How to Divert Phone Calls to Another Number

Understanding Call Diversion and Forwarding

Diverting a phone call, commonly known as call forwarding, is a telecommunication feature that redirects incoming calls from one phone number to another designated number. This capability is invaluable for managing your communications, ensuring you never miss important calls, and maintaining professional presence. Whether you need to forward calls from your office line to your mobile while out of the office, or send calls from a landline to a family member's phone, understanding how to activate and manage this service is key. The process can vary significantly depending on your service provider, the type of phone service you use (mobile, landline, VoIP), and the specific device or network interface you are operating.

Before initiating any call diversion setup, it's crucial to understand the different types of forwarding available. Most services offer unconditional forwarding, where all calls are sent to the alternate number. Others provide conditional forwarding options, such as forwarding calls only when the line is busy, unanswered, or when the phone is out of service range. Identifying which type suits your needs will dictate the setup procedure. Additionally, some mobile carriers or phone systems may impose specific requirements or charges for using call forwarding services, making it wise to consult your provider's terms and conditions.

The primary goal of call diversion is to provide flexibility and continuity in your communication workflow. For business users, it can mean ensuring client calls are always answered, even when the primary contact is unavailable. For personal use, it can help manage a home phone line or ensure you receive calls while traveling. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to set up call forwarding across different platforms, offering actionable steps to help you configure this essential feature.

• All incoming calls can be sent to a different number.
• Setup varies by service provider and phone type.
• Understand unconditional vs. conditional forwarding.
• Check provider terms for potential charges.

Setting Up Call Diversion on Mobile Phones

Mobile phones offer the most common and user-friendly methods for call diversion. The exact steps vary slightly between iOS (iPhones) and Android devices, and can also be influenced by your specific mobile carrier's network implementation. Generally, call forwarding settings are accessible through your phone's main settings menu or by using special USSD codes (star codes) provided by your carrier.

Call Forwarding on iOS (iPhone)

For iPhone users, call forwarding is managed within the phone's settings app. This method allows for straightforward activation and deactivation of the service. You will need to know the destination number you wish to forward calls to before starting.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Tap on Call Forwarding.
4. Toggle the Call Forwarding switch to the ON position.
5. Once enabled, a new field will appear below labeled Forward To. Tap this field.
6. Enter the phone number (including country code if necessary) to which you want to divert all incoming calls.
7. Tap the back arrow to save the setting. Your iPhone will now divert all incoming calls to the specified number.

To disable call forwarding on an iPhone, simply return to the Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding menu and toggle the switch OFF. If you encounter issues, such as the voicemail tab missing on iPhone or calls not forwarding as expected, it might indicate a network-level configuration or an issue with your carrier's service. Clearing out voicemail or managing storage space is generally unrelated, but if voicemail is a factor and you wish to stop receiving voicemails, you would typically manage that separately, possibly by removing your voicemail greeting or emptying your voicemail mailbox.

Call Forwarding on Android Phones

Android devices provide similar call forwarding capabilities, usually accessed through the Phone app's settings. The interface may differ slightly based on the manufacturer and Android version, but the core functionality remains consistent.

1. Open the Phone app (the one you use to make calls).
2. Tap the three dots (menu icon), usually in the top right corner, and select Settings or Call Settings.
3. Look for an option named Call Forwarding, More Settings, or similar. Tap on it.
4. You will typically see options for different call conditions: Always Forward, When Busy, When Unanswered, When Unreachable. Tap the condition you wish to set (e.g., Always Forward for unconditional forwarding).
5. Enter the phone number to which you want to divert calls.
6. Tap Enable or Turn On to activate the forwarding.

To disable call forwarding on Android, navigate back to the same menu, select the active forwarding condition, and tap Disable or Turn Off. If you're trying to stop calls from going to voicemail and instead divert them, ensure you're setting up unconditional forwarding. For users concerned about managing their voicemail, options like how to empty voicemail mailbox on iPhone or how to get rid of carrier voicemail on iPhone are separate configurations, not directly tied to diverting calls unless the diversion destination is set to a number that then takes messages.

For many Android users, a quicker method involves USSD codes. These codes are service commands dialed directly from the phone's dialer. For example, `*21*#` is a common code for unconditional call forwarding. You would replace `` with the actual phone number. To disable unconditional forwarding, you typically dial `##21#`. It is vital to check with your mobile carrier for the exact USSD codes they support, as these can vary widely.

