You can get your mobile calls sent straight to a landline using your smartphone’s settings, special carrier codes, or even through your provider's app. This whole process is known as call forwarding, and it's a dead simple way to make sure you never miss an important call just because you've hit a mobile blackspot or simply prefer the crystal-clear quality of a landline.
It’s a handy feature supported by all the big Aussie carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
Why Would You Bother Redirecting Your Mobile to a Landline?
In a world where most of us are glued to our mobiles, you might wonder why you’d ever need to send calls to an old-school landline. The answer usually boils down to one simple thing: reliability.
Have you ever been on a crucial business call from your home office, only for the signal to drop out at the worst possible moment? Or maybe you're running a small business and want to project a more professional image with a dedicated office number that still reaches you wherever you are.
These are the exact kinds of headaches where call forwarding comes to the rescue. It bridges the gap between the handiness of a mobile and the rock-solid stability of a landline. For many, it's less of a tech trick and more of a smart strategy to guarantee you’re always connected.
Creating a Rock-Solid Communication Hub
One of the main reasons people set up call forwarding is to get better call quality. Landlines are famous for their clear, stable connections, free from the annoying dropouts and interference that can plague mobile networks, especially if you're indoors or out in the sticks. When you redirect your mobile calls, you're basically making sure every conversation is as crisp and clear as possible.
This is a game-changer for people like:
- Small Business Owners who can't afford to miss a single client call or sound unprofessional.
- Remote Workers jumping on important conference calls from a home office with sketchy mobile reception.
- Tradies and Field Professionals who are always on the move but need a reliable contact number for new jobs and enquiries.
Looking More Professional and Finding Work-Life Balance
Let's face it, a landline number just feels more permanent and trustworthy, which can be a huge plus for any business. But it's not just about appearances. Forwarding your mobile to an office landline during business hours helps create a clear line between your work life and your personal time.
Once the workday is done, you can just switch off the forwarding and get your personal time back. It's a simple step towards a healthier work-life balance. For an even smarter way to manage this, tools like the OnSilent AI assistant can take it a step further by filtering your calls for you.
Call forwarding isn’t just a technical feature; it's a practical strategy for improving communication reliability, professional image, and personal wellbeing. It ensures you're always reachable on the best possible connection.
This feature is especially relevant here in Australia. As of late 2025, we had about 34.1 million mobile connections in the country—way more than the number of people! Yet, despite everyone having a mobile, around 46% of households still had a copper landline before the big shutoff. This just shows how much we still value the reliability of a fixed line and why knowing how to seamlessly redirect calls is so useful. By learning the ropes, you really can get the best of both worlds.
Setting Up Call Forwarding on Your Smartphone
Getting call forwarding sorted is usually a quick job you can do right from your smartphone's settings. Whether you're on an iPhone or an Android, the option to redirect your mobile calls to a landline is typically just a few taps away. Let's walk through exactly how to find it and get it going.
This built-in feature is hands-down the fastest way to get started, without messing around with special codes or calling your provider. It’s perfect for when you need all incoming calls sent straight to your landline, right now.
How to Forward Calls on an iPhone
If you're an iPhone user, Apple has the call forwarding setting tucked away neatly in the Phone options. The process is pretty much the same across all recent versions of iOS.
First up, you'll need to jump into your main Settings app. From there, just scroll down until you spot the Phone menu and give it a tap. Inside, you'll see an option labelled Call Forwarding.
This is what you'll see on the call forwarding screen.
As you can tell, it's just a simple toggle switch to flick the feature on.
Once you tap that toggle, a new field called "Forward To" will pop up. This is where you punch in the full landline number, area code and all. After you've entered the number, you can just tap back to the previous screen – your settings are saved automatically. From that moment on, every single call to your mobile will ring straight through to your landline.
Navigating Android's Call Forwarding Settings
For all the Android users out there, the steps can be a little different depending on your phone's brand, whether it's a Samsung, a Google Pixel, or something else. Don't worry, though; the general path is very similar. You'll usually find the settings inside your main Phone or "Dialler" app.
Start by opening your Phone app and look for the three-dot menu icon, which is almost always in the top-right corner. Tapping this brings up a menu where you should select Settings.
From the main settings screen, you might have to do a little digging into a sub-menu. Keep an eye out for labels like:
- Supplementary services
- Calling accounts
- Call settings
Once you're in the right spot, you'll find the Call forwarding option. Unlike iOS, Android often gives you more granular control straight away, letting you choose when your calls get forwarded. You can decide to always forward, or only when your line is busy, unanswered, or you're unreachable. To send every call over, just select "Always forward" and type in your landline number.
The key thing to remember is that while setting this up is easy, whether the option is even there depends entirely on your carrier. If you can't find it, your mobile provider has likely disabled it, which means you'll need to use network-level GSM codes instead.
For anyone wanting to get into the nitty-gritty for different providers, this detailed guide on call forwarding is a great resource. It can really help you understand some of the more advanced options out there.
