Setting Up Call Forwarding
Marcus Johnson
Technical Support Lead
Marcus specializes in telecom systems and has helped hundreds of users set up call forwarding with PhoneShield.
In this article
Introduction
Call forwarding allows you to use your existing phone number with PhoneShield, so callers can reach your AI assistant without you having to share a new number. This guide will walk you through different methods to set up call forwarding based on your carrier and phone type.
Why Use Call Forwarding?
Call forwarding gives you the best of both worlds - keep your existing phone number that everyone already knows, while gaining the power of PhoneShield's AI call screening and management.
Types of Call Forwarding
Call forwarding comes in several types, each serving different needs:
Unconditional Forwarding
All calls to your number are forwarded to PhoneShield automatically. Your phone won't ring at all.
Busy Forwarding
Calls are forwarded only when your line is busy or you're already on a call.
No Answer Forwarding
Calls are forwarded when you don't answer within a certain number of rings (typically 4-6 rings).
Unreachable Forwarding
Calls are forwarded when your phone is turned off or out of coverage area.
Which Type to Use?
For a complete PhoneShield experience, we recommend setting up Unconditional Forwarding or No Answer Forwarding, so your AI assistant can handle all calls for maximum protection and efficiency.
Setting Up on iPhone
iPhone users have two main methods to set up call forwarding:
Method 1: Using Phone Settings
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap Phone
- Tap Call Forwarding
- Toggle Call Forwarding on
- Enter your PhoneShield number
- Tap Back to save
Note: This method only allows for unconditional forwarding. For other types of forwarding, use Method 2.
Method 2: Using Carrier Codes
If Method 1 doesn't work, you can try dialing special codes:
- Unconditional forwarding: Dial
*21*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call - Busy forwarding: Dial
*67*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call - No answer forwarding: Dial
*61*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call - Unreachable forwarding: Dial
*62*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call
To cancel forwarding, dial *#21# for unconditional, *#67# for busy,*#61# for no answer, or *#62# for unreachable.
Setting Up on Android
Android users also have two methods for setting up call forwarding:
Method 1: Using Phone App
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three dots or Menu icon
- Select Settings or Call settings
- Tap Call forwarding or Additional settings then Call forwarding
- Select the type of forwarding you want to set up
- Enter your PhoneShield number
- Tap Enable, Turn on, or OK
Note: The exact steps may vary depending on your Android version and manufacturer.
Method 2: Using Carrier Codes
Same as iPhone, you can use the dialing codes:
- Unconditional forwarding: Dial
*21*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call - Busy forwarding: Dial
*67*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call - No answer forwarding: Dial
*61*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call - Unreachable forwarding: Dial
*62*PhoneShieldNumber#then press call
Manufacturer Differences
Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and other Android manufacturers may have slightly different menu structures. If you can't find the call forwarding options, search for "call forwarding" in your phone's settings search.
Carrier-Specific Instructions
Different carriers have specific methods for setting up call forwarding:
AT&T
You can set up call forwarding through your AT&T account:
- Log in to your AT&T account
- Navigate to Wireless > Manage Features
- Find Call Forwarding and select Manage
- Enter your PhoneShield number and save changes
Alternatively, dial *72 followed by your PhoneShield number to enable, or *73 to disable.
Verizon
Set up call forwarding with Verizon:
- Log in to your Verizon account
- Navigate to Services > Call Forwarding
- Enter your PhoneShield number and save
Alternatively, from your Verizon phone, dial *72 followed by your PhoneShield number to enable, or *73 to disable.
T-Mobile
To set up call forwarding with T-Mobile:
- Log in to your T-Mobile account
- Navigate to Phone > Manage services
- Find Call Forwarding and select your options
- Enter your PhoneShield number and save
Alternatively, dial *21* followed by your PhoneShield number and # to enable, or ##21# to disable.
Need Help?
If you're having trouble setting up call forwarding, contact your mobile carrier's customer service. They can help you set it up correctly for your specific plan and device.
Forwarding Strategies
Here are some strategies for using conditional forwarding with PhoneShield:
Work Hours Only
Enable unconditional forwarding during work hours, and disable it after hours to screen your calls only when you're working.
Meetings/Do Not Disturb
Enable forwarding when you're in meetings or set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode, so PhoneShield handles calls when you can't be interrupted.
Sleep Hours
Set up forwarding during your sleep hours so your AI can handle late-night calls without disturbing you.
VIP Exceptions
Use PhoneShield for all calls except from VIP contacts, which can ring through directly to your phone.
Advanced: Automation Apps
For even more control, consider using automation apps to manage your call forwarding:
- IFTTT - Create applets that enable/disable call forwarding based on your location, time, or other triggers
- Tasker (Android) - Create complex automation rules for call forwarding based on multiple conditions
- Shortcuts (iOS) - Create shortcuts to quickly enable/disable forwarding with a single tap
Testing Your Setup
After setting up call forwarding, it's important to test that it's working correctly:
- Ask a friend or use another phone to call your regular number
Have someone call your normal phone number to test the forwarding.
- Verify that the call is properly forwarded to PhoneShield
The call should be redirected to your PhoneShield number.
- Check if your AI assistant answers as expected
Your AI should answer with the greeting you've configured.
- Verify that you receive the proper notification of the call
You should get a notification through your chosen channels.
- Test disabling the forwarding
Turn off forwarding and verify that calls now ring directly to your phone.
Success!
When properly set up, all calls to your existing number will be handled by your PhoneShield AI assistant according to your preferences, giving you complete control over your communications.
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