatically sends incoming calls from one phone number to another. You just tell your phone company where to send the calls, and it does all the work.

You can usually do this in your phone's settings or on your phone company's website. Sometimes you can use a special code like *72. It is a great way to make sure you never miss an important call, even if you are not at your desk.

What Is Call Forwarding and Why You Need It#

Let's say your business phone is at your office. Call forwarding is like picking up that office phone and taking it with you. If you are a small business owner running errands, you can have your office calls sent right to your cell phone. This simple trick keeps you connected and ready for business.

This is a very useful tool for staying organized and looking professional. For example, you can give out one business phone number that rings on your personal phone. This keeps your personal number private but makes sure you get every business call.

Stay Connected and Never Miss a Lead#

For any business, a missed call can mean a lost sale. When customers cannot reach you, they will probably call someone else, like your competitor. Call forwarding helps fix this problem by making sure someone is always there to answer the phone. It is a big part of giving customers a great experience.

By making sure every call gets answered, you build trust. You show your customers that you are dependable. This small change can make your brand look much better and help your business earn more money.

Call forwarding is more than just a handy feature, it is a way to grow your business. By making sure every call gets answered, businesses can talk to more customers and make more sales. This turns missed chances into real wins.

This is even more important for businesses that want to work with people in other countries. Some services work in over 160 countries. They offer special phone numbers that can forward calls from one country to another. A small business in the United States can have a local phone number in the United Kingdom. This makes it easy for customers in the UK to call them.

For example, a company called Dealfront did this. They increased the number of good sales leads they got by 60% per month. Their sales went up by over 30%. You can explore the full story of their success with global call forwarding to see how they did it.

Sometimes the best way to understand a feature is to see how it solves real problems. Here are some common problems and how call forwarding can help.

When Call Forwarding Solves Common Problems#

Everyday Situation	How Call Forwarding Helps
You run your business by yourself and are always moving around.	Send your main business calls to your cell phone so you can talk to clients from anywhere, like a coffee shop or while you are out.
Your team works in different places and at different times.	Set up a system where calls to your main number go to the person on your team who is working and ready to answer.
You are going on vacation but want your business to stay open.	Send your calls to a friend or a helper who can answer questions while you are gone. This keeps your business running.
You want to see if a new city is a good place for your business.	Get a local phone number for that city and send all the calls to your team. This makes it look like you have an office there.

As you can see, this simple feature is a powerful tool. It helps your business be flexible, serve customers better, and grow. It is all about being easy to reach, looking professional, and being ready for new chances, no matter where you are.

Key Benefits of Forwarding Your Calls#

The good things about call forwarding are not just about answering more calls. When you set it up the right way, it gives you several benefits that help your business.

Appear More Professional: A special business number that sends calls to your cell phone makes your business look real and trustworthy, even if you work from home by yourself.
Improve Customer Service: Being easy to reach shows your customers you care about them. It is an important part of a good support system. To make this even better, you can learn how to build an omnichannel customer service strategy to help your customers more.
Increase Your Flexibility: You can work from anywhere without being stuck at a desk. Your calls will find you, which gives you the freedom to run your business your own way.

Setting Up Call Forwarding on Your Mobile Phone#

Let's be honest, your smartphone is probably the center of your life, especially for your business. Setting up call forwarding is one of the quickest ways to make sure you never miss an important call. The good news is that this feature is already built into your phone's settings, whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone.

You do not need any special apps or to be a tech expert. It is a simple tool you can turn on in about a minute.

This picture shows you what the call forwarding menu looks like on a normal smartphone.

As you can see, you have a lot of control. You can choose to forward all your calls, only when your line is busy, or only when you do not answer. This lets you set up a system that really works for you.

Setting Up Forwarding on an iPhone#

If you use an Apple iPhone, you are in luck. Because Apple makes the software for all its phones, the steps are the same for everyone. The call forwarding option is right in your main settings.

Here are the steps for your iPhone:

Open the Settings app. It looks like a gray gear.
Scroll down and tap on Phone. This is where you find all your call settings.
Inside, you will see Call Forwarding. Tap it.
Push the switch to turn it on. It will turn green when it is on.
Tap on Forward To and type in the full phone number where you want your calls to go.

That is all you have to do. Once you type in the number and go back, it is working. To turn it off, just go back and push the switch off.

Here is a good idea for how to use this. You can forward your business calls to an AI helper like Eden after 5 PM. Every call that comes in after work gets a professional answer, but you get to enjoy your free time.

Navigating Android's Call Forwarding Settings#

Things work a little bit differently on Android phones. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Motorola all use Android, but they make small changes to the software. Do not worry, because the setting is almost always in your main Phone app.

