How Do I Forward My Calls? – A Complete Guide

• Things to Keep in Mind about Forwarding
• Forwarding Flavors 
• Basic Call Forwarding
• Scheduled Call Forwarding
• Filtered Forwarding
• Routing a Forwarded Call Back to a Company Voicemail 
• Find Me/Follow Me Forwarding 
• Android Forwarding Guide 
• iOS Forwarding Guide
• Mobile Phones Dial Code Forwarding  ---
  
  • AT&T 
  • T-Mobile 
  • Verizon

Call Forwarding allows you to automatically redirect all your incoming calls away from your desk phone and to mobile phones, landlines, your home line, other office extensions, or even VoIP numbers. 

Things to Keep in Mind about Forwarding 

• When the feature is enabled you will be able to make calls but you will not be able to receive calls on the forwarded phone or line.
  
  
• You will also not be getting any new voicemails recorded on that phone until you disable the feature (or unless you set up routing back to voicemail.)
  
  
• Call forwarding does not work for international numbers outside the U.S. However, if you forward your calls to a mobile phone with a U.S. number and take this phone overseas you will be able to receive forwarded calls.
  
  
• A call sent to a queue can only be forwarded if the Allow destination to forward calls: field settings of the queue in the Admin Portal is set to "Yes".

Forwarding Flavors

Call forwarding comes in various flavors, depending on your specific needs or where you are setting the forwarding from. You should consider if you need to return a forwarded call back to your company voicemail or if you need to be able to control the forwarding activation remotely.

• With Basic Call Forwarding you just need to decide if the forwarding is constant or depends on your availability.
  
  
• Scheduled Forwarding lets you forward calls only on certain hours or days.
  
  
• If you want to forward calls only for specific caller IDs read the Filtered Forwarding setup guide.
  
  
• What if you want the forwarded call to ring a selected number but if there is no answer send it back to your company voicemail? See how to route a call back to voicemail guide.
  
  
• If you are a developer, integrating Telebroad communication services with your company's apps, you can facilitate forwarding with a PUT method API. By itself, the API is limited to only enabling or disabling forwarding, but other Telebroad APIs can enhance its functionality with transferring and time routes options.
  
  
• Lastly, learn how to set up Find Me/Follow Me type of forwarding.

  Note that Basic forwarding can be enabled by any user, but the other forwarding types require access privileges to the Admin Portal.

All of these refer to your Telebroad numbers. If you are using the mobile version of the TeleConsole you also have a choice of using your personal mobile number. Refer to this Android forwarding guide, iOS forwarding guide, or Dial Codes forwarding guide for instructions.

When trying to decide what forwarding to use, you can also refer to the following table that summarizes the various features of different forwarding choices. 

Company Voicemail: When forwarding calls to a mobile number and you don't pick up, would a call get redirected back to your company's voicemail (the one accessed from your desk phone), or will the caller be prompted to leave a message on the mobile phone's voicemail itself?

Able to transfer?: When you pick up a forwarded call, are you able to transfer it to another number? As shown in the table this can be done for some destinations by dialing #9.

Time routes: These are used for creating schedules so forwarding happens only at specific times. 

Feature Codes: Think of Feature Codes as an envelope to a user's phone line and related features. For Scheduled Forwarding and Caller ID Forwarding, Time routes and Caller routes are applied to Feature Codes rather than to the phone line.

Feature Codes, not unlike extensions, provide shortened internal dialing between users. For example, instead of user A having to dial user B's full phone number he can just dial Feature Code 210. 

Control: The device, app, or portal from which the forwarding is set up and controlled.

Basic Call Forwarding

There are several ways to enable basic forwarding. 

You need to decide if the forwarding is constant or only occurs in certain situations, like when your line is busy. The latter can only be set from the web interface! The web interface also provides much more flexibility about the forwarding destination.

You can activate basic forwarding:

• Directly from your phone by using  dial code *72 as described here.
  
  
• From the settings menu of the TeleConsole mobile Android or iOS versions or the Windows/macOS/Web desktop versions.
  
  

Scheduled Call Forwarding

What if you want to forward your calls only on certain hours or days? Such scheduled call forwarding has to be set up from the Admin Portal, which is usually accessible only by your system administrator.

Set up Scheduled forwarding with the following steps:

• In the Admin Portal select Features>Time and dates from the side menu and click on New >> at the bottom right of the list to create a new time group.
  
  
  
• Enter a name for the group  and select if the group will be active for any of the time periods or non of the time periods (time periods are created in the next step). Click Save.
  
  

• Click Add a new time period » and set the desired time and days for the time group to be active or inactive, based on your "Active when:" selection above. You can create several time periods to cover more complex situations. For example, a group that is active for two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon.
  
  
• Next, select Features>Feature codes and click on the feature code for the phone line you are setting scheduled forwarding for.
  
