Answering machine for iPhone: missed calls and transcripts
Set up an answering machine on iPhone with conditional forwarding. Check Apple's voicemail limits, carrier support and how Heilo transcribes messages.
To keep answering your phone normally and send only missed calls to a voicemail service, configure conditional forwarding with your carrier. The iPhone Call Forwarding switch sends all calls to another number; it is not a missed-call-only setting.
Reviewed: 19 October 2026. Written by the Heilo team, based on Apple's documentation and Heilo's current features. We have not tested every device or carrier plan.
Choose the service before changing your settings
| Option | What it provides | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier voicemail | A recorded message when you cannot answer | Plan, fees and retrieval method |
| Visual Voicemail | A list of voicemail recordings in the Phone app | Carrier support; transcription is a separate capability |
| Live Voicemail | On-phone message handling in supported languages and regions | Availability and interaction with your carrier service |
| Calls forwarded to Heilo | A recording, transcript and summary of the message the caller leaves | Conditional forwarding and a test from the initial call to receipt of the message |
Check Apple's feature-availability list (checked 19 October 2026) and ask your carrier which features your line supports. Having Visual Voicemail does not necessarily mean that transcription is available in your language.
Configure missed-call forwarding
- Set up your Heilo number for receiving messages and your greeting. Explain that messages are recorded and give a realistic estimate of when you will call back.
- Ask your carrier about forwarding when unanswered and, if needed, separate rules for when the line is busy or your phone is unreachable. Codes, delays and charges vary by plan.
- Use only codes confirmed by your carrier. For example,
**61*destination_number#is commonly used for unanswered calls, but it is not supported everywhere. The forwarding instructions for your number in the Heilo panel show a ready-made code with your mailbox number and ring time. - For Dual SIM, select the business line before changing its settings.
- Call your number from another phone and answer as usual. Then call again without answering and check that you hear the correct greeting.
- Leave a message that includes a name and a date. Check the recording and transcript, and confirm that any notifications you configured arrive.
Apple's iPhone User Guide (checked 19 October 2026) places the switch under Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding. Apple describes only that switch there, and for conditional forwarding it directs users to their carrier. For the all-call switch and common code patterns, see forwarding calls on iPhone.
What Heilo sends you
Heilo records the message left by the caller, transcribes it and produces a summary. If SMS notifications are configured, they provide context and a link; the full transcript is available in Heilo. We do not promise a specific processing or delivery time.
Heilo plays a greeting but does not conduct an AI conversation, answer customer questions or confirm bookings. Your team calls back and makes the decisions. Call information can go to your own CRM through the API, webhooks, Zapier or Make once the integration is set up (send calls to your CRM).
Restore your previous setup
Record the old destination for each condition before making changes. Restore or remove the specific rule using your carrier's procedure and test again. ##002# clears every forwarding rule, including carrier voicemail; it does not mean “undo my last change”.
Using Android? See the answering machine guide for Android.
FAQ
Do I need an iPhone app?
You do not need an iPhone app to forward calls to a message service. Whether this works depends on carrier support, as well as your iPhone model.
Does this record answered calls?
Missed-call forwarding only records messages left after unanswered calls. To capture a call you answer on your own number, use Heilo Select: on a second line you call Heilo and merge the calls (your phone and carrier must support conference calls), and Heilo records from the moment it joins. Heilo Line records calls made and taken through a +48 business number from Heilo automatically; outbound calls start in the panel with Call via Heilo.
Can I keep my existing number?
Yes, if your carrier supports forwarding to Heilo. Heilo Line is a separate plan with a +48 business number from Heilo, available after company verification. Plans and prices are on the pricing page.
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