How to forward business calls to an answering service or AI receptionist

Q: How do I stop forwarding?

Dial your carrier's off code (for example 73 on Verizon and most landlines, or ##002# on AT&T and T-Mobile), or turn off the rule in your VoIP portal. It takes effect right away.

You don't need a new phone number or a new phone company to get your calls answered. Every answering service, live or AI, works the same basic way: you turn on call forwarding on the number your customers already dial, and calls you can't take go to the answering line instead of voicemail.

This guide covers the common codes and settings. In the examples, replace 5035550123 with the 10-digit number your answering service gives you (no dashes or spaces).

First, pick how you want to forward

Forward when unanswered (recommended for most). Your phone rings first. If you don't pick up after several rings, the call goes to your receptionist. You still take the calls you can.
Forward when busy. If you're already on a call, the next caller goes to your receptionist instead of hearing voicemail.
Forward all calls. Every call goes straight to your receptionist. Useful after hours, on vacation, or when you're on a roof all day.

Many owners use "unanswered + busy" during the day and switch to "all calls" at night.

Verizon (mobile)

Forward all calls: dial *72 then the number, e.g. *725035550123, press call and wait for the confirmation tone.
Forward only when busy or unanswered: dial *71 then the number, e.g. *715035550123.
Turn forwarding off: dial *73.

AT&T (mobile)

Forward when unanswered: dial *61*5035550123# and press call.
Forward when busy: *67*5035550123#. When unreachable (phone off or no signal): *62*5035550123#.
Forward all calls: *21*5035550123#.
Turn all forwarding off: ##002#.

T-Mobile (mobile)

Forward when unanswered: dial **61*15035550123# and press call.
Forward when busy: **67*15035550123#. When unreachable: **62*15035550123#.
Forward all calls: **21*15035550123#.
Turn all forwarding off: ##002#.

Landlines and business VoIP

Most traditional landlines: dial *72, then the number, and wait for the tone. *73 turns it off. Some carriers also offer *92 for forward-on-no-answer.
VoIP and business phone systems (Comcast Business, Spectrum, Vonage, RingCentral, Google Voice, 8x8 and similar): log in to your provider's web portal or app, find Call Forwarding or "no answer / busy" rules, and enter the answering number.

Codes can vary by plan, prepaid brand or region. If a code doesn't work, search your carrier's support site for "conditional call forwarding" or call their support line.

Test it before you rely on it

Call your business number from a different phone (a friend's or a second line).
Let it ring without answering (or decline it) and make sure the call reaches your receptionist.
If you forward all calls, check that it goes straight through.
If you use RepOnRing AI, check your inbox: the call summary email should arrive in about a minute.

Things to watch for

Ring time. "Forward when unanswered" usually waits around 20–30 seconds. Some carriers let you change it. Shorter means fewer callers hang up.
Voicemail. If your phone's voicemail picks up before the forward kicks in, the caller never reaches the receptionist. Testing will show you this.
Minutes and fees. Some carriers count forwarded calls as minutes on your plan or charge for forwarding. Check your plan if you're unsure.
Turning it off. Forwarding stays on until you turn it off. Keep the "off" code handy.

How this works with RepOnRing AI

When you sign up for RepOnRing AI, you get your own local number and the exact forwarding steps for your carrier by email. You keep your business number and your phone company. The receptionist answers forwarded calls, says it's a virtual assistant, takes down the caller's name, callback number, address and what they need, flags emergencies, and emails you the details. See sample call emails.

Starter ($59.99/mo) answers Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm. Pro ($119.99/mo) and Premium ($149.99/mo) answer 24/7. Every plan has a 7-day free trial, and you can hear a demo for your industry first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to change my business phone number?

No. Call forwarding sends calls to the answering line while customers keep dialing the number they already know. You keep your number and your phone company.

Can I still answer calls myself?

Yes. Use "forward when unanswered" or "forward when busy". Your phone rings first, and only the calls you miss go to the receptionist.

How do I stop forwarding?

Dial your carrier's off code (for example *73 on Verizon and most landlines, or ##002# on AT&T and T-Mobile), or turn off the rule in your VoIP portal. It takes effect right away.

Does call forwarding cost extra?

It depends on your carrier and plan. Many mobile plans include it, but some count forwarded calls as used minutes or charge a fee. Check with your carrier.

Will callers know their call was forwarded?

Callers dial your normal number and hear the receptionist answer with your business name. RepOnRing AI tells callers it's a virtual assistant.