  
• Scroll to the bottom of the selected feature code page and find Time routes. Click Add a time route >>.
  
  
  
• In the page that opens select the Time group you created in the previous steps to apply its time periods as a forwarding schedule to the phone line. Select Number for the Forward matching calls to: field (if forwarding to an internal number select Telephone line instead.) Enter the number to forward calls to and click Save. You are all set.
  
  
  
• To stop the scheduled forwarding simply delete the Time route.

Filtered Forwarding

With Filtered Forwarding (also known as Caller ID Forwarding) you can have calls forwarded only from specific phone numbers, prefixes, area codes, or even countries.

To set up Filtered Forwarding:

• In the Admin Portal select Features>Feature codes from the side menu.
  
  
• Click on the feature code for the phone line you are setting Caller ID forwarding for.
  
  
• Scroll to the bottom of the selected feature code page to find Caller routes: and click Add a caller route >>.
  
  
  
  
• Enter the phone number or caller ID that you want to forward calls for in the Caller number prefix: field.
  
  You can only enter one number here (there is no option for comma-separated values.) For additional phone numbers simply add additional caller routes!
  
  You can enter the whole number to create an exact match or any part of it to match multiple numbers. For example, enter a whole number except the last three digits to forward all numbers from a specific company rather than an individual in that company.
  
  
  
  You can even forward all calls from specific area codes or countries (for the latter add + before the country code. For example +47.)
  
  
• You can describe the forwarded number in the Description field. This is optional. 
  
  
• From the Forward matching calls to: drop-down menu select a destination or function for the forwarded call.
  
  If forwarding to an external number select Number and enter the desired phone number in the field below it.
  
  
  
  If forwarding to an internal number select Telephone line and select the desired internal number from the drop-down menu.
  
  
  
  You can also select to forward the calls to a Mailbox.
  
  
  
  
• Overall there are fifty-nine possible forwarding destinations and functions you can choose from.
  
  One function that may be very useful for blocking unsolicited calls is Hang up call or Busy tone. You can also consider creating a company voicemail for unwanted calls and directing calls there. The advantage of the latter is that it can slow down the unwanted callers, especially if you include some lengthy greeting or music before prompting the caller to leave a message. You would just have to clear this mailbox occasionally. If you need to block text messages refer to this article.
  
  
  
• Click Save to add the caller route. Routing takes effect immediately.
  
  
• If you no longer want to forward calls for any ID simply delete it from the list of Caller routes.
  
  
  

Routing a Forwarded Call Back to a Company Voicemail

When you forward a call and if there is no answer, the call will get directed to the mailbox of the forwarded destination (if one exists). For example, if you forward calls to your private mobile phone, callers will be prompted to leave a voicemail in your private mobile phone mailbox. 

But if you want to have voicemails left only in your company's mailbox then follow these steps:

• In the Admin Portal select Features>Hunt groups from the side menu.
  
  
• Click on New >> at the bottom right of the Hunt groups list.
  
  
  
  
• Give the new Hunt group a name identical to the phone line or extension being forwarded. You should also add some description of the function of the Hunt group.
  
  You can leave the rest of the fields as they are. The Level order: field must be kept at " Linear: Always start at 1" for this to work.
  
  Click Save.
  
  
  
  
• On the next screen select Set the default destination >>.
  
  
  
• Set the default destination as Mailbox and select the appropriate phone line for the user (Mailbox is under "My features" in the drop-down menu.) Click Save.
  
  
  
• You will be returned to the previous screen. Select Add a destination >>.
  
  
  
• Set the Destination as a Number and enter the external phone number where you are forwarding the call in the field below.
  
  You can alternatively select Telephone line if you are forwarding the call internally.
  
  You can leave the rest of the fields as they are. Click Save.
  
  
• You are all set. Calls will now be forwarded to your selected number and if unanswered will be returned to the company voicemail.
  
  
• If you just wish to edit the destinations (or if you accidentally clicked Return to the list of hunt groups >> before setting the destinations), simply select the new group you just created from the list of groups and click the Number or Default destination to edit them. You can also add more destinations here to ring before returning the call to the mailbox.
  
  

Find Me/Follow Me Forwarding

With Basic Forwarding you can forward a call only to one destination. If you move a lot between destinations it can be a hassle to keep changing the forwarded number constantly. The solution is Find Me/Follow Me type of forwarding. It routes a call to several destinations, either in a sequence or simultaneously, letting you pick it up wherever you are.

To set up Find Me/Follow Me follow these steps:

• In the Admin Portal select Features>Hunt groups from the side menu.
  
  
• Click on New >> at the bottom right of the Hunt groups list.
  
  
  
  
• Give the new Hunt group a name identical to the phone line or extension being forwarded. You should also add some description of the function of the Hunt group.
  
  You can leave the rest of the fields as they are. The Level order: field must be kept at "Linear: Always start at 1" for this to work.
  
