Set up an AI answering
service on iPhone.
To use an AI answering service with an iPhone you forward your calls to the service’s number. There are two ways. To send every call, open Settings, then Apps, Phone, Call Forwarding, turn it on and enter the number; Apple notes this works on GSM service and shows an icon in the status bar while it is on. To keep answering yourself and send only the calls you miss, use your carrier’s conditional forwarding code instead: on Verizon, dial *71 and the 10-digit number; on AT&T, *61*number# forwards unanswered calls. Nothing is installed on the phone and your number stays the same. To stop, turn the setting off or dial the carrier’s off code, such as *73 on Verizon. Most carriers bill forwarded calls like answered calls. The steps below link to each official page.
Updated 27 September 2026Forward every call from Settings
- Open Settings, then Apps, then Phone.
- Tap Call Forwarding and turn it on.
- Tap Forward To, enter the AI receptionist’s number, then go back.
Apple’s notes: this works with GSM cellular service; on CDMA service, contact your carrier. With two SIMs you pick the line. The phone has to be in network range when you set it, and an icon shows in the status bar while forwarding is on. Turning the same switch off stops it. Source: Apple Support.
Every call goes to the AI and your iPhone does not ring. That suits after hours or a day on a job site. To keep picking up yourself, use the next method.
Forward only the calls you miss
The Settings switch has no “when unanswered” option; Apple tells you to ask your carrier about conditional forwarding. Carriers set it with dial codes: type the code on the Phone app’s keypad and press call.
| Carrier | Turn on | Turn off | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon, unanswered calls | *71 + 10-digit number | *73 | Verizon |
| Verizon, all calls | *72 + 10-digit number | *73 | Verizon |
| AT&T, unanswered | *61*number# | ##61# | Google Voice help, AT&T example |
| AT&T, busy | *67*number# | ##67# | Google Voice help, AT&T example |
| AT&T, unreachable | *62*number# | ##62# | Google Voice help, AT&T example |
| T-Mobile | See T-Mobile’s short codes | T-Mobile |
Replace “number” with the AI receptionist’s 10-digit number. Verizon forwards only to 10-digit US numbers.
What callers hear
Once calls reach Voxgard, it answers in about 0.3 seconds, day and night, in the caller’s language. It works from the scripts, services, hours and prices you gave it, books appointments into Google Calendar or Calendly while the caller is on the line, and texts the confirmation from your number. You get a recording, a transcript and a short summary of every call. If the caller asks for a person, it rings your people in the order you set.
During the free five-day pilot our engineers set it up on your scripts and give you the number to forward to. How the pilot works.
Does forwarding cost extra?
- Verizon: “no monthly fee for Call Forwarding on most plans”; a fee may apply on some older plans, and forwarded calls are billed as if you answered them.
- AT&T: forwarded calls are billed for the length of the call; long-distance or roaming charges may apply.
- T-Mobile and others: check your plan with the carrier.
Sources
- Apple Support: forward calls on iPhone
- Verizon: call forwarding FAQs
- Google Voice Help: carrier codes, AT&T example
- Google Voice Help: forwarding limits
- T-Mobile: self-service short codes
Written by Voxgard, which makes an AI receptionist. The figures describe the market, not Voxgard’s results. Found an error? info@voxgard.com
Questions.
Not from Settings. Use your carrier’s code: *71 plus the number on Verizon, or *61*number# on AT&T.
No. Forwarding is a phone and carrier setting. Voxgard answers the forwarded calls on its side.
Switch Call Forwarding off in Settings, or dial the carrier’s off code, such as *73 on Verizon or ##61# on AT&T.
Google says forwarding a Google Voice number to an automated system is not supported. Forward your carrier number instead, or ask us about a new number.
Try it on
your own calls.
Five days on your real line, free, no card. Our engineers set it up on your scripts.