Here is a general guide that should work for most Android phones:

First, open your Phone app. This is the app you use to make calls.
Tap the three dots, which are usually in the top right corner.
Choose Settings or Call settings from the menu.
Now, look for an option called Calling accounts, Supplementary services, or just Call forwarding. The name might be a little different on your phone.
Once you find it, you will see choices like "Always forward" or "Forward when busy."
Choose the one you want, type in the phone number, and you are all set.

For example, on a Samsung phone, you usually go to: Phone app > three dots > Settings > Supplementary services > Call forwarding. On a Google Pixel phone, it is more like: Phone app > three dots > Settings > Calling accounts > [Your SIM] > Call forwarding.

The names on the menu might be different, but the goal is the same. Find the forwarding settings in your Phone app and tell it where to send your calls.

How to Forward Calls from a Landline Phone#

Believe it or not, the old landline phone is still used in many homes and offices. And setting up call forwarding on it is very simple. You do not need a website or an app. You do it right on the phone's keypad using special commands called star codes.

The most common code that many phone companies use is *72. Think of it as the main switch for sending your calls to another phone. When you are ready, just pick up your landline phone and listen for the dial tone.

Activating Landline Call Forwarding#

When you hear a dial tone, press *72. You will probably hear a new sound. This sound tells you the system is ready. Right after that, dial the full 10-digit phone number you want to send your calls to.

After you dial the number, you might hear a quick beep, or the call might just start ringing at the new number. It is a good idea to have someone at the other phone to answer and make sure it is working. After you hang up, it is all set.

Turning it off is also easy. Just pick up the phone, dial *73, and hang up. You are done.

The picture below shows how you can check that it is working. With a landline, this is all about making sure your phone is working and you are typing the right codes.

Different Types of Landline Forwarding#

The *72 code is for what is called unconditional call forwarding. This means every single call goes straight to the new number. Your landline will not even ring.

But sometimes you need more options. Most phone companies offer a few other useful choices:

Conditional Forwarding (Busy): This is very helpful. It only sends calls to another number if your phone line is already being used. The code for this is usually *90.
Conditional Forwarding (No Answer): This is great for when you are away from your desk. It sends the call to another number if you do not answer after a few rings. The code for this is usually *92.

These settings are great for small businesses. Let's say you are on an important call with a client. Instead of a new caller hearing a busy signal, their call can be sent right to your cell phone or to a coworker. It is a simple way to make sure you never miss a chance to talk to a customer.

One word of advice is that these star codes can be different depending on your phone company. Before you start dialing, it is a good idea to call your phone company's customer service. They can tell you exactly how to set up call forwarding for your plan.

Advanced Call Forwarding with VoIP Systems#

If your business uses a phone system that works over the internet, you are using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This is not just a different way to make calls. It gives you a lot of powerful tools to manage them. This is much more advanced than just sending all your calls to another number. With VoIP, you can be a smart traffic controller for every call.

Think about it like this. What if you could tell your phone system how to handle calls based on who is calling or what time it is? That is exactly what VoIP lets you do. It is a huge step up from the simple options you get with a normal phone plan.

Create Smart Call Rules#

One of the most useful features of VoIP systems is conditional forwarding. This is a fancy way of saying you can create "if this, then that" rules for your phone. You are basically teaching your phone system to think and act on its own.

You can set up all kinds of custom rules. For example, you could set up forwarding based on:

Time of Day: Automatically send any calls after 5 PM right to your voicemail or a special after hours answering service. This is a great way to protect your personal time.
Caller ID: Imagine sending calls from a certain area, like New York City, straight to the cell phone of your salesperson there. No one has to transfer the call.
Holiday Schedules: You can put in your whole holiday schedule for the year. The system will then automatically play a special holiday message or send calls to a different number on those days.

This kind of automatic system frees you up from always having to answer the phone. It lets you focus on your most important work. Plus, it makes sure that people who call you always have a good experience, no matter when they call.

The real benefit here is that every customer gets the same great experience. A customer calling at 9 PM on a Friday gets the same professional service as someone calling at 11 AM on a Tuesday. That helps build trust in your business.

The technology behind this has gotten much better, especially with cloud-based phone systems. Modern systems can even use AI to analyze calls or send them based on where the caller is. These are not just small changes, they can make a big difference. In fact, some studies show that smarter call handling can increase a company's sales by 20% to 40%. You can discover more about how modern call forwarding drives business growth to see the data for yourself.

Use Find Me / Follow Me Forwarding#

Another great VoIP tool is called "find me/follow me." This feature is a lifesaver for anyone who is not always at one desk. Instead of sending a call to just one number, it tries to find you by ringing several phones in an order you choose.

