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Setup 4 min read Updated 2026-05-11
How to forward your business phone to an AI receptionist
Most businesses can use call forwarding from an existing phone number to route unanswered or after-hours calls to an AI receptionist.
Direct answer
To forward a business phone to an AI receptionist, keep your existing number, configure forwarding rules with your phone provider, test caller ID and transfers, then verify the recap and routing workflow.
Basic setup steps
The exact steps depend on your phone provider, but the workflow is usually the same.
- Choose when calls should forward: always, after-hours, busy, or unanswered
- Add the AI receptionist forwarding number in your phone system
- Place test calls from several phones
- Confirm caller ID, transfers, and SMS recaps
- Adjust routing rules before going live
What to test
Test normal calls, urgent calls, appointment requests, after-hours calls, and callers who do not provide complete information. The goal is to confirm the team gets a useful handoff every time.