How call forwarding works
Forwarding happens inside your phone provider’s network, not on the destination. On many mobile and landline services you turn it on with a dial code, such as Verizon’s *72 followed by the destination number; business phone systems usually have a settings page instead. Each provider documents its own codes and which conditions it supports.
There are two broad types. Unconditional forwarding sends every call onward, so your phone never rings. Conditional call forwarding forwards only calls you miss or can’t take. Your provider may count forwarded calls as minutes on your plan, and the business number on your website, listings, and vans never changes.
Example: a landscaper’s truck number
A landscaping owner’s cell number is painted on three trucks. During mowing season he can’t answer while on a mower, so he forwards all calls to an AI receptionist from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and turns forwarding off in the evening. Customers keep calling the same number they always have. This scenario is illustrative.
Forwarding your number to InsertChat
In the US and Canada, InsertChat customers keep their existing number and forward it; elsewhere they use a local or toll-free InsertChat number where one is available. In your assistant’s phone settings, choose Forward my existing number, enter it, and InsertChat creates a private routing number for your provider to forward to. A verification call confirms the setup before customer calls arrive.
Our call forwarding guides list the exact steps and dial codes for providers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with removal steps. The first active line is included with your plan. See it in use for landscaping companies.