It’s important to realise that this basic setup is an all-or-nothing deal – it forwards every single call. If you need something a bit smarter, like filtering calls or having an assistant manage them for you, you'll want to look at alternatives. For instance, iPhone users could check out how the OnSilent smart voicemail app offers more advanced management that goes way beyond simple forwarding, giving you a much more customised way to handle incoming calls.
Using Carrier and GSM Codes for Redirection
While your phone’s built-in settings are a decent starting point for redirecting calls, sometimes you need a bit more muscle. That’s where network-level controls come in, letting you manage call forwarding directly through your carrier. Honestly, it's often the more reliable way to do it since the instructions live on the network itself, not just on your device.
Major Aussie carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all have ways to manage these settings. But beyond their specific apps or portals, there’s a universal shortcut: GSM codes. These are quick codes you punch into your phone to instantly activate, deactivate, and check on your call forwarding.
This quick decision tree gives you a visual on where to start, depending on what phone you've got.
As you can see, checking the phone's settings is the usual first step. But as we're about to find out, carrier codes offer a far more powerful alternative.
Leveraging Your Carrier for More Control
Going directly through your mobile provider often unlocks more sophisticated options than the simple "forward all calls" toggle on your phone. Most carriers let you set up conditional forwarding through their online portals or even by calling support, giving you the power to create specific rules for your calls.
For example, you could set things up to only forward calls if:
- Your mobile is busy because you’re already on another call.
- You don't answer after a certain number of rings.
- Your phone is switched off or stuck in a no-service area.
This level of control is brilliant for business owners or anyone who can't afford to miss a call but doesn't want every single call going straight to a landline. Think of it as a safety net, catching calls that might otherwise disappear into voicemail.
The Power of GSM Codes
If you're after a fast, universal method that works on pretty much any mobile, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) codes are your new best friend. You just enter these shortcodes into your phone's dialler, pop the landline number in, and you can instantly manage your forwarding settings.
Think of GSM codes as the secret language your phone uses to talk directly to the mobile network. They bypass your phone's software and issue a command straight to the carrier, making them incredibly reliable.
The beauty of these codes is that they're largely standardised. While you might find a minor variation here and there, the core codes are supported across different networks. This makes them a dependable tool, especially if you ever switch phones or carriers.
This whole system is built on Australia's pretty robust national infrastructure. As of January 2025, Telstra was leading the pack with 11,767 mobile sites, with Optus and TPG not far behind. This widespread coverage is what makes routing calls between mobile and landline systems work so smoothly. You can read more about the growth of Australia's mobile infrastructure and how it supports these kinds of features.
These codes are especially handy for setting up conditional call forwarding, a feature that isn't always available in your phone's standard settings. Use the right code, and you can tell the network exactly how to handle calls under different circumstances, giving you the ultimate say over your availability.
Here are the most common GSM codes you'll need.
Conditional Call Forwarding GSM Codes at a Glance
Use these universal codes to set up different types of call forwarding directly from your phone's dialler. Remember to replace "+61xxxxxxxx" with the full landline number you want to forward calls to, including the area code.
| Forwarding Condition | Activation Code | Deactivation Code | Status Check Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Calls (Unconditional) | **21*+61xxxxxxxx# |
##21# |
*#21# |
| When Busy | **67*+61xxxxxxxx# |
##67# |
*#67# |
| When Not Answered | **61*+61xxxxxxxx# |
##61# |
*#61# |
| When Unreachable | **62*+61xxxxxxxx# |
##62# |
*#62# |
Just type the code into your phone's dial pad as if you were making a call and press the call button. You should get a confirmation message on your screen. To cancel all forwarding at once, the universal code is ##002#. Easy.
Understanding the Costs and Limitations
Redirecting your mobile to a landline is a handy trick, but it's not always a free ride. Before you dive in, it pays to understand the fine print and a few practical quirks to avoid any bill shock or surprises down the track.
Think of a forwarded call as an outgoing call from your mobile plan. When someone rings your mobile and it gets bounced to your landline, your carrier bills you for that second leg of the journey—from your mobile to the landline.
If your plan already includes unlimited calls to Australian landlines, you're in the clear and probably won't see any extra charges. But for anyone on a plan with a set number of minutes, every second of a forwarded call chews into that allowance. It’s a small detail, but it can add up if you’re not watching it.
Billing and Plan Considerations
This all comes down to how the telco market has changed. Mobile services are now the main game for providers, so their plans are all about data and voice bundles. Call forwarding isn't some special add-on anymore; it's just another feature baked into their standard billing.
Between 2015 and 2025, revenue from traditional fixed-line services in Australia has been on a steady decline as everyone moves to wireless. The industry is still projected to pull in $34.7 billion in 2025, but the focus has shifted. This means carriers have already worked out how to bill for common scenarios like redirecting a mobile to a landline.
The golden rule is simple: if calling a specific landline from your mobile would normally cost you money or use your minutes, then forwarding a call to that same number will do the exact same thing.
Inherent Technical Limitations
Beyond the cost, there are a couple of technical boundaries to keep in mind. Knowing these helps set realistic expectations for how the whole thing works.
- SMS and MMS Don't Forward: This one’s a biggie. Call forwarding is strictly for voice calls. Any text or picture messages sent to your mobile number will land on your mobile phone, as usual. They won't ever show up on your landline.
