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Call Forwarding Setup (iOS)

Written by Nikita Podelenko
Updated over 3 weeks ago

SkipCalls uses call forwarding to route incoming calls from your personal phone number to your AI receptionist. When someone calls and you don't answer (or when all calls are forwarded), the call is automatically handled by your SkipCalls assistant.

This guide covers how to set up, test, and disable call forwarding on iOS.

Before You Start

  • Disable Live Voicemail — iOS 17+ has a "Live Voicemail" feature that intercepts calls before forwarding can work. You must turn it off: go to Settings → Phone → Live Voicemail → Off.

  • Know your carrier — Call forwarding uses carrier-specific dial codes. The SkipCalls app will guide you through the correct codes for your carrier automatically.

  • Have your SkipCalls number ready — This is the phone number assigned to your account, visible in the app under your receptionist settings.

Supported Carriers

We support 50+ carriers in the US and Canada. The most common ones:

  • AT&T

  • Verizon

  • T-Mobile

  • Sprint

  • Cricket Wireless

  • U.S. Cellular

  • Mint Mobile

  • Metro by T-Mobile

  • Visible Wireless

  • Boost Mobile

  • Spectrum Mobile

  • Xfinity Mobile

  • Google Voice

  • RingCentral

Canadian carriers include Rogers, Bell, TELUS, Fido, Koodo, Freedom Mobile, and more.

If your carrier isn't listed in the app, use the "I don't see my carrier" option — our AI search will try to find the right forwarding codes for you.

How to Set Up Call Forwarding

The easiest way is through the SkipCalls app — it walks you through every step.

  1. Open the SkipCalls app on your iPhone.

  2. During onboarding (or from Settings → Call Forwarding Setup), select your carrier.

  3. Choose when to forward calls:

    • Only if you don't answer (recommended) — Your phone rings first. If you don't pick up, the call goes to your AI receptionist.

    • All calls — Every incoming call goes directly to your receptionist. Your phone will not ring.

  4. Tap the dial code button shown on screen — this opens your Phone app and automatically dials the activation code.

  5. Wait for a confirmation tone or message from your carrier.

  6. Return to the SkipCalls app and confirm that you've activated the code.

  7. If you're on iOS 17+, follow the prompt to disable Live Voicemail (Settings → Phone → Live Voicemail → Off).

  8. Run a test call to make sure everything works.

If the Dial Code Doesn't Work

Some carriers block automated dialing. In that case:

  1. Tap "Didn't work? Set up manually" in the app.

  2. Copy the forwarding code shown.

  3. Open your Phone app, paste the code into the dial pad, and tap Call.

  4. If it still doesn't work, contact your carrier and ask them to enable conditional call forwarding to your SkipCalls number.

Manual Forwarding Codes (Quick Reference)

If you need to activate forwarding manually outside the app, use these codes in your Phone app dial pad. Replace {phone} with your SkipCalls number.

Major US Carriers

  • AT&T — Forward when no answer: **61*{phone}#

  • Verizon — Forward when no answer: *71{phone}

  • T-Mobile — Forward when no answer: **61*{phone}#

  • Sprint — Forward when no answer: *73{phone}

  • Cricket Wireless — Forward when no answer: *004*{phone}#

  • U.S. Cellular — Forward when no answer: *92{phone}

How to Disable Call Forwarding (Turn Off Your Assistant)

If you need to stop forwarding calls to your SkipCalls receptionist — whether temporarily or permanently — there are two ways to do it.

Option 1: Through the SkipCalls App (Easiest)

  1. Open the SkipCalls app.

  2. Go to Settings → Call Forwarding Setup.

  3. Tap "Disable Call Forwarding".

  4. The app will show the correct cancellation code for your carrier.

  5. Tap the code — it will open your Phone app and dial the deactivation code automatically.

  6. Wait for a confirmation tone or message.

Option 2: Manually via Dial Codes

Open your iPhone's Phone app, enter the code below for your carrier, and press Call:

  • AT&T: ##61# (no answer) · ##21# (all calls) · ##004# (all types at once)

  • Verizon: *73

  • T-Mobile: ##61# (no answer) · ##21# (all calls) · ##004# (all types at once)

  • Sprint: *730 (no answer) · *740 (busy)

  • Cricket Wireless: ##004#

  • U.S. Cellular: *920 (no answer) · *720 (all calls) · *900 (busy)

  • Mint Mobile: ##21# (all calls) · ##67# (busy)

  • Metro by T-Mobile: ##61# (no answer) · ##21# (all calls)

  • Visible Wireless: *73

  • Boost Mobile: *73

  • Spectrum Mobile: *73

  • Xfinity Mobile: *73

Option 3: Contact Your Carrier

If the codes above don't work or your carrier isn't listed, call your carrier's customer support and ask them to remove all call forwarding from your line.

How Do I Know Forwarding Is Disabled?

After entering the deactivation code, you should hear a confirmation tone or receive a text from your carrier. To double-check:

  1. Ask a friend to call your number.

  2. Let it ring without answering.

  3. If it goes to your regular voicemail (not SkipCalls), forwarding is disabled.

Forwarding Types Explained

  • No Answer — Calls forward to SkipCalls only if you don't pick up after several rings. This is the recommended option for most users.

  • All Calls — Every call goes straight to SkipCalls. Your phone will not ring at all. Use this if you want your receptionist to screen all calls.

  • When Busy — Calls forward only when you're already on another call (supported by some carriers).

  • When Unreachable — Calls forward when your phone is off or has no signal (supported by some carriers).

Troubleshooting

  • Calls still go to regular voicemail? — Make sure Live Voicemail is off (Settings → Phone → Live Voicemail). Also check that your carrier voicemail isn't intercepting calls before the forwarding activates — you may need to increase the ring time with your carrier.

  • Forwarding code doesn't work? — Some carriers require you to call them to enable forwarding. Contact your carrier's support line and ask them to activate conditional call forwarding.

  • Getting an error when dialing the code? — Try dialing the code manually instead of tapping the button. Some carriers reject automated dials.

  • Forwarding worked before but stopped? — Carrier updates, SIM swaps, or iOS updates can reset forwarding. Re-enter the activation code through the app.

Important Notes

  • Call forwarding is a carrier feature, not an iPhone or SkipCalls feature. Codes and availability depend entirely on your phone carrier.

  • Standard carrier rates may apply for forwarded calls. Most modern plans include unlimited forwarding, but check with your carrier if you're on a legacy or prepaid plan.

  • Forwarding can be re-enabled anytime by going through the setup process again in the SkipCalls app.

  • If you need help, tap the chat icon in the app to reach our support team.

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