How to forward your calls to an AI receptionist
Updated 29 October 2026
You don't need a new phone number to use an AI receptionist. You keep the number your customers already know and forward calls from it to the AI. You can forward every call, or only the calls you don't answer, so your phone still rings first.
Here's how to do it on a mobile, a landline and a VoIP phone system, and how to choose the right kind of forwarding.
Choose the kind of forwarding
There are three common options. Most small businesses start with forwarding unanswered calls, so nothing changes when they're free to pick up.
- All calls: every call goes straight to the AI. Good when you're on a job all day, or out of hours.
- Unanswered calls: your phone rings first, and if you don't pick up the call goes to the AI instead of voicemail.
- Busy calls: when you're already on a call, the next caller goes to the AI rather than hearing an engaged tone.
On a mobile
Most UK mobile networks support the standard divert codes below. Type the code into your phone's keypad with the AI receptionist's number, then press call. You can also set forwarding in your phone's settings: on an iPhone under Settings, Phone, Call Forwarding, and on most Android phones in the Phone app's settings under Calls or Supplementary services.
- Forward all calls: **21*number#
- Forward unanswered calls: **61*number#
- Forward calls when you're busy: **67*number#
- Forward calls when your phone is off or has no signal: **62*number#
- Cancel all forwarding: ##002#
On a landline
Many UK landline providers, including BT, offer call diversion using similar star codes, but the exact codes and any charges vary. Check your provider's help pages for "call diversion" or "call forwarding", or ask them to set it up.
On a VoIP or cloud phone system
If you use a VoIP system, set forwarding in its web portal or app. Most let you forward on no answer after a set number of seconds, which gives you the same "ring me first" behaviour.
Check the cost
Your provider may charge for forwarded calls, as you're paying for the onward call to the AI's number. Check your tariff. Forwarding to a UK geographic number is usually included or cheap on business plans.
Or let HaloTasker decide when to ring you
With HaloTasker you can also forward all calls to your HaloTasker number and set the rules there instead. For each part of the day, choose whether your own phone rings first, the AI answers straight away, or it picks up after a set number of rings. Changing your hours is then a setting, not a dial code.
Frequently asked questions
Will callers know their call was forwarded?
No. They dial your usual number and the AI answers in your business name.
Can I switch forwarding off quickly?
Yes. On most mobiles, dial ##002# to cancel all forwarding, or switch it off in your phone's settings.
Do I need a new number?
No. Keep your existing number and forward it. HaloTasker can also give you a new UK number if you'd like one.
