Using Your Existing Number
If you already have a business phone number that customers know, you don’t have to give it up. You can forward calls from your existing number to your Akol number.
Why Forward Instead of Replace?
- Customers already know your number — No need to update your website, business cards, or Google listing
- Keep your options open — You can turn forwarding on and off anytime
- Answer when you can — Use “forward when no answer” so you still take calls when available
How to Set Up Call Forwarding
Step 1: Get Your Akol Number
First, buy an Akol phone number if you haven’t already. This is the number calls will forward to.
Step 2: Contact Your Phone Provider
Call your current phone provider and ask them to set up call forwarding to your Akol number.
Step 3: Choose a Forwarding Type
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Always forward | Every call goes straight to Akol | You want Akol to handle all calls |
| Forward when busy | Akol answers when you’re on another call | You’re often on the phone |
| Forward when no answer | Akol picks up after a few rings | You answer when you can, Akol catches the rest |
Most popular for home service businesses: “Forward when no answer” — You answer the phone when you’re available. When you’re on a job and can’t pick up, Akol answers instead. No more missed calls.
Common Phone Providers
Here’s how to set up forwarding with popular carriers:
AT&T
- Dial *72 from your phone
- Enter your Akol phone number
- Wait for confirmation tone
Verizon
- Dial *72 from your phone
- Enter your Akol phone number
- Wait for confirmation
T-Mobile
- Dial **21* then your Akol number followed by #
- Press call/send
Landline/VoIP
- Contact your provider and request call forwarding
- Provide your Akol phone number as the destination
Call forwarding instructions vary by provider. If these steps don’t work, call your phone company directly and ask them to set it up.
Testing Your Forwarding
After setting up forwarding:
- Call your business number from a different phone
- Let it ring (if using “forward when no answer”)
- Confirm your Akol agent picks up
- Check Dashboard > Calls to see the call logged
Disabling Forwarding
To stop forwarding:
- Most carriers: Dial *73 from your phone
- Or contact your phone provider
Tips
- Test thoroughly — Make a few test calls to confirm forwarding works
- Set the right ring count — For “forward when no answer,” 3-4 rings gives you time to answer without making the caller wait too long
- Tell your team — Let staff know that missed calls go to your AI agent