How to Forward Call? | Call Handling Guide for Businesses

Ever wondered how to forward call to another number and ensure your team never misses an important call, no matter where you are?

Call forwarding offers the convenience of automatically redirecting your incoming calls to another phone number or device, keeping you connected. 

You can be traveling, in a meeting, or away from your desk but call forwarding will handle it like a true assistant. 

But there’s more to it than just flipping a switch—whether you’re forwarding calls from a landline, Android, or iPhone, there are specific steps and nuances to understand. 

In this guide, we’ll explore, 

  • Basics of call forwarding
  • How to forward call?
  • It’s limitation
  • It’s benefits
  • Alternate to call forwarding

Before we start with the basics, I will talk about SmartReach’s cold-calling feature. 

how to forward call

SmartReach.io is an AI-enabled sales engagement platform, which targets the sales guys in achieving their target. 

With SmartReach’s cold calling feature, you can take your communication a step further. This tool allows you to manage your calling outreach efficiently, making it easier to connect with unlimited prospects directly on a budget.

You can track your calls,record them, assign calling scripts for each call, set reminders, and even integrate your calling with your email campaigns.

You can transfer and forward incoming calls effortlessly to the right team member, ensuring no prospect inquiry is left unattended. 

If you are on the go, you can even attend the incoming calls on your mobile device directly. 

You can try this feature free for 14 days. (No credit card required)

Now, back to our topic.

What is call forwarding?

Call forwarding is a feature that allows you to divert incoming calls to another phone number. This can be useful if you’re unavailable to answer calls, or if you want to keep your personal number private.

There are several types of call forwarding:

  • Always on: This means that all incoming calls will be forwarded to the specified number, regardless of whether you’re available to answer.
  • No answer: This means that calls will only be forwarded if you don’t answer them within a certain amount of time.
  • Busy: This means that calls will only be forwarded if you’re already on another call.

How to forward call?

There are 3 ways to forward your incoming calls to another number or device such as – 

  • Through landline
  • Through android
  • Through iPhone

How to forward call with a landline?

If you’re relying on a landline but need flexibility, knowing how to forward calls from your landline to another phone is crucial to ensure you don’t miss important calls.

The process you follow will vary depending on your service provider and the type of landline you have. 

For a digital or VoIP-based calling system, contact your service provider for instructions. 

However, if you have a traditional landline, you can enable call forwarding by following these steps:

  1. *Dial 72 on your landline phone.
  2. Enter the phone number where you’d like to forward your calls, including the area code.
  3. Press the pound key (#) to confirm.
  4. Wait for a confirmation tone, indicating the setup is complete, and then hang up.

From now on, all incoming calls will be forwarded to your designated number automatically.

To deactivate call forwarding and return to taking calls on your landline, simply dial *73, wait for the confirmation tone, and your landline will go back to receiving calls.

For those who want a more customized option, some providers offer conditional call forwarding, where calls are only forwarded if the line is busy or unanswered. 

Contact your service provider to get the specific codes for this feature.

How to forward call with Android?

To enable call forwarding on an Android phone to another number, follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to the Phone app on your Android device.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the corner and select Settings.
  3. Choose Calls or Call Settings, depending on your device.
  4. Select Call Forwarding.
  5. Choose the type of forwarding you want (Always Forward, Forward When Busy, etc.).
  6. Enter the phone number where you’d like to forward calls.
  7. Tap Enable to activate the feature.

When you’re ready to stop forwarding calls, return to the Call Forwarding menu and disable the setting, and your Android will start receiving calls again.

Like Apple, Android doesn’t have built-in conditional call forwarding, but many carriers offer this feature. Check with your service provider for the right codes to enable it.

how to forward call

Image source: att.com

How to forward call with an iPhone?

iPhone call forwarding gives you a straightforward way to forward your calls without needing dial codes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Head to your Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and select Phone.
  3. Tap Call Forwarding.
  4. Toggle on Call Forwarding.
  5. Enter the phone number that will receive your forwarded calls and confirm.

You can forward all your calls to another number this way.

To turn off call forwarding, simply toggle off the option, and your iPhone will start receiving calls again.

Apple doesn’t provide built-in conditional call forwarding, but some carriers allow you to enable it by dialing a code, similar to how it works on a landline. 

Contact your carrier for details if you need conditional call forwarding on your iPhone.

how to forward call

Image source: imyfone.com

Limitation of call forwarding

Call forwarding offers flexibility but comes with certain limitations that you should be aware of:

  1. Carrier fees: Some service providers may charge additional fees for using call forwarding, especially for international numbers.
  2. No voicemail forwarding: Forwarded calls often won’t transfer voicemail to the original phone’s mailbox. Instead, voicemail will go to the forwarded number’s voicemail box.
  3. Unavailable during network issues: If there are issues with your network or the carrier’s service, call forwarding may not function properly.
  4. Limited customization: Some phones and carriers don’t support conditional call forwarding (e.g., forwarding only when the line is busy or unanswered).
  5. No forwarding of texts: Call forwarding typically applies to voice calls only. Text messages won’t be forwarded to the new number unless your carrier offers additional features.
  6. International call forwarding: While you can forward calls to international numbers, it might result in costly charges, depending on your plan.

Understanding these limitations can help you manage your phone setup more effectively.

