How call forwarding works (and how to keep your number)
How to forward your existing business number to an answering service: always, when busy, when unanswered, or after hours, with carrier codes and how to verify it.
Updated October 17, 2026
You keep your existing business number. Elavo Answer gives you a local number in your area code and you forward your line to it with your carrier's standard forwarding code — always, only when busy or unanswered, or only after hours. A guided setup verifies it with one test call.
The four forwarding modes
Always: every call goes straight to the service. Busy: only when you are on another call. No answer: only when you do not pick up in a few rings. Conditional combinations cover after-hours by switching "always" on at close and off at open.
- Always — total coverage, hands-off
- No answer — you still pick up when you can
- Busy — overflow only
- After hours — "always" on a schedule
Dialling the codes
Each carrier uses a star code followed by the destination number. Elavo Answer shows your carrier's exact codes with your number already filled in, so it is copy, dial, done.
Verifying it
Call your own business number from your mobile. When the AI answers, the setup page confirms the test within seconds. Re-verify any time; a lapse on your carrier account is the most common reason forwarding stops.