How to Forward Calls from AT&T to an AI Receptionist
Last updated: March 2026
TL;DR
Forward your AT&T calls by dialing *21* followed by the destination number. The entire process takes under 2 minutes. You can forward all calls or just missed calls. Once set up, calls route to any number you choose, including an AI receptionist like Aira that answers 24/7, books appointments, and takes messages. Plans start at $24.95/mo.
How to Forward All Calls from AT&T
Follow these steps to forward every incoming call from your AT&T phone to another number. This works with any destination, including an AI receptionist, voicemail service, or another phone line.
- Open your phone's dialer as if you're going to make a call
- Dial *21* followed by the 10 digit phone number you want calls forwarded to, then end with #
- Press the call/send button
- Wait for a confirmation message or tone
- Hang up. All incoming calls will now be forwarded to your chosen number
Dial Code
*21*[phone number]#Alternative: Set Up via App or Online
Some AT&T accounts may allow managing call forwarding through the myAT&T app or online account settings, but dial codes work for most users and are the fastest option.
Note
For AT&T landlines, the process may be slightly different. Need to disable Live Voicemail for conditional forwarding to work.
How to Forward Missed Calls from AT&T
Conditional forwarding lets your phone ring first. If you don't answer, the call forwards automatically to another number. This is ideal for sending missed calls to an AI receptionist while still answering calls yourself when you're available.
- Open your phone's dialer
- Enter the code plus the phone number: Dial *004* + forwarding number + *11#
- Press the call/send button
- Wait for the confirmation tone or message
- Press 'Dismiss'
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Live Voicemail and toggle it off
- Missed calls will now be sent to the forwarding number
Conditional Forwarding Codes
*004*[phone number]*11#How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on AT&T
When you want calls to ring on your AT&T phone again, follow these steps to disable call forwarding.
- Open your phone's dialer
- To turn off all call forwarding: Dial ##21# and press call/send
- To turn off conditional forwarding only: Dial #004# and press call/send
- Remember to turn back on Live Voicemail in settings if desired
- Wait for the confirmation message or tone
- Hang up. Call forwarding is now disabled
Disable Code
##21# or #004#Why Forward AT&T Calls to an AI Receptionist?
Most businesses miss 20 to 40 percent of incoming calls. Every missed call is a lost customer, a missed appointment, or revenue walking out the door. Forwarding your AT&T calls to an AI receptionist solves this instantly.
What an AI Receptionist Does with Your Forwarded Calls
- Answers every call 24/7. No voicemail, no hold music, no missed opportunities. Nights, weekends, holidays, and lunch breaks are all covered.
- Books appointments automatically. The AI checks your calendar availability and schedules appointments directly during the call. No back and forth needed.
- Takes detailed messages. When you can't take a call, the AI captures the caller's name, number, reason for calling, and any urgent details. You get a notification instantly.
- Speaks English and Spanish. Bilingual support means you never lose a caller because of a language barrier. The AI detects the caller's language automatically.
- Costs a fraction of a human receptionist. Plans start at $24.95/mo for 30 calls. Compare that to $3,000+/mo for a full time receptionist or $500+/mo for a traditional answering service.
The setup takes under 2 minutes. Forward your AT&T calls using the steps above, and your AI receptionist starts answering immediately.
AT&T supports international call forwarding, so you can route calls from anywhere to your AI receptionist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AT&T charge for call forwarding?
AT&T does not charge extra for setting up call forwarding, but you may be billed for any calls forwarded to another number as if you made the call yourself. International charges may apply.
Can I forward calls internationally with AT&T?
In most cases, you can forward calls to an international number, but this may depend on your AT&T plan. International call forwarding can result in high per minute charges.
Will my phone still ring when call forwarding is enabled?
With immediate call forwarding, your phone will not ring. With conditional call forwarding, your phone will ring first, and if you don't answer, the call is forwarded.
Can I forward text messages too?
No, AT&T's call forwarding feature only works for voice calls. Text messages will still be delivered to your original number.
How is immediate forwarding different from conditional forwarding?
Immediate (unconditional) forwarding sends all calls to another number without ringing your phone. Conditional forwarding only sends calls you miss, when you're busy, or unreachable.
Can I set up call forwarding from the AT&T app or website?
Some AT&T accounts may allow you to manage call forwarding through the myAT&T app or online account settings, but dial codes work for most users and are the fastest option.
Never miss a call. Forward your AT&T calls to Aira.
Set up in under 2 minutes. Your AI receptionist answers 24/7, books appointments, takes messages, and speaks English and Spanish. Plans start at $24.95/mo.