Introduction
Are you tired of missing important phone calls while you’re away from your phone or office? If so, you’re not alone. Whether you’re running a business or managing personal affairs, call forwarding can help ensure that you don’t miss any important calls. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of call forwarding. We’ll cover what it is, how it works, and how to set it up on your devices.
Step-by-step guide
First, let’s start with the basics. Call forwarding means that incoming calls are redirected from one phone number to another. This means that you can receive incoming calls on another phone or device. The forwarding number can be a mobile phone, landline, or even a VoIP connection. There are three different types of call forwarding: unconditional, busy, and no answer.
If you want to activate call forwarding, you need to check whether your device has this feature. If so, you can usually find it under “Phone” or “Settings.” Here’s how to set up call forwarding on several different devices:
Smartphone (Android/iOS)
- Open your phone app and tap on the three-dot menu icon (Android) or the “Settings” icon (iOS).
- Tap on “Call settings.”
- Tap “Call forwarding.”
- Choose a call forwarding option and enter the phone number you want to forward your calls to.
If you have an iPhone, you can also set up call forwarding using Siri. Simply ask Siri to turn on call forwarding, and then follow the voice prompts.
Landline phone
- Dial *72 (for call forwarding) or *73 (for disabling call forwarding).
- Enter the forwarding phone number.
- Wait for the confirmation tone and then hang up.
VoIP phone
- Log in to your VoIP account and navigate to your call forwarding settings.
- Select the type of call forwarding you prefer (unconditional, busy, or no answer).
- Enter the forwarding phone number.
Make sure to test your call forwarding connection to ensure that it’s working accurately.
Top call forwarding apps
Call forwarding apps can be a helpful addition to your call management toolbox. Some of the top call forwarding apps include:
Google Voice
Google Voice is a free call forwarding service that allows you to forward your calls to your Gmail account, VoIP, or landline. Its features include voicemail transcription, call blocking, and real-time spam filtering.
YouMail
YouMail is a visual voicemail and call forwarding app that can forward calls to any phone number or voicemail address. It also offers custom greetings, personalized voicemail greetings, and advanced call blocking features.
Phone.com
Phone.com is a business VoIP provider that offers call forwarding, call routing, and voicemail transcription. Its advanced features include auto-attendant, call queuing, and call recording.
Optimizing call forwarding settings
Once you’ve set up call forwarding, you can optimize your settings for your needs. Here are some tips to help you personalize your call forwarding settings:
Personalized greetings
Customize your greetings to make a lasting impression on your callers. Setting up a custom greeting can convey professionalism and offer a personalized touch.
Which call forwarding option to use (unconditional, busy, or no answer)
Different call forwarding conditions may be more useful for different situations. For example, if you don’t want to miss any calls, even if they come in while you’re already on a call, you might want to set up unconditional call forwarding. If you’re away from your phone, you might choose to use the no answer call forwarding option.
Custom schedules
You can also schedule when to forward calls at specific times to ensure that you’re not interrupted during business or vacation time.
How to set up automatic call forwarding
You can also automate call forwarding to save time. This enables you to forward calls to your secondary device automatically. This feature is highly customizable and can be configured according to your requirements.
Advantages of call forwarding
Call forwarding comes with numerous benefits that can improve your business or personal life. Some of them include:
- Never missing important calls
- Improving your customer service by providing a more professional image
- Reducing the number of voicemails on your answering machine
- Providing your clients with a 24/7 customer support service
Common call forwarding issues and how to fix them
If you’re experiencing issues with call forwarding, don’t worry. Most issues can be fixed quickly:
Missed or dropped calls
This may be due to a poor network connection, incorrect settings, or a technical issue. Make sure you have a strong signal and update your call forwarding settings to improve your connection. Test it to ensure that the issues are resolved.
Incorrect settings
Check that your settings are correct, and update them if needed. An incorrect forwarding phone number could cause issues. If you’re using an app, check that you’ve installed and configured it accurately.
Network issues
The network provider may experience occasional downtime or connection issues that can temporarily disrupt call forwarding functionality.
Outsourcing call forwarding
If you’re running a business and can’t manage your calls yourself, consider outsourcing to a call center or virtual assistant. Outsourcing has several benefits, such as:
- 24/7 support
- Reducing staffing costs
- Improved customer service
- Expertise in handling calls
When looking for a call center or virtual assistant, compare different providers’ pricing, reviews, and service offerings to choose the best fit for you.
Conclusion
Call forwarding is a simple but powerful feature that can help you stay connected and never miss important calls. Whether you’re running a business or managing personal affairs, it can save time and provide a more professional image. Setting up call forwarding on your device is easy, and there are many options to choose from, including various apps and automated systems. By following the tips in this article, you can optimize your call forwarding settings and avoid most common issues. Don’t hesitate to explore various options and providers to find the best fit for your needs.