How to forward your business calls to an answering service
Updated October 26, 2026
You do not need a new phone number to use an answering service. You keep the number on your trucks, website and Google profile, and forward calls to the service when you cannot answer.
Here are the three ways to forward, and the codes most US carriers use.
Three ways to forward
- All calls: every call goes straight to the answering service.
- No answer or busy: your phone rings first, and only the calls you miss are forwarded. This is the most popular choice.
- After hours: you switch forwarding on when you close and off when you open, or set a schedule in your phone system.
Common dial codes
Codes vary by carrier and phone system, so check with yours. These are the most common in the US:
- Verizon: dial *72 and the number to forward all calls, *71 and the number to forward only calls you don't answer, and *73 to turn forwarding off.
- AT&T and T-Mobile mobile phones: **21*number# forwards all calls, **61*number# forwards unanswered calls, **67*number# forwards busy calls, and ##002# turns all forwarding off.
- Office and VoIP phone systems: forwarding is usually a setting in the admin portal, often with a schedule for nights and weekends.
Test it before customers do
After you set up forwarding, call your business number from another phone. Let it ring through and check that the answering service picks up with your company name.
Forwarding with Callista
Callista gives you a dedicated local line and shows the exact steps for your carrier in your dashboard. Most owners forward unanswered calls during the day and all calls at night.
Hear it answer for your business
Paste your website and Callista builds an AI receptionist that knows your services, hours and service area. Then call it from your browser. It takes about a minute.
Questions
- Will customers see a different number?
- No. They call your usual business number. Forwarding happens behind the scenes.
- Does call forwarding cost extra?
- Some carriers charge for forwarded minutes or need a feature added to your plan. Check with your carrier.
- Can I forward only after hours?
- Yes. Turn forwarding on when you close and off when you open, or use your phone system's schedule if it has one.