Troubleshooting Mobile Call Forwarding

If your calls aren't diverting correctly on a mobile device, first confirm the destination number is entered accurately, including the country code if forwarding internationally. Check your mobile plan details with your carrier to ensure call forwarding is enabled and not blocked by your service. Sometimes, a simple phone restart can resolve temporary glitches. If you've recently updated your phone's operating system, and voicemail disappeared on iPhone after update, it suggests a software conflict or a reset of network settings; in such cases, reconfiguring call forwarding and checking your carrier's voicemail service setup is recommended.

Diverting Calls on Landline Phones

Landline phones, while less common for personal use now, still form the backbone of many business communications and are supported by most telephone companies for call diversion. The method for setting up call forwarding on a landline typically involves dialing specific service codes, often referred to as star codes or feature access codes, directly from the phone.

Using Service Codes for Landline Call Forwarding

Telephone companies provide a set of codes that allow subscribers to control various calling features. For call forwarding, these codes are standardized to a degree, but the exact sequence and activation method can differ between providers like AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, or local telephone companies. Always consult your local provider's documentation or customer service for the precise codes applicable to your service.

Common Steps for Landline Diversion

The general process for setting up unconditional call forwarding on a landline using service codes typically follows this pattern:

1. Lift the handset and listen for a dial tone.
2. Dial the specific activation code for call forwarding. For unconditional forwarding, this is often `*72`.
3. Listen for a confirmation tone, usually a second dial tone or a voice prompt.
4. Dial the phone number (including area code) to which you want all calls to be forwarded.
5. Listen for a confirmation tone or voice prompt indicating that call forwarding has been activated and the number has been recorded.
6. Hang up the phone.

Once activated, all incoming calls to your landline should now ring at the destination number you entered. If you need to forward calls only under certain conditions (e.g., when busy or unanswered), different codes are used. For example, `*92` is often used for call forwarding when the line is busy, and `*93` for forwarding when unanswered.

Disabling Landline Call Forwarding

To turn off call forwarding on a landline, you'll typically use a deactivation code. The most common code for disabling unconditional call forwarding is `*73`. Follow these steps:

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1. Lift the handset and listen for a dial tone.
2. Dial `*73`.
3. Listen for a confirmation tone or voice prompt indicating that call forwarding has been deactivated.
4. Hang up the phone.

If you need to deactivate conditional forwarding (e.g., forwarding when busy or unanswered), you may need to dial a different code, such as `*94` for busy/unanswered. It is important to remember that different providers might use entirely different codes. For instance, some providers might use `72` to activate and `73` to deactivate, while others might use a different prefix or altogether unique codes.

When setting up landline call forwarding, ensure the destination number is valid and has adequate service. If the destination number cannot accept calls (e.g., it's busy, out of service, or has call waiting active), the forwarding might fail or result in dropped calls. Some older landline systems might not support forwarding to mobile numbers, or may have limitations on international forwarding, so confirming compatibility with your provider is advisable.

Common Pitfalls with Landline Diversion

A frequent issue is forgetting to deactivate call forwarding after it’s no longer needed, leading to missed local calls. Another pitfall is entering an incorrect destination number, which can result in calls failing to connect or being routed incorrectly. Always test your call forwarding setup by having someone call your landline while you are at the destination number to confirm it's working as intended. If you're specifically trying to manage voicemails from a landline, or get rid of carrier voicemail on iPhone, these are separate functionalities, though call diversion can be used to bypass the landline voicemail entirely.

Call Diversion for VoIP and Business Phone Systems

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and integrated business phone systems (PBX) offer sophisticated call management features, including advanced call diversion options. These systems are designed for flexibility, allowing users to control call routing based on various criteria, such as time of day, caller ID, or employee availability.

VoIP Service Call Forwarding

Most VoIP providers allow call forwarding through their web portal or a dedicated mobile app. This interface often provides more granular control than traditional landlines or mobile phones. Users can typically set up unconditional forwarding, as well as conditional forwarding rules (e.g., forward if no answer within a certain number of rings, forward if busy, forward during specific hours).

The setup process usually involves logging into your VoIP account online. Within the account settings, navigate to the 'Call Features,' 'Call Management,' or 'Call Forwarding' section. Here, you can specify the destination number(s) and the conditions under which calls should be forwarded. Many VoIP services also allow forwarding to multiple numbers simultaneously or in a sequential ring pattern, ensuring a higher likelihood of calls being answered.

VoIP systems often offer 'simultaneous ring' as an alternative or addition to traditional forwarding. This feature rings your desk phone and your mobile phone (or other specified numbers) at the same time, allowing you to answer the call on whichever device is most convenient.

