Hello Anytime / Guides / Divert calls on a UK mobile
Guide, written 7 October 2026How to divert calls when you can't answer
You keep your own number. Your phone rings first, and only the calls you miss go somewhere else. It takes one short code.
The four kinds of divert
UK mobiles use the same standard divert codes, though a few plans block diverts. You type the code in your phone's keypad, like a phone number, and press call. Your phone usually shows a message to say it worked. Put the number you want calls to go to where it says NUMBER, starting 07, 01, 02 or 03.
| When calls divert | Code to turn it on | Code to turn it off |
|---|---|---|
| You don't answer | **61*NUMBER**20# | ##61# |
| You're on another call | **67*NUMBER# | ##67# |
| Your phone is off or has no signal | **62*NUMBER# | ##62# |
| Every call, without ringing you | **21*NUMBER# | ##21# |
For a business that wants to catch missed calls, "You don't answer" is usually the one. Your phone still rings first.
Choosing how long it rings
In the "You don't answer" code, the number at the end is how many seconds your phone rings before the call moves on. **20# means 20 seconds. You can pick 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30. 20 seconds is a good place to start. It gives you time to grab the phone. If you type **61*NUMBER# without the time, your network uses its own ring time.
Check it and turn it off
- Check: type *#61# and press call. Your phone shows where unanswered calls go.
- Turn off one divert: use the code in the table, such as ##61#.
- Turn off every divert at once: type ##002# and press call. This turns off your voicemail too.
- Test it: ask someone to ring you and let it ring. Check where the call ends up.
Things to watch for
- Your plan. Some phone plans charge for diverted calls, or count them as minutes you use. Check your tariff, especially on pay as you go.
- Voicemail. A divert replaces your voicemail for those calls. Turning a divert off with these codes can also turn your voicemail off. If it does not come back, ask your network how to switch it on again.
- Restart. On some networks a new divert only works after you switch your phone off and on again.
- Your phone's menu. Most phones also have a Call forwarding setting. On an iPhone it diverts every call, not only missed ones, so use the codes above instead.
- Abroad. Diverted calls can cost more when you are outside the UK. Check before you travel.
Where to divert your missed calls
- To someone in your team, when they are free to pick up.
- To a human answering service, which takes messages for you for a fee.
- To an AI receptionist, which answers in your business name and sends you the details.
Our guide to answering services in the UK compares these, and you can compare prices with the dates we checked them.
With Hello Anytime, you divert missed calls to your Hello Anytime number with the "You don't answer" code. The app shows your exact code, and the Hello Anytime Team sets up every pilot business with you. Works on every UK mobile network. Any, our AI assistant, tells callers it is an AI assistant and that the call is recorded, takes the details and texts you a short summary. After the free pilot, Hello Anytime costs £29.99 a month including VAT.
Questions
Will I still get calls on my own phone?
Yes, with the "You don't answer" divert. Your phone rings first for the time you choose. Only calls you don't pick up move on.
How do I stop diverting my calls?
Type ##61# and press call to stop diverting unanswered calls. To stop every kind of divert at once, type ##002# and press call. This can also turn off your voicemail, so check it afterwards.
Does diverting calls cost money?
It depends on your plan. Some plans include diverted calls in your minutes and some charge for them. Check your tariff, and check again before you go abroad.