What Are the Best Call Forwarding Apps for Android & iPhones?

Call forwarding is a feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls from one number to another. As a result, you stay reachable across devices, and moreover, it ensures no important call goes unanswered. With smart forwarding settings like conditional forwarding, call routing, and mobile call transfer, you can manage communication smoothly in both personal and professional life.

For example, a business owner can forward calls from the office landline to their smartphone while traveling to stay connected with clients.

There are different ways to set up call forwarding in your phones, like the built-in call settings. Although this setting functions well for individuals in need of basic routing, you might need a dedicated third-party app for advanced features if you need better control over your calls or implement it for your business.

The top call forwarding apps are Calilio, Google Voice, Grasshopper, Line2, etc. They make it easy to redirect calls, set custom forwarding rules, and manage voicemails, ensuring you stay connected anytime and anywhere.

Calilio is a cloud-based phone system that includes call forwarding as one of its core features available on both Android and iPhone. It allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number so you remain available even when you are away from your main line. In fact, you can even set it to forward calls unconditionally or under some conditions, like when your phone is busy, unanswered, or out of reach. However, you must set up your routing rules efficiently.

The app further works on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easier for teams working from different locations to stay connected. Along with call forwarding, it offers other telephony tools such as call routing, recording, transferring, and voicemail to email that help in managing your professional and personal communication.

Limitation:

• Voicemail drop is not available.
• Beginners may find it difficult to navigate the interface.

Google Voice is a cloud phone service that includes call management services, including call forwarding for personal and business use. To forward your call, you can link numbers and set conditions like forward only when you are busy, not answering, or are offline. Likewise, you can use it on the website, mobile, or even your computer, so you can manage forwarding wherever you work.

However, to get a Google Voice app or service, you need to have a US phone number as an individual and Google Workspace access as a part of an organization. This is because Google Voice is available for individuals in the US only and for organizations in a limited number of countries.

Limitations:

• No dedicated support team
• Doesn’t support international calling
• Unavailable outside the US
• Does not support shared number
• Needs an active Google Workspace subscription to purchase any paid plans of Google Voice.

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that includes call forwarding as part of its core services. Here, you can set routing as sequential forwarding, where calls move through a list of numbers until answered, or simultaneous forwarding, where all numbers ring at once. As a result, you can have flexibility in how incoming calls are handled.

Furthermore, you can set more forwarding rules uniquely in each extension. Therefore, each extension can have its own setup, allowing the different departments to manage calls in their own way. In addition, you can set a schedule to forward calls only during specific hours, with unanswered calls redirected to voicemail or an automated greeting.

Limitation:

• Available in the US and Canada only
• Integrations not supported
• Additional charge for extra phone numbers
• Doesn’t transfer SMS/MMS logs when porting number away from Grasshopper.
• Forwarding to international numbers is limited.

Call Forwarding Lite is one of the best mobile apps designed for iPhone users who want a simple way to manage conditional call forwarding. In particular, it uses GSM carrier codes to forward calls in conditions like when your line is busy, when you don’t answer, or when the phone is out of reach.

Further, it also lets you check the status of forwarding and turn it on or off as needed.

Limitations

• It does not have advanced call-related features like other call-forwarding apps
• Not available for Android users
• Not a suitable app to forward calls for non-GSM providers
   

Line2 is a simple app with basic call divert features that many small businesses and professionals look for. In particular, you can forward calls in sequence, ring all numbers at once, or set one number first before sending to others if unanswered.

Additionally, this app offers you other call-related features like call blocking, call screening, voicemail transcriptions, and caller ID. As a result, it is handy for people who need more control over incoming calls.

Limitations

• No missed call notification
• Limited international calling
• No live support team
• No integration
• No option to set forwarding by business hours

Talkroute provides call forwarding and routing tools that let businesses manage calls across multiple devices. You can forward your calls to mobile phones, landlines, VoIP phones, and even desktop apps on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Forwarding rules can be customized with schedules, so calls are routed to you during business hours and to customer support during after-hours. Additionally, you can set separate call paths for different numbers, menus, or extensions. Plus, the features like call stacking ensure multiple calls can be forwarded without busy signals, while custom greetings or hold messages can be added for callers waiting to connect.

Limitations:

• Minimal features
• Access issues
• Compatibility issues
• Frequent bugs and errors

GoTo Connect is a business phone system with call redirecting that is built to keep conversations moving without disruption. When there is an incoming call, you can redirect it to another extension, a mobile device, or even an external landline.

Moreover, you can choose between a warm transfer, where you speak to the recipient before the call is forwarded, or a cold transfer, which sends the call immediately without an introduction.

In addition, the platform offers failback forwarding. If your internet connection goes down, calls are automatically routed to a backup number, such as a mobile phone or a colleague’s line.

