How to Enable and Use Telstra Call Forwarding

Ever missed an important call because you were stuck in a dead zone or buried under a mountain of work? We’ve all been there. Telstra’s call forwarding is like having a personal assistant who never lets a call slip through the cracks—whether you’re dodging meetings or just taking a sanity break at the beach.

To enable Telstra call forwarding, dial 21, followed by the phone number you want to forward to, then #. Press the call button, wait for the confirmation tone, and you’re set! To disable it, dial #21# and hit call. Simple, right? Now, let’s break it down so even your tech-phobic uncle can follow along.

To activate Telstra call forwarding, dial 21[phone number]# and press call. To turn it off, dial #21#. You’ll hear a confirmation tone for both actions.

How Do I Set Up Call Forwarding on My Telstra Mobile?

Setting up call forwarding on Telstra is easier than teaching a kangaroo to hop—just a few taps and you’re done. The process uses USSD codes, those weird-looking number combos that make your phone do magic tricks.

Here’s the exact step-by-step:

  1. Open your phone’s dialer.
  2. Type 21[forward-to number]# (e.g., 210412345678#).
  3. Press Call.
  4. Wait for the beep or message confirming it’s active.

Example: If you’re forwarding calls to your office line (02 9876 5432), you’d dial 210298765432#. That’s it—your calls now bounce straight to your desk like a boomerang.

Can I Forward Calls Only When Busy or Unanswered?

Absolutely! Telstra lets you get fancy with your forwarding rules. Instead of sending every call away, you can set conditions like:

  • When your line’s busy (because you’re that important).
  • If you don’t answer (maybe you’re napping).
  • When your phone’s off (hello, flight mode escapes).

Here’s how to set conditional forwarding:

  • Busy calls: Dial 67[number]#
  • Unanswered calls: Dial 61[number]#
  • Unreachable/off: Dial 62[number]#

Pro Tip: Want a backup? Forward unanswered calls after, say, 15 seconds by adding a timer: **61[number]**1115# (the “1115″ sets the delay).

How Much Does Telstra Charge for Call Forwarding?

Ah, the million-dollar question—or in this case, the “per-minute” question. Telstra includes call forwarding in most plans, but forwarded calls use your included minutes. If you’re out of allowances, standard call rates apply.

ScenarioCost
Forwarding to an Australian numberUses plan minutes or pay-as-you-go rates
Forwarding internationallyInternational call rates apply (ouch!)

Example: If you forward calls to your mate in Bali, you’ll pay the same as if you’d dialed them directly.

Can I Forward Calls to an International Number?

Technically, yes, but your wallet might protest. Telstra allows international forwarding, but you’ll pay international rates for every forwarded call.

How to do it:

  1. Dial 21+[country code][number]# (e.g., 21+61412345678# for an Aussie number overseas).
  2. Press Call.

Warning: Check Telstra’s international rates first—this isn’t the time for surprises.

How Do I Check If Call Forwarding Is Active?

Forgot whether you turned it on? No sweat. Dial #21# and hit Call. Your screen will show the number your calls are forwarded to (or “Not Forwarded” if it’s off).

Fun Fact: This also works for conditional forwarding. Try #61##62#, or #67# to check those settings.

Why Isn’t My Call Forwarding Working?

Ugh, tech glitches—the modern-day equivalent of a flat tire. If call forwarding fails, try these fixes:

  • Check for typos in the USSD code (e.g., 21 vs. 67).
  • Ensure your network’s working (no bars? No forwarding).
  • Verify Telstra’s coverage (rural areas can be iffy).
  • Restart your phone (the classic “turn it off and on” hack).

Personal Anecdote: Once spent an hour troubleshooting, only to realize I’d entered “0412” as “0421”. Facepalm moment.

FAQs

Q: Does call forwarding work if my phone’s off?

A: Yes! That’s what the unreachable (62) setting is for.

Q: Can I forward texts too?

A: Nope. Call forwarding only handles voice calls.

Q: Will call forwarding drain my battery?

A: Not directly. It’s a network feature, not a phone setting.

Wrapping Up

Telstra’s call forwarding is a lifesaver for juggling life’s chaos—whether you’re dodging telemarketers or ensuring clients never hit voicemail. Remember:

  • Use *21# for all calls, *61#/62#/67# for conditions.
  • Costs depend on your plan and destination.
  • Double-check codes to avoid facepalm moments.

Now go forth and forward like a pro! (And maybe send your next call straight to your boss’s voicemail. Kidding. Maybe.)

“Call forwarding: Because sometimes you’re just not there—physically or emotionally.”

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