Business Phone Systems (PBX)

Business phone systems, whether on-premise PBX or cloud-based (hosted PBX), are engineered for robust call handling. Administrators typically configure call forwarding rules for individual extensions or departments through a central management console.

• Extension-Based Forwarding: Users might be able to set their own forwarding rules via their desk phone's interface or an internal web portal, specifying to forward calls to another extension, an external number, or voicemail.
• Administrator-Managed Forwarding: For critical lines or when employees are on leave, an IT administrator or manager can set up forwarding rules centrally. This ensures business continuity and that no calls are missed during absences.
• Advanced Routing: Beyond simple diversion, business systems can route calls based on caller ID, time of day, or the availability status of employees (e.g., 'do not disturb' status). Calls can be sent to voicemail, a specific department, or an on-call manager.

For example, a sales team might have calls forwarded to their mobile phones during business hours, but all calls directed to a central voicemail system after hours. If a specific user's extension is unavailable, the system might then route the call to a colleague's extension or a shared voicemail inbox.

Key Considerations for VoIP and Business Systems

• Service Provider Features: Understand the specific call forwarding and routing options provided by your VoIP or PBX vendor. Features vary significantly.
• Internet Connectivity: For VoIP, a stable and reliable internet connection is paramount. Call quality and successful forwarding depend on it.
• User Training: Ensure users understand how to set up, modify, and disable their forwarding preferences if they have self-service access.
• Cost Implications: Some providers may charge for forwarding calls to external numbers, especially if they are long-distance or international. Check your service agreement.

If you are experiencing issues, such as calls not diverting correctly in a business system, it's often an administrator who needs to check the routing rules, extension settings, or the overall system configuration. For VoIP, connectivity issues or incorrect destination number entry are common culprits. For users concerned about managing their voicemail, these systems typically offer robust voicemail-to-email transcription and advanced inbox management, which are separate from the call diversion process itself.

Conditional Call Diversion Options

While unconditional call forwarding sends every incoming call to another number, conditional call forwarding offers more nuanced control over when and how calls are diverted. These options allow you to manage your availability and ensure calls reach you or a designated recipient only when necessary, optimizing your communication flow without missing critical connections.

Forwarding When Busy

This feature diverts calls only when your primary line is already engaged in another conversation. It's ideal for individuals who often receive back-to-back calls and want to ensure that a new incoming call isn't missed, even if they can't answer it immediately. The system typically checks if the line is busy before sending the call to the forwarding number. This prevents calls from going to voicemail if you're simply occupied at that moment.

Forwarding When Unanswered

If you don't answer your phone within a set number of rings, the call will be forwarded to the designated number. This is a common setting for mobile phones and landlines when you might step away from your device or are in a meeting. You can usually configure the number of rings before the diversion takes place. This is a good middle ground between sending all calls to voicemail and letting them go unanswered entirely.

Forwarding When Unreachable

This condition diverts calls when your phone is turned off, out of service range, or experiencing network issues. It ensures that if your primary device is unavailable, the caller is still directed to a number where they can leave a message or reach someone. This is crucial for maintaining connectivity even when your primary device is not active.

Conditional forwarding helps strike a balance between immediate availability and personal privacy.

Setting Up Conditional Diversion

The setup for conditional forwarding is usually done through the same menus or USSD codes as unconditional forwarding, but you select the specific condition. For example, on Android, within the Phone app's settings, you might select 'When Unanswered' and then enter the destination number. For landlines, different star codes are used for each condition. For instance, `*61` might be used to forward when unanswered, and `*67` to forward when unreachable, though these codes are highly provider-dependent.

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Managing Voicemail with Conditional Forwarding

Conditional forwarding can be used in conjunction with voicemail management. For instance, if you forward calls when unanswered, you might choose to forward them to a secondary number that has a custom greeting, or to a voicemail service configured differently. If your primary goal is to ensure calls are not missed but you wish to avoid managing multiple voicemail inboxes, forwarding unanswered calls to a single, preferred voicemail number can streamline the process. For users looking to specifically manage or remove their voicemail greeting on iPhone, this is done through the Voicemail tab in the Phone app, allowing personalization of the message callers hear when they leave a message.

Verification and Testing Your Call Diversion

Once you've configured call diversion, it's absolutely critical to verify that it's working correctly. A poorly set up diversion can lead to missed calls or calls being routed incorrectly, defeating the purpose entirely. Testing ensures that your settings are active and directing calls precisely where you intend them to go.

