Call Forwarding Set-Up

The 3 forwarding “styles” 

1) Minimal :
Forward When Unanswered only → callers ring you first, and if you miss it, we capture the lead.
2) Balanced (We recommend):
Forward When Unanswered + When Busy → if you’re already on a call, we still catch the new one.
3) Maximum cover:
Forward When Unanswered + When Busy + When Unreachable → also catches times you’ve got no signal / phone off.

*Avoid Forward All Calls (unconditional). That sends every call away instantly, this can create spam leads.

iPhone (iOS) setup

Important: iOS “Call Forwarding” switch = forward ALL calls

That’s not what we want. iOS doesn’t show conditional options in Settings.
Use the dial pad codes below (they work at the carrier level).

iPhone quick Set-up (Minimal/Balanced – Recommended)

  1. Open the Phone app → Keypad.

  2. Dial: **61*+61CALLAR00**20# → press Call (sets When Unanswered with 20s ring).

  3. (Optional) Add busy: dial **67*+61CALLAR00#.

  4. Call your phone from a mate’s number → don’t answer → you should get the Call a Roo SMS

iPhone tips

  • Focus / Do Not Disturb doesn’t change forwarding; it just silences your phone. Forwarding still triggers if you don’t pick up.

  • Dual SIM: Forwarding is set per SIM. Make sure you run the codes while the business SIM is active.

Android setup

Many Android phones let you set conditional forwarding in the menus, or you can use the same dial codes as iOS.

Menu path (varies slightly by phone brand)

  • Open Phone app → tap ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Calls / Calling accounts / SIM settings → Call forwarding.
    You’ll usually see four items:

    • Always forward (avoid this)

    • When busy

    • When unanswered

    • When unreachable

Set your Call a Roo number for the options you want (see “styles” above). Most phones let you set the ring time for When unanswered inside the same screen or you can use the code method below. 

Choosing the ring time:

  • Default ring time is often 15–20s, which can be too short when you’re on site.

  • Use 25s or 30s so you can realistically answer before it forwards.

  • Code example (25s): **61*+61255501234**25#

Reset/Remove forwarding

If you need to undo things quickly:

  • Remove all conditionals: ##004#

  • Or remove individually: ##61#, ##67#, ##62#

  • Re-check with: *#004#

Testing checklist: 

  1. Save a contact called “CALL A ROO” with the forwarding number so you recognize it.

  2. From another phone, call your mobile → don’t answer.

  3. Confirm:

    • The call forwards to Call a Roo after your set ring time.

    • The SMS arrives to the caller with your form link.

    • You receive the lead notification (email/SMS) as expected.

  4. Try busy (call yourself while you’re already on a call) if you enabled 67.

  5. Try unreachable (airplane mode) if you enabled 62.

Relevant FAQs

Q: Will Call a Roo show as my business in the SMS?
A: Yes—the SMS is sent on behalf of your business (we include your business name and link). It’s compliant and includes opt-out.

Q: Do I need to change my current phone number?
A: No. You keep your number. We only use conditional forwarding in the background.

Q: Provide a summary of the call forwarding codes needed :
A: Use 61 (no answer) to catch missed calls after a short ring.
Add 67 (busy) and 62 (unreachable) so jobs are captured when you’re on a call or out of range.
Avoid 21 (all calls) unless you truly want everything diverted instantly.