This guide covers how to forward calls from your Optus mobile or home phone to another number, like an answering service such as Upfirst. Whether you want every call forwarded or just the ones you miss, we cover both methods with the exact codes and steps for call forwarding on Optus.
How to forward all calls from Optus
Immediate forwarding sends every incoming call straight to another number without ringing your phone. Optus mobile phones use standard GSM codes that you dial from your keypad.
Important: If you have Optus voicemail enabled, disable it first. Voicemail can intercept forwarded calls before they reach your destination number. Dial 1504 from your handset and follow the prompts to turn it off.
Using star codes (mobile)
- Open your phone's dialer.
- Dial *21*[destination number]# (for example, *21*0412345678#, replacing the number with your Upfirst number).
- Press the call button.
- Wait for a confirmation message on screen.
- Place a test call from another phone to confirm forwarding is active.
All incoming calls will now go directly to your Upfirst number.
Using your phone's settings
On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding, toggle it on, and enter your Upfirst number. On Android, open the Phone app, go to Settings > Calls > Call Forwarding > Always Forward, and enter the number.
Optus home phone
Optus home phone uses a different code. Pick up your handset and dial *78 followed by the destination number (include the area code). Listen for two short beeps to confirm activation. All calls to your home phone will now forward to that number.
How to forward only missed calls (conditional call forwarding) on Optus
Conditional forwarding lets your phone ring first and only forwards the call if you don't pick up, your line is busy, or your phone is switched off. You can set up one or all of these.
Forward when you don't answer
- Open your phone's dialer.
- Dial *61*[destination number]# (for example, *61*0412345678#).
- Press the call button.
- Wait for a confirmation message.
Your phone will ring for about 15 to 20 seconds. If you don't answer, the call forwards to your Upfirst number.
Forward when your line is busy
- Dial *67*[destination number]#.
- Press the call button.
- Wait for a confirmation message.
Calls that come in while you're already on a call will forward to the destination number.
Forward when your phone is off or out of range
- Dial *62*[destination number]#.
- Press the call button.
- Wait for a confirmation message.
If your phone is powered off, in flight mode, or has no signal, calls will forward automatically.
Optus home phone
Optus home phone only supports unconditional forwarding (*78). There are no official codes for conditional forwarding on Optus landlines. If you need missed calls handled on a home phone, forward all calls to Upfirst and let the AI answering service pick up every time.
How to turn off call forwarding on Optus
Turn off all forwarding at once (mobile)
- Open your phone's dialer.
- Dial ##002#.
- Press the call button.
- Wait for a confirmation message.
This cancels all forwarding rules, including no-answer, busy, and unreachable.
Turn off specific forwarding types
� Turn off forward all calls: Dial #21#
� Turn off forward on no answer: Dial #61#
� Turn off forward when busy: Dial #67#
� Turn off forward when unreachable: Dial #62#
Optus home phone
Pick up your handset and dial #78. Listen for two short beeps to confirm forwarding is off.
FAQs about call forwarding on Optus
Does Optus charge for call forwarding?
Yes. On postpaid mobile plans, the diverted leg of the call is charged at 11 cents per minute. On prepaid, it is 10 cents per minute. These charges apply on top of any standard call costs and are not included in your plan's call allowance, even on unlimited plans.
Can I forward calls internationally with Optus?
On postpaid mobile, yes. You will be charged 11 cents per minute plus the international calling rate for that country. On prepaid mobile, international forwarding is not available. Optus blocks diversions to international numbers on prepaid services.
Will my phone still ring when call forwarding is enabled?
It depends on the type. With immediate forwarding (*21*), calls go straight to the forwarded number and your phone does not ring. With conditional forwarding (*61*, *67*, *62*), your phone rings first and only forwards if you don't answer, are busy, or are unreachable.
Can I forward text messages too?
No. Call forwarding on Optus applies to voice calls only. Text messages cannot be diverted to another number.
How is immediate forwarding different from conditional forwarding?
Immediate forwarding sends every call directly to the destination number without ringing your phone. Conditional forwarding lets your phone ring first and only redirects the call when you can't take it, whether that's because you didn't answer, your line was busy, or your phone was off.
Can I forward calls to more than one number at once?
No. Optus forwards calls to one destination number per forwarding type. You can set different numbers for different conditions (for example, one number for no-answer and another for busy), but each condition forwards to a single number.
Never miss another call. Forward your Optus number to Upfirst. Upfirst's AI answering service answers calls 24/7, collects caller info, and sends you a clear summary by SMS and email. Try Upfirst free with a 14-day trial.