Benefits of call forwarding

Call forwarding offers several advantages, especially for those who need flexibility in managing their phone communications. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Never miss a call: Call forwarding ensures that you can receive calls even when you’re not near your primary phone, helping you stay connected wherever you are.
  2. Improved availability: Whether you’re working remotely or on the go, forwarding calls to another device allows you to remain reachable, improving your responsiveness and availability.
  3. Business continuity: For businesses, call forwarding allows seamless handling of calls during off-hours, holidays, or in emergencies, ensuring customer inquiries are always addressed.
  4. Convenience: You can forward calls to a mobile phone, landline, or even a VoIP number, giving you flexibility in choosing how and where you take your calls.
  5. Professional image: By forwarding calls to team members or another office location, you ensure that calls are always answered, which creates a more professional image for your business.
  6. Call management flexibility: With options for conditional forwarding (busy, unanswered), you can control how calls are managed depending on the situation, helping you prioritize important calls.

Call forwarding offers peace of mind and boosts productivity by ensuring that calls are answered promptly, no matter where you are.

Alternatives to call forwarding

If you’re looking to avoid the complications of transferring calls to another phone, a virtual phone number can be an ideal solution for your team. 

VoIP phone systems allow you to make and receive calls using your internet connection, providing key features that help you manage calls without needing to enable traditional call forwarding.

Here’s how a virtual number can effectively meet your needs:

Splitting responsibility for incoming calls

When you’re busy and want your team to handle incoming calls, there’s no need to waste time forwarding calls to different numbers. 

With a shared business number, your team can take calls collectively, ensuring that no important call goes unanswered. This setup allows for seamless collaboration and improved response times.

Flexible call handling

If a client calls a shared number, anyone available can pick it up. You can also establish a custom ring order in your call settings, ensuring that specific team members receive calls first, based on availability or expertise.

Unified communication without multiple phones

Virtual phone numbers can be accessed from any mobile device or computer, enabling your team to communicate without sharing personal cell numbers. 

This setup eliminates the need to toggle call forwarding on and off between devices, making it easier to manage communications.

Easy collaboration with external partners

If you work with virtual assistants or external vendors, you can provide them access to your business number without needing to rely on call forwarding. By inviting them as users, they can call and text on your behalf without having full access to your account settings.

Enhancing work-life balance

With a virtual number, you can set specific business hours to receive calls. Incoming calls can automatically go to voicemail outside these hours, helping maintain a healthy work-life balance for your team. 

Additionally, individual team members can define their own availability, ensuring they only receive calls during designated times.

Smart call routing

Tired of transferring calls when a client reaches the wrong department? You can set up interactive menus for your virtual numbers, allowing clients to select where they need assistance (e.g., sales or customer support). 

This feature enables efficient call routing to the appropriate team members or departments.

By adopting a virtual phone system, you can manage communication, enhance collaboration, and avoid the hassle of traditional call forwarding.

How to forward call: Takeaway

Call forwarding is a much-needed feature for every team whether they are working in an office set-up or remotely.

However, it has its own set of limitations, such as carrier fees, lack of text forwarding, and reliance on network stability. Once you understand these challenges, you can make better use of call forwarding and avoid unexpected hurdles.

For those looking for even greater flexibility, virtual phone systems like SmartReach.io can provide a modern alternative. With features like international virtual numbers, customizable call routing, and the ability to manage calls from any device, you can do more than just call forwarding!

By choosing the right call management option, you can ensure that you never miss a call and maintain a professional, efficient communication system.

How to forward call: FAQs

How do I forward my calls to another number?


To forward your calls to another number, follow these steps based on your device:

  • Landline: Dial *72, enter the phone number where you want to forward your calls, and press the pound key (#). Wait for the confirmation tone.
  • Android: Open the Phone app, go to Settings > Call Forwarding, choose the type of forwarding, enter the number, and enable the feature.
  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding, toggle it on, and enter the number where you want to forward your calls.

What is 73 on your phone?

*73 is the code used to deactivate call forwarding on landlines. After dialing *73, you’ll hear a confirmation tone indicating that call forwarding is turned off, and your phone will begin receiving calls again.

Can someone forward my calls to their phone without me knowing?

No, someone cannot forward your calls without your knowledge unless they have access to your phone or account. Call forwarding requires manual activation, so if you suspect unauthorized call forwarding, check your phone’s call settings or contact your service provider.

How to activate call forwarding?

To activate call forwarding:

  • Landline: Dial *72, then enter the phone number you want to forward your calls to and press the pound key (#).
  • Mobile devices: Go to your phone’s settings, locate the call forwarding option, enter the destination number, and toggle it on. Your service provider may also have specific codes for activating call forwarding.

What is the difference between call forwarding and diverting?

Call forwarding and call diverting generally refer to the same feature — redirecting incoming calls to another number. However, in some regions or services, call diverting may refer specifically to conditional forwarding (e.g., forwarding calls only when busy or unanswered), while call forwarding typically refers to unconditional redirection.

How do I know if my calls are being forwarded to someone else?

To check if your calls are being forwarded, review your phone’s call settings:

  • Landline: You can dial *#72 to see if call forwarding is active.
  • Mobile devices: Go to your call settings and check for any active call forwarding numbers. If something seems unfamiliar, you may want to turn it off and consult your provider.

How do I automatically forward calls to another phone?

To automatically forward calls:

  • Landline: Dial *72 followed by the number you want to forward your calls to, then confirm with the pound key (#).
  • Mobile devices: Use the call forwarding feature in your phone’s settings. Choose whether to forward all calls or only when the line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable. This ensures that calls are automatically directed to another number without further action from you.
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Upasana
Upasana

Upasana Sahu is a digital marketing specialist with 4 years of experience in digital marketing and 3 years in content writing. She specializes in SEO, social media marketing & WordPress and is currently working with SmartReach. When she’s not crafting effective marketing strategies, Upasana enjoys cooking for her family. Connect with her on LinkedIn on the below link.

This article was reviewed by Lancelot Dsouza, Chief Marketing Officer at SmartReach.io.
With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, customer success, and revenue operations, Lancelot brings a wealth of knowledge to SmartReach.io. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancelotdsouza/

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