Staying connected with your customers or clients is very important for your business. One missed call could mean a lost opportunity or an unhappy customer. This is where call forwarding comes in.
Call forwarding is a simple but effective feature used to redirect incoming calls from one phone number to another.
This can be a mobile phone, landline, or even a VoIP number. Whether for personal convenience or business purposes, call forwarding allows users to stay connected without missing important calls.
Let’s talk more about this feature, how it works, and what it can do to keep your customers happy and satisfied. Let’s start!
How Call Forwarding Works
Call forwarding is a straightforward process that works behind the scenes to keep you connected. When someone dials your number, the phone network steps in and redirects the incoming call to another number of your choice.
This can be another mobile phone, an office phone, a landline, or even a VoIP number. The process is smooth, and the caller usually doesn’t notice that their call has been forwarded.
Curious how our call forwarding features work? Watch our demo here!
Different Types of Call Forwarding
There are several types of call forwarding to suit different needs. Each type is designed for specific scenarios:
Unconditional
Unconditional call forwarding redirects all incoming calls automatically to another number without ringing the original phone. This option is ideal for users who want a consistent call redirection setup, such as when they’re out of the office or using a different device full-time.
Conditional
Conditional call forwarding forward calls only under specific conditions, such as when the line is busy, unanswered, or out of reach. You can choose to reroute the call to another team member or direct it to your voice mail. This option gives flexibility and makes sure calls are forwarded only when truly needed.
Remote
Remote call forwarding allows users to manage and activate call forwarding settings from a distance, typically through an app or web interface. It’s particularly helpful for those who need to change their forwarding preferences while away from their primary phone or location.
VoIP-based
VoIP-based call forwarding integrates with internet-based phone systems to forward calls seamlessly. This type of forwarding often includes advanced options like call routing, analytics, and integration with business tools, making it a top choice for modern workplaces.
Want to learn more about forwarding calls to multiple devices? Book a demo today!
Recommended reading:
3 Ways to Forward Your Landline to a Cell Phone
Why Should You Use Call Forwarding?
Let’s talk about why call forwarding matters and how it can make communication better.
- Stay connected anywhere – Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or simply away from your main device, it keeps you accessible no matter where you are.
- Improved customer service availability – For businesses, it’s important to answer customer calls quickly. Call forwarding sends calls to available team members, which cuts down on wait times and keeps customers happy.
- Manage work-life balance – Forward work calls to certain times or devices to keep your personal time free while staying availaSupport international operations – Easily redirect calls across time zones so global customers can always reach the right person.
- Redirect after-hours calls – Send after-hours calls to voicemail, an answering service, or an on-call team to make sure customers get help, even outside business hours.
Make Every Call Count with Talkroute
- Stay in control of your business calls with Talkroute’s advanced call forwarding and routing features. Whether you’re at the office, at home, or on the go, our platform makes sure you never miss an important call.
Why Choose Talkroute?
- Flexibility: Forward phone calls to any device with an active +1 country code, including mobile phones, landlines, IP phones, and even satellite phones.
- Seamless routing: Redirect calls to multiple devices simultaneously or in a specific order so your team stays connected no matter where they are.
- Desktop integration: Route calls directly to your desktop or laptop with our app for MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Add custom schedules for each user to maximize efficiency.
- Custom call paths: Set up personalized call flows for each phone number, menu option, or extension to make sure every call reaches the right person or place.
- Enhanced caller experience: Set custom hold music, messages, or maximum hold times to keep your callers informed and satisfied.
Ready to take your business anywhere? Start your free trial today!
FAQs About Call Forwarding
What is *73 call forwarding?
*73 is the code to deactivate call forwarding. When active, you receive calls directly to your phone line again. After dialing, you’ll hear a dial tone confirming the change.
How do I forward calls using *72?
To forward calls, dial *72 and the phone number (include the area code for long-distance numbers). Wait for the line to answer. If it goes to voicemail or you hear a busy signal, hang up and try again. Once connected, incoming calls will go to the number you set.
How do you activate call forwarding?
Activate call forwarding by dialing *72 followed by the local number or long-distance number where you want to forward calls. You can also use your phone’s settings or contact your provider to set up conditional call forwarding.
What is the difference between 71 and 72 forwarding?
72 forwards all incoming calls to another phone number. 71 uses conditional call forwarding, redirecting calls only when your line is busy or unanswered. Both require setting a forwarding phone number.
What is a fast busy tone?
A fast busy tone is a quicker busy signal that usually means there’s a problem with the phone line, such as incorrect call forwarding settings or an invalid phone number. It often points to a technical issue. If you hear it, check your phone’s settings or contact your service provider.
Stephanie
Stephanie is the Marketing Director at Talkroute and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Entrepreneur as a leading authority on business and telecommunications.
Stephanie is also the chief editor and contributing author for the Talkroute blog helping more than 200k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.