Enjoy call forwarding as part of RingEX™
With call forwarding as part of RingEX you never need to miss a call again. Stay contactable by forwarding calls to whichever numbers and under whatever circumstances suit your business.

What is call forwarding?
Call forwarding redirects incoming calls to an alternative phone number or numbers. Often, it depends on a specific condition, such as calls being made after business hours, or if your staff are engaged or otherwise unavailable.
Call forwarding is widely used in business settings to handle inbound calls. For example, an employee might enable their call forwarding service to redirect their incoming calls to a colleague.
By using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system, you can enjoy numerous call forwarding options. For example, you can set up automatic call forwarding if there’s no dial tone, if there's a busy signal, or if a call comes from a different area code.
The following list contains some call forwarding features. Make sure you choose the right call forwarding features for your business:
- Automatic call forwarding to any phone number, such as your office, home, or personal mobile number.
- Simultaneous or sequential call forwarding to any extension, phone number, group, or department.
- A limited number of phone rings before call forwarding redirects a call to an assigned phone number.
The benefits of call forwarding (what does forwarding a call mean for your business?)
Forwarding calls is easy to do—with the right phone system—but can make a big difference to your business and an even bigger positive impression on your customers. So, what does it mean to forward a call effectively?
It means more sales
Because call forwarding means you can redirect business calls to a colleague or to your own personal phone number, you can still close sales while away from your desk.
It means your clients get a better experience
With call forwarding, you don't need to keep your callers waiting or miss their call. If you're not available to take a call, you can transfer it to your colleague, your assistant, or another call forwarding number of your choice to ensure it's answered.
It means you're still contactable when traveling
If a client calls you while you're traveling, call forwarding is indispensable. You can redirect calls to your mobile phone, and travel without worry.
It means your business can grow more readily
With an efficient call forwarding system, your business will grow faster. You can handle more inquiries, and enable call forwarding settings, such as caller ID screening or limiting the number of rings before a call is redirected, to improve productivity.
It means you're still available after hours
Your business may shut down for a few hours each day. Yet, with call forwarding, you can cover for more than standard operating hours. Call forwarding means you can set a rule that redirects callers.
How to forward calls: Some call forwarding options
You can use call forwarding in many ways. The following are some options of how to forward phone calls to better manage your incoming communications:
Always call forward
Selective call forwarding
Call forwarding when busy
Call forwarding when unanswered
Advanced call forwarding
Call forwarding when unreachable
How to forward calls with RingEX: Desktop, Android, and iPhone call forwarding made easy
All of RingCentral’s communications solutions are designed to be intuitive and easy-to-use across all devices. That’s why it’s quick and easy to learn how to do call forwarding via desktop or mobile app.
How do you forward calls via the desktop app?
On the RingCentral desktop and web app, you can forward calls to different numbers of your choice by following these simple steps:
- Click your profile picture and then select Call rules
- Click Forward all calls and then choose Forward the Call from the Incoming calls dropdown
- To forward the call to an internal extension, type the relevant name or extension
- To forward the call to an external number, click Number, and then enter it
- If you wish to set a schedule for call forwarding, click Add schedule and then use the date and time selectors
- Click Save and you’re done.
Call forwarding on Android or iPhone via the mobile app
Thanks to the intuitive nature of the RingCentral mobile app, learning how to do call forwarding on iPhone and Android devices is just as simple. All you need do is follow these steps:
- Tap your profile picture and then tap Call rules
- Tap Forward all calls and then select Forward the call from the Incoming calls dropdown menu
- Type the name or extension of the relevant user if you wish to forward calls internally
- Tap Number and then enter your chosen phone number to forward calls to an external number
- Tap Add schedule and then use the time and date selectors to create your call forwarding schedule, if desired
- Tap Save, and that’s it.
RingEX: More than a call forwarding app
If all you want are the basics, then a straightforward call forwarding service or barebones phone system might be fine. Those call forwarding services, however, won’t suit a business with more dynamic, modern communication needs.
RingEX provides you with a full suite of call forwarding features, such as custom call forwarding settings (based on caller ID and area code), and call waiting, as well as many other features and functionalities in a single platform.
Here are some further reasons to choose RingEX to handle your business communications:
All-in-one cloud communications
RingEX is an all-in-one cloud communications platform that covers all your business calls, business text, video, fax, voicemail, and more.
Easy management
Manage your call forwarding—and all other aspects of your business communications—anytime, anywhere, via the RingCentral App on your mobile device, desktop, laptop, or desk phone.
Advanced virtual phone system features
RingEX provides further call management features such as a virtual receptionist, advanced call routing, and virtual extensions, without the need for expensive hardware.
AI Receptionist
When call forwarding doesn’t quite cut it, the RingCentral AI Receptionist steps up to the plate. AI phone agents built right into your communications platform turn missed calls into new customers, and can answer questions, schedule appointments, and more.
International phone services
RingEX also covers international calls. We offer extensive coverage to over 45 countries and inbound virtual numbers in over 105 countries. So, you’ll never have to install separate systems for complicated international calls or phone numbers.
Analytics and reports
RingEX’s analytics tools provide in-depth insights about your calls. You can customize your dashboards, generate reports, and instantly solve any issues that may limit the efficiency of your phone system.
Call forwarding FAQs
For this feature, you can set up call forwarding for incoming calls during work hours. With a Ring Group, you can also prioritize which business phone numbers first receive calls.
RingEX call forwarding can handle after-office hours. To set this up, visit ‘Setting up your call forwarding for after work hours.’
RingEX’s custom rules feature allows you to set up a unique, one-off call forwarding arrangement. To do this, go to ‘Configuring your custom answering rules’.
You can change your settings so you get information about incoming calls, even if they’re forwarded to a user extension. If you want to activate the transfer of a live call without any call interruption, use your ‘Call flip’ settings.
You can do this for your own number, or for an entire department, in just a few clicks. You can also change individual staff call forwarding rules to suit their work habits and schedules. For example, you can temporarily bypass standard call forwarding settings to forward your calls to a new number during holidays or special events.