The Essential Test Call

The most straightforward way to test call forwarding is to have someone else call your primary phone number while you are monitoring the destination number. Have the caller note the experience: did the call ring at the primary number, or did it go straight to the destination? Did it ring a certain number of times before forwarding? Was the caller sent to voicemail on the destination number?

If the call forwards successfully to the intended number, your setup is likely correct.

Checking Specific Conditions

If you've set up conditional call forwarding, you'll need to test each condition:

• Test 'Busy': Have a friend call your primary number while you are already on another call. The call should be diverted to your destination number.
• Test 'Unanswered': Set your primary phone to 'do not disturb' or simply let it ring without answering for the configured duration. The call should then forward.
• Test 'Unreachable': Turn your primary phone off or place it in an area with no signal. Have someone call. The call should then be diverted.

Troubleshooting Post-Setup

If testing reveals issues, the first step is to re-check the destination number entered. Ensure there are no typos and that the correct country and area codes are included. For mobile phones, verify that call forwarding is still enabled in the phone's settings or that the USSD code command was entered correctly. For landlines, try dialing the deactivation code (`*73` or similar) and then reactivating the forwarding using the correct code sequence. If issues persist, contact your service provider. They can check your line for any restrictions or configuration problems on their end.

Some users might find that after setting up forwarding, their voicemail service behaves unexpectedly, or they encounter issues like 'voicemail disappeared on iPhone after update'. In such cases, it's important to differentiate between call forwarding settings and voicemail service configurations. While forwarding can bypass the default voicemail, managing voicemail greetings, emptying mailboxes, or recovering deleted messages are separate functions managed within the voicemail system itself, often accessible via the phone's dialer or a specific app.

Managing and Disabling Call Diversion

Call diversion is a dynamic feature, and there will be times when you need to adjust its settings or disable it altogether. Whether you're returning to your primary number, traveling, or simply no longer need the service, knowing how to manage and deactivate call forwarding is as important as setting it up.

Disabling Unconditional Forwarding

For mobile phones (iOS and Android), this typically involves returning to the Call Forwarding settings in the Phone app or main Settings menu and toggling the 'Call Forwarding' switch to the OFF position. On Android, you might select 'Always Forward' and then choose to 'Disable'.

For landlines, the deactivation code is key. As mentioned, `*73` is a common code for unconditional forwarding. Dial this code from your landline phone, listen for confirmation, and hang up. If you used a different activation code, your provider will specify a corresponding deactivation code, which might involve dialing the same code again or a different sequence.

Ensure you disable forwarding when it's no longer required to avoid missing calls to your primary number.

Disabling Conditional Forwarding

Disabling conditional forwarding often requires accessing the same menu where you enabled it. For example, on Android, you would go back into the Call Forwarding settings, select the specific condition (e.g., 'When Unanswered'), and then choose to 'Disable' it. You can disable one condition while leaving others active.

For landlines, specific codes usually exist for deactivating each type of conditional forwarding. If `*61` was used for forwarding when unanswered, a code like `*62` might be used to disable it. Again, consulting your service provider's guide is essential, as these codes are not universally identical.

Managing Multiple Forwarding Rules

For users of VoIP or advanced business phone systems, managing multiple forwarding rules can be done through a centralized portal. Here, you can often see all active rules, edit them, or deactivate them individually or in bulk. Some systems allow you to create 'profiles' or 'schedules' for forwarding, making it easier to switch between different call handling configurations, such as 'work hours' and 'after hours' settings.

When managing call settings, users might also consider related features. For instance, if you're trying to stop calls from going to voicemail altogether, you might disable voicemail services or set forwarding to a number that doesn't have voicemail enabled. For iPhone users, how to remove your voicemail greeting on iPhone is a direct way to alter the caller's experience when they do reach voicemail, but it doesn't stop calls from being sent there if forwarding is not active. Similarly, how to delete sent voicemail on iPhone pertains to messages you've sent, not received calls.

When to Contact Your Provider

If you've followed the deactivation steps and call forwarding remains active, or if you are unsure about the correct codes, it's time to contact your telephone service provider. They can remotely check your line's status, confirm active features, and assist in deactivating any service you no longer want. This is particularly important for business lines where misconfigurations can impact multiple users.

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Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with clear instructions, users can encounter issues when setting up or managing call diversion. Understanding these common problems and their solutions can save time and frustration, ensuring your communication flow remains uninterrupted.