- Potential for Minor Delays: You might notice a slight delay or an extra ring or two before the call connects. This is just the network rerouting the call from your mobile to the landline. It's usually only a second or two, but it’s something to be aware of.
- Caller ID Stays Original: The caller ID that pops up on your landline will be from the person who originally dialled you, not your own mobile number. This is great for seeing who's actually trying to reach you, but it also means you can't tell at a glance if it was a direct call or a forwarded one.
Lastly, it's worth remembering that the good old landline is evolving. For instance, the UK's traditional phone network is being shut down in 2025, pushing everyone towards digital alternatives. It's a global trend showing that while landlines are still reliable, the technology behind them is definitely changing.
Troubleshooting Common Redirection Issues
So, you’ve tried to set up call forwarding, but it’s just not playing ball. Don't worry, it happens. More often than not, the solution is surprisingly simple and doesn't require a call to tech support. Usually, it's a small typo or a quick device restart that gets things back on track.
The number one culprit? A simple mistake in the landline number. It’s incredibly easy to fat-finger a digit or forget the area code when you’re keying it into your phone’s settings or a GSM code. Before you dive any deeper, just double-check that you’ve entered the full, correct number.
Another common roadblock is your carrier plan. Some mobile plans, especially the prepaid ones, might not include call forwarding as a standard feature. If the settings are greyed out in your menu or the GSM codes give you an error message, that’s a pretty big hint that you need to check what’s included in your plan.
A Quick Diagnostic Checklist
If you’re still stuck, work your way through this checklist. It’s a systematic way to pinpoint the problem without spending ages on hold with your provider.
- Deactivate and Reactivate: The classic "turn it off and on again" trick works wonders here. Use the deactivation code (like
##21#) to wipe any existing forwarding rules, give it a moment, and then try setting it up again from scratch. - Restart Your Mobile: A simple reboot can often clear up temporary network glitches or little software bugs that might be getting in the way of the redirection commands.
- Check for Carrier Updates: Sometimes, your phone needs a carrier settings update to communicate properly with the network. If you're on an iPhone, you can quickly check this by going to
Settings > General > About.
It's worth remembering that when you redirect your mobile to a landline, the instruction lives on your carrier’s network, not just on your phone. If your phone's settings and the network's settings get out of sync, things can go wrong. A restart helps force them to shake hands again.
When to Contact Your Provider
If you've run through all these checks and your calls are still stubbornly refusing to forward, it’s probably time to get in touch with your carrier's customer support. It’s possible there’s a block on your account or a network-level issue that only they can see and fix.
When you call, be ready to explain the steps you've already taken—this will help them skip the basic questions and diagnose the real issue much faster.
For anyone finding standard call forwarding a bit too rigid or clunky, it might be worth looking at smarter alternatives. For instance, the OnSilent smart voicemail for Android gives you more advanced call handling tools that go way beyond simple redirection, offering a more flexible way to manage your calls.
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
When you start redirecting calls from your mobile to a landline, a few questions always seem to pop up. It's smart to get your head around the details like billing, text messages, and caller ID so you don't run into any nasty surprises.
We've pulled together the most common queries to clear up any confusion and help you get it right.
Will I Get Slugged With Extra Charges for This?
In most cases, yes, but it might not cost you anything. Your mobile provider sees a forwarded call as just another outgoing call from your mobile to that landline number.
So, if your plan already has unlimited calls to Australian landlines, you're golden – you likely won't pay a cent extra. But if you're on a plan with limited minutes, every single forwarded call will chew into your monthly allowance. It’s always a good idea to have a quick squiz at your plan details or chat with your carrier—whether you're with Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone—to be sure.
Do My Text Messages Get Forwarded Too?
Nope, and that's a good thing! Call forwarding is purely for voice calls. All your SMS and MMS messages will keep coming through to your mobile phone exactly as they always do.
You won't miss a single text, even when your calls are being sent somewhere else.
How Will I Know if an Incoming Call Was Forwarded?
This is the tricky part: you usually won't. When a call gets redirected, your landline's caller ID will show the number of the person who originally called you, not your own mobile number.
This means you can't really tell the difference between a call that was forwarded from your mobile and one that was dialled directly to your landline. It's great for seeing who's trying to reach you, but you lose the context of which number they were trying to call in the first place.
While some fancy business phone systems might have a way to flag this, your standard carrier service keeps it simple.
Can I Set it to Forward Calls Only if I Don't Answer?
Absolutely. This is where conditional call forwarding comes in, and it's a seriously useful feature. Instead of sending every single call over, you can set up specific rules.
You can redirect calls only when:
- Your mobile is busy on another call.
- You don't pick up after a few rings.
- Your phone is off or you're out of reception.
This gives you so much more control than the basic "forward all calls" setting. You can typically set these rules up using special GSM codes from your carrier, like **61* for when you don't answer.
If standard call forwarding feels a bit too basic, OnSilent offers a smarter way to manage it all. Our AI Personal Assistant can screen your calls, qualify leads, and make sure you only get bothered by the people who actually matter. Check out a better way to handle your calls at https://onsilent.com.