How to Forward Your Telstra Calls to Your AI Receptionist — Permanently
You want your AI receptionist to answer calls when you're on the tools, driving, or just can't pick up. Not as a one-off — permanently, set-and-forget, configured at the network level through Telstra.
This guide walks you through configuring call forwarding via the My Telstra app, the Telstra online portal, or by calling Telstra directly. Once set up, it stays active regardless of which phone you use, even if you swap SIMs or reset your device.
Works on all Telstra plans — personal, business, prepaid, postpaid.
Which Type of Forwarding Do You Need?
Telstra supports four types of call forwarding. Here's what each one does and when to use it:
Forward When No Answer ★ Recommended
Your phone rings first. If you don't pick up within 15–25 seconds, the call goes to TransferToAI. Best option for most tradies. You still get the chance to answer, but never miss a call.
Forward When Busy
If you're already on a call, the next caller goes straight to TransferToAI instead of hearing an engaged tone.
Forward When Unreachable
Phone off? No signal on site? Calls go to TransferToAI automatically. Common on construction sites with poor reception.
Forward All Calls
Every call goes straight to the AI. Your phone doesn't ring at all. Best for after-hours, holidays, or when you want the AI as your full-time receptionist.
Our Recommendation
Set up "No Answer" + "Busy" + "Unreachable" together. This gives you full coverage — your phone rings first, but if you can't answer for any reason, TransferToAI picks up. You never miss a lead.
Method 1: My Telstra App (Easiest)
Most tradies already have the My Telstra app. This is the simplest way to set up permanent forwarding.
Open the My Telstra App
Open the My Telstra app on your phone. If you don't have it, download it from the App Store or Google Play — it's free.
Go to Services
Tap on Services from the bottom menu, then select your mobile service (the number you want to forward).
Find Call Forwarding
Look for Call Controls or Manage Call Forwarding. Tap into it. You'll see the different forwarding options.
Set Your TransferToAI Number
For each forwarding type you want (we recommend No Answer, Busy, and Unreachable), turn it on and enter your TransferToAI number from your dashboard Settings.
Important
Enter the full number with country code, e.g. +61 4XX XXX XXX. You'll find your TransferToAI number in your dashboard under Settings.
Save and Test
Tap Save. Then test by calling your number from another phone — let it ring without answering. TransferToAI should pick up after 15–20 seconds.
Method 2: Telstra Online Portal
Prefer using a computer? You can configure forwarding from Telstra's website.
- 1Go to my.telstra.com.au and log in with your Telstra ID.
- 2Navigate to Services → select your mobile number.
- 3Find Call Forwarding or Manage Call Controls.
- 4Enable Forward When No Answer, Forward When Busy, and Forward When Unreachable.
- 5Enter your TransferToAI number for each type. Save.
Method 3: Call Telstra and Get Them to Do It
If you'd rather just tell someone what you need, call Telstra and ask them to set up call forwarding for you. It's free.
Telstra Business Landline
Got a Telstra business landline (fixed line)? Call forwarding for landlines can't be configured from a phone dialer — it needs to be set up through Telstra directly.
Option A: Telstra Business Portal
Log in to the Telstra Business portal. Navigate to your landline service and look for Call Features → Call Forwarding.
Note: not all landline plans include call forwarding. You may need to add it as a feature — Telstra can do this over the phone.
Option B: Call Telstra Business
Call 13 2000 and ask them to enable call forwarding on your landline, pointing to your TransferToAI number. They'll confirm it's active.
Quick Alternative: Dialer Codes
If you prefer a faster method for your mobile, you can enter these codes directly in your phone's dialer. These are standard GSM codes that configure forwarding at the network level — they persist even if you change phones.
Replace NUMBER with your TransferToAI number (e.g. +61480XXXXXX).
| Type | Enable | Disable |
|---|---|---|
| No Answer ★ | **61*NUMBER# | ##61# |
| Busy | **67*NUMBER# | ##67# |
| Unreachable | **62*NUMBER# | ##62# |
| All Calls | *21*NUMBER# | #21# |
Dial each code and press Call. You'll hear a confirmation tone or see a success message.
How to Turn Off Forwarding
Use any of the same methods in reverse:
- My Telstra app — go back to Call Forwarding settings and toggle each type off.
- Online portal — disable forwarding from my.telstra.com.au.
- Call Telstra — ask them to remove forwarding.
- Dialer codes — use the disable codes from the table above, or dial
##002#to cancel ALL forwarding at once.
Troubleshooting
❌ "Call Forwarding Not Available" or feature not showing in app
Some older Telstra plans don't include call forwarding by default. Call 13 2200 (personal) or 13 2000 (business) and ask them to enable the call forwarding feature on your plan. It's usually free.
❌ Calls not forwarding after setup
Double-check the number includes the country code (+61). Make sure you enabled the right type — if you only set "Forward All Calls" but wanted conditional forwarding, switch to "No Answer". Allow a few minutes for changes to propagate on the network.
❌ Forwarding on prepaid — not working
Telstra prepaid requires active credit for call forwarding to work. Top up your account and try again. The forwarding itself is free, but you need a positive balance on the account.
❌ Landline forwarding not available online
Not all landline plans include forwarding. Call 13 2000 and ask Telstra Business to add it. They may need to provision the feature on your line first.
Forward Your Telstra Calls. Never Miss a Lead.
Set up forwarding once and TransferToAI handles every call you can't answer — 24/7, in a real Aussie accent.
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TransferToAI Team
Helping Aussie tradies win more work.