Calls Not Diverting

This is the most frequent complaint. Possible causes include:

• Incorrect Destination Number: Double-check the number, including country and area codes.
• Service Blockage: Some carriers or plans may block call forwarding, especially for international or premium-rate numbers.
• Network Congestion or Glitches: A temporary issue with the network can prevent the feature from working. Try toggling the feature off and on again, or restarting your phone.
• Voicemail Conflicts: If your primary line's voicemail is set to pick up immediately, it might intercept calls before they can be forwarded. Ensure your voicemail settings aren't overriding the forwarding rule.

Calls Diverting to the Wrong Number

This usually indicates a simple entry error. Re-enter the destination number carefully. For landlines, ensure you're using the correct sequence of codes, as mixing up digits or feature codes can lead to unexpected routing.

Always test your call forwarding immediately after setup.

Forwarding Not Deactivating

If you've followed the deactivation steps but calls continue to divert, the deactivation command may not have been processed correctly by the network. Try repeating the deactivation process. If it still fails, contact your service provider. They can confirm the status of call forwarding on your line and manually deactivate it if necessary.

Issues with Voicemail Integration

Sometimes, call forwarding can interact unexpectedly with voicemail systems. For example, if a call forwards to a mobile number that then goes to voicemail, the caller might hear your mobile's voicemail greeting instead of your primary line's. To manage this:

• Set Forwarding to Voicemail Directly: Some systems allow forwarding to a specific voicemail service number.
• Customize Greetings: Ensure your greeting at the destination number is appropriate.
• Manage Voicemail Settings: On iPhones, options like how to remove your voicemail greeting on iPhone or how to empty voicemail mailbox on iPhone are accessible via the Phone app's Voicemail tab and can help manage caller experience. If voicemail disappeared on iPhone after update, reconfiguring these settings after checking for software updates is a common fix.

USSD Code Errors

USSD codes are sensitive to exact input. Ensure you're dialing the complete code, including asterisks, hashes, and the destination number, without any extra spaces or characters. If a code doesn't work, confirm with your carrier that you have the correct code for your specific service plan.

When encountering persistent problems, remember that your phone is just an interface. The call routing logic is handled by the network and your service provider. Therefore, their support is often the most effective resource for resolving complex call diversion issues.

Best Practices for Call Management

Effective call management goes beyond simply setting up call diversion. It involves strategic planning and understanding how different features can work together to enhance productivity, maintain a professional image, and improve customer satisfaction. Implementing best practices ensures that your communication tools are serving your needs optimally.

Understand Your Needs

Before configuring any diversion, clearly define why you need it. Are you trying to ensure you never miss a sales lead? Do you need to route business calls to your personal phone while working remotely? Or are you trying to manage calls for a small team? Your specific requirements will dictate whether unconditional, conditional, or more advanced routing is necessary.

Choose the Right Destination

Select a destination number that is reliable and where you will be able to answer calls. Forwarding to a number that is frequently out of service or unavailable will negate the benefit. If forwarding to a mobile, ensure you have good signal coverage. For business purposes, consider if forwarding to a colleague or a central reception/voicemail is more appropriate than a personal mobile.

Always ensure the destination number has sufficient call reception capabilities.

Set Clear Voicemail Policies

If calls are forwarded to a number that has voicemail, ensure the voicemail greeting is clear, professional, and informs the caller when they can expect a callback. If you are trying to streamline your voicemail experience, consider how to clear out voicemail on iPhone, how to delete sent voicemail on iPhone, or how to empty voicemail mailbox on iPhone. These actions, while related to voicemail management, are distinct from call forwarding itself but contribute to an overall organized communication system.

Regularly Review Settings

Your communication needs can change. Periodically review your call forwarding settings to ensure they are still appropriate. For instance, if you transition from working remotely to being back in the office, remember to disable forwarding from your mobile back to your desk phone. This prevents unnecessary steps in the call path and reduces the chance of errors.

Utilize Advanced Features

For businesses or individuals with complex needs, explore advanced features like simultaneous ringing, time-based routing, and caller ID-based routing. These can significantly improve call handling efficiency. For example, routing calls from known clients to a priority queue or forwarding certain calls directly to specific departments based on the caller's number can enhance personalization and responsiveness.

For example, a user might set up their landline to forward to their mobile during standard business hours (`09:00-17:00`), and after hours, have all calls go directly to voicemail. They might also configure their mobile to forward unanswered calls to their business VoIP number, creating a fail-safe chain for critical communications. If a user is concerned about managing their voicemail greeting on iPhone, they can easily remove or change it within the Phone app, ensuring callers receive up-to-date information.