You don't need a new phone number to use Cally. You keep the number your customers already know and set it to forward the calls you don't answer. Your phone rings first, like always. If you're on a ladder, with a client or asleep, Cally answers instead. Setting it up takes a few minutes, and this guide walks you through it for every common phone.
First, pick the right kind of forwarding
There are two kinds of call forwarding, and the difference matters.
Forward all calls sends every call straight to Cally, so your phone doesn't ring at all. That's useful for nights or vacations, but most owners don't want it all day.
Forward when busy or no answer lets your phone ring first and sends the call to Cally only if you don't answer in time or you're already on a call. This is the one most businesses want, and it's what the steps below set up.
Mobile carriers: dial a short code
On most US mobile carriers you turn on forwarding by dialing a short code from your phone's keypad, the same way you'd dial a number. In the codes below, replace N with your 10-digit Cally number, which you'll find in your dashboard.
| Carrier | Code | Turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | *71N | *73 |
| AT&T, no answer | *61*N# | ##61# |
| AT&T, busy | *67*N# | ##67# |
| T-Mobile, no answer | **61*1N# | ##004# |
| T-Mobile, busy | **67*1N# | ##004# |
Sources: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile. Carriers change their codes from time to time, so check the source if a code doesn't work.
On AT&T and T-Mobile, also set the "unreachable" code (62 instead of 61), so calls still reach Cally when your phone is off or out of signal.
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On an iPhone
The iPhone has a Call Forwarding switch in its Phone settings, but it sends every call away and your phone won't ring. For "only when I don't answer", use your carrier's code from the table: open the Phone app, go to the keypad, dial the code and press call. You'll hear or see a short confirmation.
On an Android phone
Android phones also have a forwarding menu in the Phone app settings, and on many models it lets you choose "when busy" and "when unanswered" separately. The menus look different from brand to brand, so if you can't find it, the carrier code from the table works on any phone.
Office lines and phone systems
Office lines and business phone apps usually handle forwarding in an online portal. Look for "call forwarding", "forward when no answer" or "add an outside number", enter your Cally number and save. When you sign up, your dashboard shows step-by-step guides for many providers, with your number already filled in.
Test it before you rely on it
Once forwarding is on, take two minutes to check it. Call your business number from another phone and let it ring without answering. After a few rings, Cally should answer in your business's name. Hang up and look in your dashboard: the test call should be there with a short summary.
Forwarding checklist
- Got your Cally number from the dashboard
- Set "no answer" forwarding
- Set "busy" forwarding
- Set "unreachable" forwarding, if your carrier has it
- Made a test call and found it in the dashboard
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Common questions
Does my phone carrier charge extra for call forwarding?
On many plans it's included, but it depends on your carrier and plan. Check with your carrier if you're not sure.
Can I turn call forwarding off again?
Yes. Dial the "turn off" code from the table, or switch it off in your phone or portal settings.
Do my callers have to dial a different number?
No. Callers dial your normal number. They never need to know about the forwarding.
