How to Set Up Call Forwarding (UK)
Step-by-step call forwarding setup for UK garages — BT, Virgin Media, Vodafone, EE and other common providers.
Last updated 6 July 2026 · 5 min read
Part of our guide to AI Receptionist for Garages
Before you start
You need the phone number your AI receptionist provider gives you — this is the forward-to destination. Decide which conditions matter: no answer, busy, or unreachable. Read conditional call forwarding for garages to choose the right rules before touching any settings.
UK forwarding types
- CFN (Call Forward No answer) — forwards after your line rings unanswered
- CFB (Call Forward Busy) — forwards when you are already on a call
- CFU (Call Forward Unconditional) — forwards every call immediately
- Most garages use CFN and CFB; CFU is useful for overnight and holiday cover
Using dial codes
On many UK mobiles, you activate forwarding by dialling a short code followed by the destination number and #. Codes vary by network — Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three each use slightly different sequences. On landlines, BT and Virgin Media offer forwarding through their online account portals as well as dial codes.
Use the wizard
Our call forwarding wizard generates the correct codes for your provider and forwarding type. Enter your AI receptionist number, dial the codes from your garage phone, and test by calling yourself from a mobile.
Test and verify
Call your garage number during a busy period and let it ring without answering — the AI should pick up. Repeat outside opening hours if you have set up unconditional forwarding. Once confirmed, read how AI handles missed calls to see what callers experience next.
Related guides
Conditional Call Forwarding for Garages
Route calls intelligently — let an AI handle routine enquiries while urgent calls reach the right person on your team.
AI Receptionist for Garages
How independent garages use AI receptionists to answer missed calls, capture enquiry details and turn phone calls into confirmed work — without losing control of the diary.
Out-of-Hours Call Handling
How to capture MOT and service enquiries when your garage is closed — evenings, weekends and bank holidays without leaving callers at voicemail.
How AI Handles Missed Calls
What happens when a call forwards to AI — from the first ring to the Job Alert your team receives, step by step.
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