Here is an example of how you could set it up:

First, it rings your office desk phone for three rings.
If you do not answer, it then automatically tries your cell phone for the next three rings.
If you still do not answer, it can try one last number, like a phone in your home office, before sending the caller to your voicemail.

It is like having a personal assistant who knows exactly how to find you for an important call.

This system gives you every chance to connect with a client or customer, whether you are in the office, on the road, or at home. For anyone who wants to know how to set up call forwarding for a modern work style, this is the best way to make sure you never miss a call.

Making Call Forwarding Work For You: A Few Pro Tips#

Turning on call forwarding is one thing. Using it well is another. It is common for someone to turn it on and think they are done, but this can create a confusing experience for people who call.

With a little bit of planning, you can make sure this feature is a real help. These are some tips that can help you avoid common problems and keep your calls running smoothly.

Don't Forget Your Voicemail Greeting#

This is probably the most common mistake. Think about it, a client calls your business number, the call gets sent to your personal cell phone, and they hear a generic message like, "Hey, you've reached Alex. Leave a message." This can seem unprofessional.

Take a minute to record a professional greeting on the phone that will be getting the calls. It does not have to be fancy. Something simple like, "You've reached the voicemail for [Your Business Name]. We're sorry we missed you. Please leave your name and number, and we'll call you right back," makes a big difference. This small step helps you look professional and improves the overall customer experience.

Test Your Connections Periodically#

Technology can sometimes have problems. Settings can get changed during updates, or things can just stop working. That is why it is a good idea to test your call forwarding setup every month or so.

Just ask a friend or coworker to call your main business number. Does it ring on the right phone? Does it go to voicemail when it is supposed to? A one minute check can save you from finding out you have been missing important calls for days.

A simple monthly test is like an insurance plan against problems you cannot see. It makes sure that your most important link to your customers is still working the way you want it to.

Pick the Right Forwarding Strategy#

You do not have to send every single call to another number. Most phone companies give you a few options, so you can choose what works best for you.

Always Forward: This is best for when you are on vacation or want all your calls to go to one phone. Every call to your main number gets sent right away, without the first phone even ringing.
Forward When Busy/Unanswered: This is more like a backup plan. If you are on another call or cannot get to the phone, the call automatically goes to your backup number. It is great for making sure you do not miss any chances.

Give Your Regulars a Heads-Up#

If you have a group of clients who call you often and have your old number saved, a little bit of communication can help. A quick and friendly message can prevent confusion later.

The next time you talk to them, or even in a short email, just let them know about your new main business number. Tell them that calls to the old number will still reach you, but that they can update their contact information. It is a nice thing to do that shows you are thinking about them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Call Forwarding#

Even after you have set it up, it is normal to have a few questions. These are the questions that people ask most often. Let's answer them so you can use call forwarding without any worries.

Getting these details right at the start helps you avoid surprises later and make better choices about how you handle your calls.

Is Call Forwarding Going to Cost Me Extra?#

This is probably the number one question, and the short answer is it depends.

For many cell phone plans and most modern VoIP phone systems, basic call forwarding is often included for free. It is just a normal feature of the service.

But some phone companies, especially landline companies, might charge a small fee each month. You might also have to pay for more complex forwarding setups, like the ones used in big businesses. Your best choice is to always check with your phone company. A quick call or a look at their website can tell you what is included in your plan and help you avoid surprise bills.

Can I Forward Calls to an International Number?#

You can, but you should definitely expect to pay extra for this. Sending calls to another country is a pretty normal option for business VoIP systems, which are often made for teams around the world.

On a normal cell phone or landline plan, this can get expensive very quickly. Before you set it up, look up your phone company's prices for international calls. That one small step can save you from a big shock on your next bill. If you are building a more complex call system, you can find more helpful advice in our guides on how to make a great support strategy.

How Can I Tell If an Incoming Call Is a Forwarded One?#

Most of the time, you cannot tell. When a forwarded call comes to your phone, it will look just like any other call on your screen. There is usually no special message to tell you it was sent from your other number.

But there is a cool exception. Some advanced business VoIP systems offer a feature called a "call whisper." It plays a short, quiet audio message that only you can hear, like "Forwarded call from the office," right before it connects you to the caller. It is a very useful tool.

How Do I Switch Call Forwarding Off?#

Turning off call forwarding is just as easy as turning it on. You basically just do the same steps you took to turn it on, but in reverse.

On mobile phones, you will go back to the same Settings menu you used before and just push the switch to turn the feature off.
For landlines, you will usually dial a special code to turn it off. The most common one is *73, but it can be different.

If you are ever not sure, the right codes and steps are always on your phone company's support website.

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