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How do I troubleshoot call forwarding issues?

If calls aren't reaching your Beside number, this guide will help you fix your Beside settings or carrier setup.

Beside Team avatar
Written by Beside Team
Updated this week

If you're experiencing issues with calls not ringing or not being routed to Beside, the most common cause is a problem with your call forwarding setup. Here's how to troubleshoot it step by step:

📞 What is call forwarding?

Call forwarding lets you redirect incoming calls from your primary number (your SIM line or another number) to your Beside number. This enables your Beside AI Receptionist to answer on your behalf, transcribe calls, and generate summaries.

ℹ️ Call forwarding is a setting managed by your mobile carrier, not Beside. We can't activate or deactivate it for you.


1. Check your call forwarding setup

If call forwarding isn't properly set up, your calls won't reach Beside.

To check:

  • Open the Beside app

  • Go to SettingsBeside NumberCall Forwarding

There, you'll find the steps to enable or disable forwarding. If needed, toggle it off and back on to refresh the setup.

📚 You can also check this guide: How do I enable or disable call forwarding on iPhone?


2. Restart your phone

A simple restart can help reset your network connection and ensure forwarding settings are active.


3. Test call forwarding manually

Use another phone to call your primary number:

  • If the call rings directly on your phone (not Beside), forwarding isn’t active.

  • If it rings on Beside, it's working correctly.


4. Reinstall the Beside app

  • Long press the app icon and delete it

  • Reinstall it from the App Store

  • Log back in using the same method as when you signed up (primary number or Apple ID)

  • Use "Restore Purchase" if needed

⚠️ Be careful not to create a second account by logging in with a different method than the one you used initially.


5. Carrier-specific troubleshooting

MetroPCS (Metro by T-Mobile)

Call forwarding with MetroPCS may require manual setup or intervention from their support. Here's what to try:

Steps if forwarding isn't working:

  • Verify forwarding codes: Dial **61* from your phone dial pad (not on Beside❗)

  • Request a full reset: Contact MetroPCS and ask them to reset all conditional call forwarding settings, pointing them to your Beside number.

Limitations:

Some issues may stem from MetroPCS network restrictions. If steps above don't help, escalate to MetroPCS support.


Google Voice

Call forwarding from Google Voice to Beside may face technical limitations. Here's how to improve your setup:

  • Update Beside settings:

    • Disable Silence Unknown Callers, Business Hours, and Recording Consent

  • Reset forwarding: Turn it off and back on in Beside

  • Verify by phone: Use voice call (not SMS❗) when verifying your Beside number in Google Voice

  • Manage connected devices:

    • Disable forwarding to all devices except Beside

    • Turn off Web forwarding

  • Disable call screening: This can block forwarded calls

  • Recheck everything: Carefully confirm all settings are saved and synced

⚠️ Forwarding from Google Voice to Beside may not work reliably due to technical limitations on Google Voice's side.

➡️ If you'd like to use your Google Voice number with Beside, we recommend porting it to Beside for the best experience. Learn how here: How can I use my Google Voice number with Beside


6. Check with your carrier

If the previous steps don't resolve your issue, contact your carrier and ask them to:

  • Confirm call forwarding is enabled to your Beside number

  • Review conditional call forwarding settings (no answer, unreachable, busy)

⚠️ Reminder: Beside can't disable or modify forwarding settings - only your carrier can.


📚 Other useful articles:

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