Knowing how to forward calls keeps your business reachable when you are out of the office, on a job site or between locations. This guide covers what call forwarding is, how to forward calls to another phone, and how a business phone system handles it better.
What Is Call Forwarding?
Call forwarding sends calls made to one number to a different destination. The caller dials your business number as usual, and the call rings somewhere else: your cell phone, a coworker, a ring group or voicemail.
Common types include:
- Always forward: every call goes to the new destination.
- Forward when busy: calls forward only when you are already on a call.
- Forward when unanswered: calls forward after a set number of rings.
- Forward when unreachable: calls forward if your phone or office connection is down.
How to Forward Calls on a Business VoIP System
On Big Sky Telecom, call forwarding is a setting in the web portal or the mobile app:
- Sign in to the portal or open the Big Sky Telecom app.
- Choose the user, number or ring group you want to forward.
- Pick a rule: always, when busy, when unanswered or when unreachable.
- Enter the destination, such as a cell phone number, an extension or voicemail.
- Save. The rule takes effect immediately, and you can turn it off the same way.
How to Forward Calls to Another Phone From a Cell Phone
On an iPhone, open Settings, then Phone, then Call Forwarding, and enter the number. On Android, open the Phone app's settings and look for call forwarding under calling accounts or supplementary services; the exact menu varies by phone and carrier. Many US carriers also support a dialing code to turn forwarding on and off.
Why Routing Rules Beat Forwarding
Forwarding a landline to a cell phone works, but it is a workaround. With a business phone system, your cell phone runs the softphone app, so business calls ring there directly with your business caller ID. Instead of one forward, you get routing rules: business hours, after hours, ring groups and automatic failover if the office goes offline.
Still on a landline? See how to forward a landline to a cell phone and move off copper without changing your number.
Call Forwarding FAQ
What is call forwarding?
Call forwarding sends incoming calls for one phone number to another phone or destination, such as a cell phone, a coworker, a ring group or voicemail.
How do I forward calls to another phone?
On a business VoIP system, set the forwarding destination in the web portal or mobile app. On a cell phone, use the call forwarding setting in your phone's call settings or your carrier's forwarding code.
Is there a call forwarding app?
Yes. With Big Sky Telecom, the mobile softphone app rings with your business calls directly, so most teams no longer need to forward calls at all.
Does call forwarding cost extra?
Call forwarding and routing rules are included with Big Sky Telecom business phone service.