All calls, or only the ones you miss
There are four kinds of call forwarding (also called call divert):
- No answer: the call rings you first, then goes to your receptionist if you don't pick up.
- Busy: calls go to your receptionist while you're already on a call, or when you reject one.
- Unreachable: calls go to your receptionist when your phone is off or has no signal.
- All calls: every call goes straight to your receptionist and your phone doesn't ring.
Most businesses use the first three together, so they answer when they can and the receptionist answers the rest. Use "all calls" when you're closed or on holiday.
Mobiles, landlines and internet phones
- Mobile: you usually switch forwarding on by dialling a short code that starts with * or #, or in your phone's call settings. Some networks use their own menu instead. See call divert codes explained.
- Landline: most providers offer call diversion, set with a code from the phone or switched on by the provider. See diverting a landline.
- Internet phone (VoIP) or phone system: forwarding is set in your provider's web portal or app, often as "forward when busy or not answered".
In the Linesteward app, once you choose "Keep my number", you see the steps with your receptionist's number already filled in.
Test it
After you switch forwarding on, ring your business number from another phone and let it ring out. Your receptionist should answer and say it's an AI assistant. The call then shows in your dashboard. If it goes to your old voicemail, the forwarding isn't on yet, or your voicemail is answering first.
What forwarding costs
Forwarding costs nothing from us. Your phone company may charge for each forwarded call, depending on your tariff, so check your plan or ask them. Forwarded calls that your receptionist answers use minutes from your plan, like any other call.
Switching it off
You can switch forwarding off at any time with your phone's cancel code, its call settings or your provider's portal. Your number keeps working as before.
Or get a new local number
If you'd rather not forward, get a new local number for £4.99 a month and put it on your website. It's in your business's name, so our phone network partner checks your company number (or UTR), website and contact details first.