Communication
Call Forwarding Not Working? Check These Settings
Fix call forwarding issues to your AI receptionist. Carrier settings, number format, and forwarding type troubleshooting.
Quick Answer: Call forwarding issues usually stem from incorrect number format (missing country code), wrong forwarding type selected, or carrier restrictions. Verify settings with your phone carrier and ensure the forwarding number matches exactly.
What You'll Learn
This guide helps you diagnose and fix call forwarding problems so calls reach your AI receptionist reliably.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
- First, verify direct calls to your AI number work (call it from your mobile)
- Check your carrier's call forwarding settings
- Verify the forwarding number format includes country code if required (+1 for US)
- Confirm the forwarding type matches your needs (unconditional vs conditional)
- Disable and re-enable forwarding to reset
- Test after each change
Common Causes
- Wrong number format: Some carriers require +1 prefix, others don't accept it
- Conditional instead of unconditional: Calls only forward on busy/no-answer
- Carrier restrictions: Some carriers limit or block call forwarding to VoIP
- Feature not enabled: Call forwarding may need to be activated with your carrier
- Conflicting settings: Multiple forwarding rules interfering with each other
Carrier-Specific Instructions
Common carriers and their forwarding codes:
| Carrier | Activate All Forwarding | Deactivate |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | *21*[number]# | #21# |
| Verizon | *72 + number | *73 |
| T-Mobile | **21*[number]# | ##21# |
| VoIP/PBX | Check admin portal | Check admin portal |
Testing Your Forwarding
- Set up forwarding using your carrier's method
- Call your business line from a different phone (not your mobile if that's the business line)
- The call should ring to your AI receptionist
- If it doesn't forward, try calling from a different phone to rule out caller ID issues
When to Contact Your Carrier
Contact your phone carrier if:
- Forwarding works to regular phones but not to your AI number
- You get an error message when trying to set up forwarding
- Forwarding worked before but suddenly stopped
- You're on a business plan that may have restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does call forwarding cost extra?
A: It depends on your carrier and plan. Most business plans include it, but check with your carrier.
Q: Will caller ID still work with forwarding?
A: Yes, your AI will see the original caller's number, not your business line number.
Q: Can I forward only some calls to the AI?
A: Yes, use conditional forwarding (busy/no-answer) to have AI handle overflow, or set up time-based rules in your phone system.