  Click Save.
  
  

• On the next screen select Add a destination >>.
  
  
  
• Set the Destination as a Number and enter the external phone number where you are forwarding the call in the field below.
  
  You can alternatively select Telephone line if you are forwarding the call internally.
  
  You can leave the rest of the fields as they are. Click Save.
  
  
  
  
• Repeat this last step – click Add a destination >> to add the rest of the destination that will ring when you get a call.
  
  
  • If you want all destinations to ring simultaneously keep the Level: field at "1 (first)".
    
    
  • If you want the destinations to ring at a sequence set the Level: field for a different number for each destination.
    
    
    
    The sequence can be up to ten levels maximum, but you can have several numbers at each level, essentially combining both methods.
     
• On the screen where you click to add a destination, you can also select Set the default destination >> and set the default destination as Mailbox with the relevant phone line. This will direct the call to the Mailbox in case you don't pick it up at any of the destinations.
  
  
  
• If you just wish to edit the destinations, simply select the new group you just created from the list of groups.
  
  Click any Number or the Default destination to edit them.
  
  Here you can also click Level settings for each level individually.
  
  
  
• On the Level settings screen, you can change the duration each level rings – from 5 seconds up to a minute. While ringing, you can have each level either play a ringing sound or music.
  
  
  

Android Forwarding Guide

When working with the mobile version of the TeleConsole you have the choice of forwarding either (or both) your Telebroad number or your personal mobile number. 

Note that when DND is active your calls will not be forwarded even if the forwarding option is activated in the TeleConsole settings.

Here is how to forward your personal number from an Android device:

• Open the Phone app on your Android device.
  
  
•  From the menu tap Settings and then Call (or Call Settings).
  
  
• Select Call forwarding (if you don't see it tap Additional Settings first). 
  
  
• Tap Voice call or Video call. Each one can be forwarded independently and need to be set up separately.
  
  
• You will see different forwarding options – Always forward, Forward when busy, Forward when unanswered, and Forward when unreachable.
  
  It is very likely you will already see a forwarding phone number here for all options except Always forward. Take note of this number in case you ever change it because it is connected to your personal voicemail.
  
  
• Tap Always forward.
  
  
• Enter the forwarding number or tap the icon next to it to select one from your list of personal contacts.
  
  
• Tap Turn on.
   
• When you want to switch personal forwarding off, navigate to the same settings and select Turn off.

If your phone doesn't support forwarding in this way, you can try to use Dial Codes instead (see below).

iOS Forwarding Guide

When working with the iOS mobile version of the TeleConsole you have the choice of forwarding either (or both) your Telebroad number or your personal mobile number. 

Here is how to forward your personal number from an iOS device:

• Go to the Settings screen.
  
  
• Tap Phone.
  
  
• Tap Call Forwarding.
  
  
• Toggle on Call Forwarding and enter the forwarding number.
  
  
• Return to the Phone screen to save the number.
  
  
• If you now go to the Call Forwarding screen you will not see a toggle but the phone number you entered. Tap the X next to it to turn off forwarding or to enter a different number.

If your phone doesn't support forwarding in this way, you can try to use Dial Codes instead (see next).

Mobile Phones Dial Code Forwarding

If activating call forwarding directly from your mobile phone's settings doesn't work you can use dial codes.

Dial codes are different for each provider. We have listed here the codes for the three major U.S. providers. If you are using a different provider, consult his website or call his customer service to obtain the relevant codes.

To enable or disable call forwarding with dial codes:

• AT&T
  
       Forward all calls:

• Enable by dialing *72, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #. 
• TDisable by dialing *73#.

Forward calls only while the subscriber is busy with another call:

• Enable by dialing *90, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #. 
• Disable by dialing *91.

Forward only unanswered calls:

• Enable by dialing *92, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #. 
• Disable by dialing *93#.

Forward calls to an alternate number in the event of a service disruption:

• Enable by dialing *372, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #. 
• Disable by dialing *373#.

• T-Mobile
  
  Forward all calls:
  
  
  • Enable by dialing **21*, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #. 
  • Disable by dialing ##21#.

Forward only unanswered calls:

• Enable by dialing **61*1, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #.
• Disable by dialing ##61#.

Forward calls only when the device is off or out of signal range:

• Enable by dialing **62*1, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #.
• Disable by dialing ##62#.

Forward calls only while the subscriber is busy with another call:

• Enable by dialing *67*1, followed by the ten-digit forwarding number, followed by #.
• Disable by dialing  ##67#.

• Verizon
  
  Forward all calls:
  
  
  • Enable by dialing *72 followed by the ten-digit forwarding number.
  • Disable by dialing *73.

Forward only unanswered calls:

• Enable by dialing *71 followed by the ten-digit forwarding number.
• Disable by dialing *73.