How to Set Up Call Forwarding to Answering Machine — Step-by-Step Guide

See also: How to Forward Calls on Android | How to Forward Calls on iPhone

TL;DR: Call forwarding to Heilo.io takes 5 minutes: (1) Register account, (2) Set conditional forwarding on your phone (USSD code or settings), (3) Configure greeting. Done — Heilo answers when you can't.

You have Heilo, or plan to create account. Last barrier: "How does this actually work technically? Is it complicated?"

Answer: No. Call forwarding is a feature that's existed in every phone since the 90s. Heilo uses it to answer for you. In this article, I'll show you step by step how to set it up — on iPhone, Android, and landline.

What is Conditional Forwarding (Unanswered/Busy)

Conditional forwarding is a phone feature that automatically forwards a call to another number only when:

• You don't answer (e.g., busy, phone in pocket)
• You're talking with someone else (line busy)
• Phone is off or out of range

For customer: Nothing changes. Calls your number as usual.

For you: When you can't answer, call automatically goes to Heilo — without your intervention.

Important: This is NOT unconditional forwarding (where all calls go to another number). You still answer normally, and Heilo takes over only when you can't.

Step by Step: iPhone (iOS)

Option 1: Through Settings (Simplest)

1. Go to Settings Gray icon with gears on home screen.

2. Find "Phone" Scroll down a bit and tap Phone.

3. Tap "Call Forwarding"

4. Enable switch Move slider so it lights up green.

5. Enter Heilo number "Forward To" field appears. Enter Heilo number (find in panel after registration).

6. Save Tap "< Phone" in top left corner. Done!

Note: iOS by default sets unconditional forwarding (all calls). If you want conditional (only unanswered), use method 2.

Option 2: USSD (special codes typed on the phone keypad) Code (For Advanced)

1. Open Phone App Green handset icon.

2. Select "Keypad" Bottom bar.

3. Enter code: **61*[Heilo_number]# Example: **61*15551234567#

4. Press green handset Message should appear: "Forwarding enabled."

What this code does: Forwards calls when you don't answer for specified time (default 20 seconds).

To disable: ##61# → green handset.

Step by Step: Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)

Option 1: Through Settings

1. Open Phone App Green handset icon.

2. Tap three dots (⋮) Top right corner of screen.

3. Select "Settings" From menu.

4. Find "Call Forwarding" Sometimes in: Calling accounts → More settings → Call forwarding.

5. Tap "Voice calls"

6. Select forwarding type:

• "When unanswered" — most universal (recommended for Heilo)
• "When busy" — if you want Heilo to answer when you're talking with someone else
• "When unreachable" — when phone off/out of range

7. Enter Heilo number Confirm with "Enable" or "Update" button.

Done!

Option 2: USSD Code (Quick, Universal)

1. Open number keypad

2. Enter code:

• When unanswered: **61*[Heilo_number]#
• When busy: **67*[Heilo_number]#
• When out of range: **62*[Heilo_number]#

3. Press green handset

Example: **61*15551234567# → confirm

To disable: ##61# (for unanswered) → green handset.

To check status: *#61# → shows if forwarding is active.

Heilo Activation — Ready in 5 Minutes

Step 1: Registration Go to heilo.io, click "Try for free" and create account (email + password).

Step 2: Configure Greeting In Heilo panel, write greeting text (e.g., "Welcome to Company X, leave message, we'll call back") or record custom audio.

Step 3: Set Forwarding Use one of methods above (iOS/Android/landline) to forward calls to Heilo number (find in panel).

Step 4: Test Call your number from different phone, don't answer — you'll hear your Heilo greeting. Leave test message and check if you got SMS summary.

Done. Took you 5 minutes.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does forwarding work on all networks?

Yes, call forwarding is standard GSM feature. Works with all carriers — both mobile and landline numbers.

Do I have to pay for forwarding?

Depends on carrier and plan. In most plans, forwarding is free. Check your carrier's price list — often fee is same as call made to destination number.

How to check if forwarding is active?

Enter code *#61# on keypad (unanswered) or *#21# (all) and press green handset. You'll see forwarding status and number calls are forwarded to.

What if I want to disable Heilo?

Disable forwarding with code: ##61# (unanswered) or ##21# (all) → green handset. Your phone returns to normal operation without forwarding.

Can I set forwarding only after hours?

Not directly through phone, but you can do it manually: enable forwarding evening (code **61*...) and disable morning (##61#). Or use automation (e.g., Shortcuts on iOS, Tasker on Android).

Summary

Call forwarding to Heilo.io is a simple operation you'll do in 5 minutes — through phone settings or USSD codes. When you can't answer, Heilo takes over and professionally serves customer. Zero installation, zero equipment — cloud operation.

Create account and set up now — first 10 calls free.

• Heilo.io