How to forward calls on OpenPhone
OpenPhone uses a "Ring Order" to decide who rings when a call comes in — team members, and/or external forwarding numbers. This guide shows you how to add one.
The quick version
Open the OpenPhone app (desktop or mobile), go to Settings → your number → Ring Order, and add the destination as an external forwarding number.
Step-by-step: set up call forwarding in OpenPhone
Alternative: Business-hours forwarding
OpenPhone lets you set different call-handling rules for business hours vs. after-hours under Settings → your number → Business hours. Forward only after-hours calls to your AI while you take daytime calls yourself.
Things worth knowing
- OpenPhone doesn't charge extra for forwarding to external numbers, but forwarded minutes count against your plan's outbound allowance.
- If you have team members on a shared OpenPhone number, each of them can be in the Ring Order — add the external forward at the end so team members try first, AI picks up if nobody answers.
- OpenPhone's integration with most CRMs logs forwarded calls automatically, so your records stay clean even when the AI answers.
The whole reason you're reading this is probably to stop missing calls. If you're setting up call forwarding to send calls to a voice assistant, an answering service, or an AI, the steps above are the same — you just enter their number as the forward-to destination. Human Add AI gives you a dedicated AI receptionist that answers 24/7, captures every caller's intent, and texts you the details. Try it free for 7 days →
Troubleshooting
- Calls still ring the old way. Most VoIP systems take 30–60 seconds to apply forwarding changes. Wait and test again. If it still doesn't work, sign out and back in, or restart the desk phone.
- You saved the rule but don't see it. OpenPhone usually applies rules to one specific number or extension. Make sure you're editing the right one — business accounts often have multiple numbers on the same login.
- Callers hear "number not in service." Double-check the destination number you entered. OpenPhone often requires the full 10-digit US format, sometimes with a +1 prefix.
- You want some calls to stop forwarding. Most OpenPhone plans support conditional rules (forward only after X rings, forward only from Y caller ID, etc.). Look for "Advanced" or "Rules" in the forwarding settings.