What is call forwarding?
Call forwarding is a service from your mobile carrier that sends your calls to another phone number or service. HiFi uses call forwarding so you can keep your existing phone number while HiFi screens and answers your calls.
When call forwarding is on, your carrier sends calls to your number over to HiFi. HiFi then rings you or answers for you, based on your setting in Account & settings > Answering Calls > HiFi answers calls from. If a call rings you and you miss or decline it, HiFi answers, says you’re unavailable, and offers to take a message.
You can turn off call forwarding at any time. Your calls then ring your phone directly, as they did before HiFi.
What do I need to use call forwarding?
To use call forwarding with HiFi, you need:
A US mobile number from a supported carrier: AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Tracfone, Spectrum, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, or Boost Mobile.
The phone with that number’s SIM card (physical SIM or eSIM).
A HiFi subscription. If your subscription ends while forwarding is on, you won’t receive calls until you renew or turn off forwarding.
Some carriers charge for call forwarding on certain plans. Check your plan with your carrier if you’re not sure.
What doesn’t change with call forwarding?
Call forwarding affects only incoming calls. It doesn’t change:
Texts: Your texts still go to your phone’s built-in Messages app. Text messaging in HiFi needs a HiFi number.
Outgoing calls from your built-in Phone app: These still go out through your carrier. To call through HiFi, use the Dial tab in HiFi.
Related articles
“Set up call forwarding in HiFi”
“Turn off call forwarding”
“Should I use my existing number or get a new one?”
“Troubleshoot call forwarding”