How to Set Up Call Forwarding in Microsoft Teams

Last Updated
September 3, 2026
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To set up call forwarding in Microsoft Teams, go to Settings, select Calls, and choose where you want incoming calls to go — voicemail, another person, a call group, or a delegate. You can also set calls to ring another number at the same time as Teams, rather than diverting them entirely.

This needs to be set up per user, and only works if the account has a Teams Phone licence, since forwarding is a calling feature rather than a chat or meetings one.

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Desktop

  1. Open Microsoft Teams and select your profile picture in the top right.
  2. Select Settings, then Calls.
  3. Under Call answering rules, choose how you want calls handled:
    • Forward my calls — sends every call straight to another destination
    • Also ring — rings a second number or person at the same time as your own device
  4. If you choose to forward, select the destination: voicemail, a specific person, a call group, or your delegate.
  5. Close Settings. Changes apply immediately.

How to Set Up "If Unanswered" Forwarding

Rather than forwarding every call, you can set Teams to only forward calls you don't pick up:

  1. Go to Settings > Calls.
  2. Under If unanswered, choose where unanswered calls should go — voicemail is the default, but you can pick a colleague or call group instead.
  3. Set how long Teams should ring before forwarding, from a few seconds up to around a minute.

This is the more common setup for most users, since it keeps calls with you first and only redirects them if you genuinely can't answer.

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Mobile

  1. Open the Teams app and tap Calling.
  2. Tap your profile picture, then Settings.
  3. Tap Calling, then set your forwarding and "if unanswered" preferences the same way as on desktop.

Settings sync across devices, so a change made on mobile applies to desktop too, and vice versa.

Setting Up Forwarding for a Team or Shared Line

If you're setting up forwarding for a shared number, such as a reception line or department, this is usually configured differently — through call queues or auto attendants managed in the Teams admin centre, rather than an individual's personal call settings. This needs admin access, so it's worth getting IT or T2K involved rather than trying to configure it from a standard user account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I forward calls to my personal mobile number? Yes, as long as it's set up as an approved forwarding destination. Some organisations restrict this through admin policy, so if the option isn't available, check with your admin.

Will forwarded calls still show my Teams number to the caller? Yes. The person calling still sees your business number, regardless of where the call ends up.

Can I turn call forwarding on and off quickly? Yes, the settings can be changed at any time and apply immediately, so it's easy to switch forwarding on before you leave the office and off again when you're back.

Why can't I see the call forwarding option? This usually means your account doesn't have a Teams Phone licence, or your organisation's calling policy doesn't allow forwarding. Check with your admin.

If forwarding options are missing or behaving unexpectedly, it's worth checking your Teams Phone licence and calling policy before assuming it's a fault. Request a quote if you'd like T2K to review your setup, or see our guide on how Teams Phone works for the bigger picture.