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How to divert missed calls on Telstra, Optus and Vodafone

Published 16 October 2026 · By the KookaDesk team

To send the calls you don't answer to an answering service or AI receptionist, you set a conditional call diversion on your mobile. You keep your number, your phone still rings first, and you can switch it off any time. Below are the codes as published by each carrier. They're the same in every state and territory.

Which diversions to use

• No answer (code 61) – your phone rings first; if you don't pick up, the call is diverted. This is the main one.
• Busy (code 67) – you're already on a call, or you reject the call.
• Unreachable (code 62) – phone off or out of coverage.
• All calls / unconditional (code 21) – every call is diverted and your phone doesn't ring. Usually not what you want, unless you're on leave.

For an AI receptionist, most businesses set no-answer, busy and unreachable – so they still get the first chance to answer every call.

Telstra mobile

Telstra's format includes *11 before the final #.

• Telstra says unanswered calls divert after 15 seconds by default.
• To put busy, no-answer and unreachable back to MessageBank, Telstra lists **004*101#; to remove all three, ##004#.
• Telstra says call forwarding is included in all plans with an unlimited call allowance.

Source: Telstra – How do I forward calls on my mobile?

Optus mobile

Optus lets you set the ring time (05, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 seconds) in the code itself.

• Optus's published general format is ** code * number ** ring time # to add a diversion, and ## code # to remove it. Ring time can be 05, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 seconds.
• Optus lists the codes as 61 (no answer), 67 (busy), 62 (no coverage), 21 (all calls without your phone ringing – recommended when roaming overseas) and 004 (all calls).
• The simplest way to set busy and no-coverage diversions is the My Optus app: Services → your mobile → Settings → Voicemail and call diversions → choose the condition → Another number.
• If you set a diversion while overseas, Optus says to enter the number in +61 format.

Source: Optus – Manage call diversions on your mobile phone

Vodafone mobile

• Vodafone lists ##002# to cancel all diversions and ##004# to cancel all conditional diversions.
• Vodafone also says you can cancel unconditional forwarding by dialling 1213.

Source: Vodafone – Managing call forwarding

Other carriers, landlines and 13/1300 numbers

Many smaller providers run on the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks but have their own instructions, often in their app. Landline, nbn phone and 13/1300 number diversions are set up differently – usually through your provider's portal. Check your provider's support page rather than guessing codes.

Test it before you rely on it

1. Set the diversion and wait for the confirmation on screen.
2. From another phone, call your mobile and let it ring out – it should reach the new number.
3. Call while you're on another call to test busy.
4. Check the status code for each diversion you set.

Switching back

Turning diversions off returns calls to normal, or to your voicemail if you restore it. If you used KookaDesk and decide not to continue, we'll remind you how to remove your diversion before your trial ends.

FAQ

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