The Find Me/Follow Me feature ensures calls ring through a sequence of numbers until someone answers. And with scheduled forwarding, you can control which devices receive calls during specific hours, helping to manage availability more effectively.

Limitations:

• Service is available in limited regions only
• Some advanced features may only be accessible in higher-tier plans

Ooma is another reliable business phone system that works with both VoIP and traditional desk phones. Its call forwarding feature allows you to redirect calls from your extension to another number, making sure incoming calls are not missed when you are away from your desk. Once forwarding is set up, you can easily turn it on or off using the Ooma business phone app.

In addition, Ooma provides options like multi-ring, which lets multiple devices ring at once for the same call. Likewise, there is also failover forwarding, so if your device goes offline, calls can still be routed to a backup number. However, the call forwarding options are more limited compared to other providers, and the number of devices each user can connect is restricted.

Limitations:

• Basic features like call recording, desktop apps, and messaging also require a maximum upgrade.
• Google and Office 365 integrations require an upgrade.

Nextiva is a customer experience platform that includes advanced call forwarding options as part of its business phone system. You can forward calls automatically, or only under specific conditions, such as when you don’t answer, when you’re already on another call, or when your device is unreachable due to an outage. This ensures calls are handled even if your internet or power goes down.

In addition, Nextiva lets you redirect calls based on context. For example, you can forward calls from certain numbers to a colleague while you are on a break, or use location forwarding to reroute all calls from one office location to another through extension or number. As a result, these settings make call forwarding more flexible than many other providers.

Limitations:

• Essential features like auto-attendant are not available for low-tier plans.

Phone.com is a powerful mobile app that offers call forwarding with flexible rules for call handling. You can forward calls based on time of day (after-hours schedules) or caller ID, and you can choose how long phones ring before forwarding. Moreover, you can send calls to one or many destinations, including mobile, landline, or worldwide numbers, and play hold music while callers wait.

In addition, “Follow Me” lets you set a sequence of destinations, while transfer and queues help route callers once they connect. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, and you can manage forwarding from web and mobile apps.

Limitations:

• Shared numbers and call recordings cost extra in every package.
• Confusing user reports.

Hushed is a private, secure virtual phone number app that offers advanced call forwarding settings alongside call routing, custom voicemail greetings, and automated text replies. It is the perfect solution for anyone who needs a secondary phone number to protect their privacy. Whether you’re dating, selling online, or shopping, Hushed keeps your personal number private while giving you full control over your calls and messages.


While Hushed is ideal for personal use, it doesn’t offer business-focused tools like CRM integrations, shared numbers, desktop or browser apps, and call recording. If you’re considering Hushed business conversations, be prepared for extra effort in managing customer interactions manually.

Limitations:

• Lacks business-focused tools like CRM integration and shared inbox
• No desktop or browser app support
• Requires add-ons for advanced features

CallHippo is one of the leading virtual phone systems operating internationally, providing virtual numbers and call center solutions. Its one of easy call-forwarding app with a user-friendly dashboard that integrates seamlessly with CRM systems, making it popular among businesses seeking affordable communication.

It’s one of the most feature-rich solutions, offering a power dialer, call queuing, call analytics, virtual phone numbers, voice broadcasting, CRM integration, and a user-friendly dashboard. CallHippo is compatible with both Android and iPhone, ensuring uninterrupted connection. Users can use Callhippo to easily forward calls to their desired numbers, regardless of location.

Limitations:

• Glitches often occur after you renew the plan
• Long loading time
• International forwarding may include carrier or destination charges

To choose the best call forwarding app, first define your requirements, then analyze features and pricing carefully. After that, check user reviews for reliability across devices, and always test the app with a free trial before committing.

Before diving into features, define your requirements. Are you an individual needing basic forwarding or a business requiring advanced routing? Consider call volume, international calling needs, and essential features like voicemail transcription or CRM integration. Knowing your specific needs will narrow your search.

Create a comparison chart of apps, listing features and pricing side-by-side. Don’t just look at features; understand their value. Pay attention to pricing models (per user, per minute) and hidden costs (setup fees, extra numbers).

Read reviews from users with similar needs. Look beyond star ratings and understand user experiences. Be aware that some reviews may be biased, so look for consistent feedback across different platforms. Check the compatibility review for call forward on both Android and iPhone.

Free trials are essential for testing an app before committing. Pay attention to trial limitations (call number, features, duration). Understand the cancellation process to avoid unwanted charges. Try by testing call forward on Android and iPhone. Test its ease of use.

Call forwarding apps ensure uninterrupted communication, whether for personal or business use. Whether you need a basic call forwarding solution like Call Forwarding Lite, Google Voice, or a business phone system like Calilio for better call management, there’s an option for everyone.

When choosing the right app to forward calls, consider factors like pricing, call routing options, voicemail transcription, and integration capabilities. By selecting the best call-forwarding app for your needs, you can stay connected and manage calls efficiently, no matter where you are.