Forwarding unanswered calls: how it works with KPN, Vodafone and Odido

If you can't pick up because you're on a roof, under a car or with a customer, you don't want the caller to simply give up and try someone else. With call forwarding when unanswered, a call you don't take is automatically passed on to another number: a colleague, your office or a service that picks the caller up for you. Below you'll find how to set it up, what to watch out for and what it costs.

The codes

These codes are a standard of the mobile network and are listed on the service pages of KPN, Vodafone and Odido. You dial them as if you were making a call, then press the green call button.

• **61*number# · forward when unanswered (switch off: ##61#)
• **62*number# · forward when you have no signal (switch off: ##62#)
• **67*number# · forward when you're on another call (switch off: ##67#)
• **21*number# · always forward (switch off: ##21#)
• ##002# · switch all forwarding off in one go

For "number", enter the number you want calls to go to, preferably with the country code, for example +316.... Getting an error message from the network? According to the providers, if you call over 4G you use one asterisk instead of two and leave out the hash at the end, for example *61*number.

Step by step

• Choose the number your missed calls should go to.
• Dial **61*, that number and #, then press the green call button.
• Wait for the message on your screen confirming that forwarding is on.
• Test it: ask someone to call you, don't answer, and check that the call comes through on the other number.

How long does your phone ring first?

How long your phone rings before the call is forwarded differs per provider and plan. With some plans you can adjust that time yourself. Don't make it too short, or a call will already be gone while you're still getting your phone out of your pocket. Too long isn't good either: the caller hangs up before the call is picked up elsewhere. Ask your provider how to set it on your plan.

Mind your voicemail

On many plans, your voicemail itself also works through forwarding when unanswered. If you set up a new forward, a caller will usually no longer end up on your voicemail but on the new number instead. That's often exactly what you want, but it's good to know before you start, so you aren't surprised when your voicemail stays empty.

What does it cost?

According to KPN and Odido, setting up a forward is free. When a call is actually forwarded, you usually do pay for the forwarded part of the call, as ordinary calling within your bundle. Forwarding to a foreign number comes with different rates. So always check with your own provider what it costs on your plan.

Business plans and landlines

With business plans or landlines, setting up forwarding often goes through an online portal or your provider's app rather than a code. If a code doesn't work, look there or call your provider's customer service. At Corvo Apex we set up forwarding together with you, so you know for sure it's working properly.

How Corvo Apex uses it

With Reachable, your phone forwards unanswered calls and the caller gets a WhatsApp from your business within seconds, so the conversation carries on even while you're busy with your hands. You simply keep your own number, and your customers notice nothing other than that you got back to them quickly.