How to Forward Calls from BT Business to an AI Receptionist
TL;DR
Forward your BT Business 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 BT Business
Follow these steps to forward every incoming call from your BT Business phone to another number. This works with any destination, including an AI receptionist, voicemail service, or another phone line.
- Pick up the phone and wait for a dial tone
- Dial *21*, followed by the forwarding number, then press #
- Wait for the confirmation announcement
- Hang up. All incoming calls will now be forwarded
Dial Code
*21*[number]#Alternative: Set Up via App or Online
BT Digital Voice customers can also open Calling Features on their handset, choose Call Diversion, then enter the forwarding number.
Note
Call Diversion must be active on the BT line. BT Digital Voice includes the feature; other BT Business phone lines may need it added first.
How to Forward Missed Calls from BT Business
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.
- Pick up the phone and wait for a dial tone
- Dial *61*, followed by the forwarding number, then press #
- Wait for the confirmation announcement
- Hang up. Calls not answered within 15 seconds will now be forwarded
How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on BT Business
When you want calls to ring on your BT Business phone again, follow these steps to disable call forwarding.
- Pick up the phone and wait for a dial tone
- Dial #21# to stop forwarding all calls
- Dial #61# to stop forwarding unanswered calls
- Wait for the confirmation announcement, then hang up
Why Forward BT Business 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 BT Business 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 BT Business calls using the steps above, and your AI receptionist starts answering immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BT Business charge for call diversion?
Call Diversion may need to be added to a BT Business line, and the diverted part of a call is charged at the line's standard dialling rate.
Can I forward only calls I do not answer?
Yes. Use the no-answer diversion code *61*, followed by the forwarding number and #. BT forwards the call after 15 seconds.
How do I check whether BT call diversion is active?
Dial *#21# to check forwarding for all calls or *#61# to check forwarding for unanswered calls.
Official source: BT Business docs (business.bt.com)
Never miss a call. Forward your BT Business 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.