Call Forwarding: Redirecting Calls to Another Number or Device

Call forwarding has become a necessary feature for businesses and individuals as calling is key to conveying information and understanding each other. It doesn’t matter whether you run a small business, a medium-sized company, or a large corporation, call forwarding can improve your incoming calls and decrease missed calls. 

However, not everyone is aware of this feature and knows the way to do call forwarding. You don’t need to worry from now on because this article will cover everything about call forwarding. 

If you read till the end, you will learn all about call forwarding, including its types, step-by-step ways for how to do call forwarding to another number or device, tips to use this feature effectively, and more. 

What is Call Forwarding?

The term “Call Forwarding” is used differently in various use cases but in simple language, it is the act of setting up a phone number to redirect incoming calls to an alternative phone number. Calls are redirected on a given condition, such as when a person or a business is engaged in another call, on vacation, or during after-business hours.

The term call forwarding is synonymously used as “call transfer.” It is helpful for call centers and businesses to ensure no incoming call goes unanswered and calls are automatically redirected to different numbers.

Advanced VoIP phone system allows you to arrange call-forwarding settings that best suit your needs. It has become an essential component in today’s competitive business landscape as it was in the past. 

Types of Call Forwarding

The type of call-forwarding determines its activation for different scenarios and can be used to achieve a variety of different outcomes. There are many types of call forwarding, but majorly, they are classified into two categories: immediate and conditional call forwarding. Let’s discuss both of them in detail.

Immediate Call Forwarding

Immediate call forwarding, also described as instant call forwarding, lets you redirect all incoming calls to another phone number as soon as they ring without the need for the original recipient to answer the call first.

By activating this feature, any calls made to a specified number will be automatically routed to the forwarding number. This feature is especially useful to ensure all calls are answered quickly during urgent situations. 

Conditional Call Forwarding

Conditional call forwarding allows you to automatically forward incoming calls to another phone number based on the given conditions. You can set up different criteria and scenarios to ensure calls are transferred in specific conditions. Here are the conditional call forwarding scenarios.

1. Forward when busy

A person is talking with another person, so the user’s status is busy, and can only receive one call at a single time. So, the new call is forwarded to another phone number.

2. Forward when unanswered

The incoming phone call will ring for some time. If the call is not picked up, the call will be forwarded to the forwarding number.

3. Forward when unreachable

When the user’s phone is not accessible in situations such as when mobile phones get disconnected from the network or during power loss, the call will be forwarded to the alternative phone number.

Setting Up Call Forwarding

Setting up call forwarding requires you to follow some simple steps. Both immediate and conditional call forwarding almost have the same process, but conditional call forwarding requires additional steps to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up these call-forwarding options.

Step-by-Step Guide for Immediate Call Forwarding

1. Accessing call forwarding settings

Accessing call-forwarding settings might vary on Android and iPhone operating systems. Here’s how you can access it:

For Android users, open the phone app, tap the three-dot menu button in the right corner, and go to settings. Select calling accounts, tap on your main SIM, and select call forwarding.

For iPhone users, go to the settings app, click on Phone, and select call forwarding.

2. Entering the forwarding phone number

Once you have accessed the call forwarding setting, enter the phone number to which you want to forward your calls. You can enter either landline or mobile number.

3. Enabling/disabling call forwarding

Now, you can enable the call forwarding option by tapping the turn-on button. To disable it, simply tap the turn-off button.

Step-by-Step Guide for Conditional Call Forwarding

1. Accessing conditional forwarding settings

If you are an Android user, open the phone app, tap the three-dot menu button in the right corner, and go to settings. Select calling accounts, tap on your main SIM, select call forwarding, and choose ‘Conditional Call Forwarding.”

If you are an iPhone user, go to the settings app, click on Phone, select call forwarding, and choose “Conditional Call Forwarding.”

2. Configuring settings for different conditions

After choosing the conditional call forwarding setting, you need to select the type of call forwarding you want to set up. This might include “Forward when busy,” “Forward when unanswered,” and “Forward when unreachable.” Select the condition you want to apply for. 

3. Determining forwarding numbers for each condition

Now, specify forwarding numbers for each condition, as you might want to assign different phone numbers for different conditions. You can set the same number for each condition as well.

4. Enabling/disabling conditional call forwarding

Enable conditional call forwarding by tapping the turn-on button. If you don’t need this option, tap the turn-off button to disable it.

Troubleshooting and Tips

In some cases, call forwarding might work differently than you want. You can do some simple practices to troubleshoot call forwarding issues. Here are a few things to check:

• Settings: Make sure that you have set up the immediate and conditional call forwarding correctly. Ensure you have set up the right conditions for conditional call forwarding.
• Coverage: Ensure you have adequate coverage in your area. 
• Phone: If you are still having trouble, try restarting your phone system or resetting the mobile network.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some common issues and solutions for call forwarding.

1. Call forwarding not working

There might be various reasons why your call forwarding is not working. The most common reason might be a mismatch between settings and the operating system. Further, you might have mistakenly messed up the settings, which also happens usually.

You can do the following things to solve the call forwarding not working issue:

• Go to settings and make sure you have enabled the call forwarding feature.
• If you are an iPhone user, turn off the LTE option if it exists.
• Turn off your cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
•  Turn on and turn off airplane mode. 
• Contact carrier support.

2. Incorrect forwarding number

The primary goal of call forwarding is to forward your incoming calls to the phone number that is most relevant and convenient to you. However, sometimes it might route to the wrong phone. To fix this issue, implement these practices: 

• Check the number you have chosen to forward incoming calls to ensure you have entered a complete, accurate, and correctly formatted phone number.
• Check for typing mistakes, as a single wrong digit can cause the forwarding to fail.
• If you still face the problem, try using a different phone or landline number.
• Contact customer support to get the best solution for the issue you are facing.

3. Network coverage issues

Due to poor signal strength and other connectivity issues, the incoming calls might not be properly forwarded to the intended phone number. You can follow the given steps to resolve this issue.

• Contact your service provider and tell them about your problems. They might offer solutions specific to your situation.
• Update carrier settings to make improvements to network connectivity.
• Check for downtime or maintenance notifications from your provider. 
• If you can choose different networks, switch them and see if it improves the network. 

Tips for Effective Call Forwarding

Consider implementing these tips to get the most out of the call-forwarding feature and eliminate various call-forwarding problems. These tips will help your call-forwarding operation be effective. 

Choosing the right call forwarding method: Choose the right type of call forwarding that meets your needs. You can choose no-answer call forwarding, busy call forwarding, immediate call forwarding, and more.

Using a reliable forwarding number: Choosing a reliable forwarding number is crucial as you have to make sure you can access it when you need it. A reliable phone number might be your trusted friend or family number, your work phone number, or your home phone number.

Updating forwarding phone number: Make sure to update the forwarding number if you keep changing your phone number.

Testing call forwarding: Keep testing your call forwarding to ensure it works properly and find bottlenecks to make changes.

Checking the fees: You must be aware that some phone carriers charge fees for call forwarding, so check your carrier to see if they charge any fees. 

Disabling call forwarding when not needed: To prevent calls from being forwarded unintentionally, turn off call forwarding when not needed.

How to do Call Forwarding on Different Devices

1. Call Forwarding on Smartphones

You can forward the incoming calls from your smartphone to another number. It will help to answer calls in situations where you cannot pick up the call but still want to receive important calls. 

You can set up call forwarding on mobile phones by opening your phone’s settings, selecting calling accounts, and call forwarding. Just enter the forwarding number and click the switch-on button to enable immediate call forwarding.

Furthermore, if you want to enable conditional call forwarding, go to your phone’s settings, select calling accounts, tap on call forwarding, and choose conditional call forwarding. Select the type of conditional call forwarding, enter the phone number, and tap on the switch-on button.

2. Call Forwarding on Landlines

A landline is traditionally an analog phone line that uses copper wires or fiber optic cables for communication. In the landline phone system, voice travels along a physical line to connect with the caller. 

Call forwarding on landlines works similarly to smartphones. To set up call forwarding on landlines, dial asterisk seven two (*72) on your landline phone and wait for a dial tone. Enter the 10-digit number of the cell phone where you would like to forward your calls and press the pound button (#) to get confirmation of activation.

3. Call Forwarding on VoIP Services

The advancement of VoIP technology has made call forwarding more convenient. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) makes phone calls through the Internet. So, instead of using traditional phone lines, it uses the Internet to make calls. 

To set up call forwarding on VoIP services, log in to your VoIP account and look for the call forwarding settings. Enter the forwarding number, either landline or mobile number, and select the forwarding conditions, like “Always,” “Busy,” or “No answer.”

Now, the incoming call will be routed to the forwarding number you provided through the Internet. If you no longer need the service, you can disable it by returning to your VoIP settings and tapping disable the forwarding option.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Call forwarding has made our day-to-day calling convenient; however, looking at privacy and security considerations is significant. Here are some things to consider:

1. Call Forwarding and Sensitive Information

You have to be aware of the information that is being shared during forwarded calls. Make sure the forwarding number is secure and is not easily accessible by others. Avoid forwarding calls that involve sensitive information and private conversations. 

Further, hide the original caller’s number on the call forwarding receiver, as there is a high chance the caller’s ID is shown. Ensure to show only information that is required. 

2. Securing Forwarding Settings

Securing forwarding settings is crucial to protect yourself from potential threats and attacks. Consider using strong and unique passwords that other people can’t guess easily. 

If you are a landline user, frequently change the default forwarding codes provided by your phone company to prevent your settings from unauthorized access. Moreover, keep monitoring call forwarding activities. If you sense unusual activities, investigate promptly and make adjustments.

Conclusion

Call forwarding is a powerful tool to enhance your personal and business calling experience. It ensures you don’t miss a single incoming call, and every call is answered. There are two types of call forwarding: immediate and conditional call forwarding. In conditional call forwarding, you set conditions to forward calls in different situations, but immediate call forwarding doesn’t require setting conditions.

Call forwarding features can be set up on smartphones, landlines, and VoIP services. You can follow the step-by-step guide given above to set it up. Call forwarding might not work in your favor if you don’t apply good practices. 

To ensure your call forwarding operation is smooth and consistent, choose the right call forwarding method, use a reliable forwarding number, regularly test call forwarding, and keep updating the forwarding number if you change your phone number.

FAQs

Can my calls be redirected to another phone?

Yes, you can redirect your calls to another phone. Call forwarding helps you forward any incoming calls to another phone number or device.

How do I redirect incoming calls to another number?

You can redirect incoming calls to another number by enabling the call forwarding option in your settings menu. To enable it, go to settings. Select calling accounts, tap on your main SIM, select call forwarding, choose “Call Forwarding,” and enable it.

What happens when your call is forwarded?

Your mobile phone won’t ring when you receive a call when Call Forwarding is enabled. The call will be sent to the number receiving your forwarded calls.