You're missing calls because you're out on a job, in a meeting, or simply out of network coverage. The simplest solution with Orange: set up call forwarding to another number (a colleague, an external phone answering service, or a conversational AI like Accueil IA). It's free, takes two minutes, and turns off just as fast.
The catch is that Orange offers four different types of forwarding with as many USSD codes to remember, and the procedure varies depending on whether you have an iPhone, an Android or a landline phone. This article lists everything you need to dial, no fuss.
Which USSD code to use for Orange call forwarding
To set up unconditional call forwarding on Orange (all calls go straight to another number), dial **21*number# then press call. For forwarding only on no-answer after 20 seconds, it's **61*number*11*20#. To turn it off, ##21# or ##61#.
These codes work across the entire Orange France network (mobile and Sosh). Forwarding is free within mainland France to an Orange landline or mobile. To a non-Orange number, the forwarded call is charged at your plan's standard rate, as if you had dialled it yourself.
The four Orange forwarding types and their codes
| Forwarding type | Activation code | Deactivation code | Check code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unconditional (all calls) | **21*number# | ##21# | *#21# |
| On no-answer (20s) | **61*number*11*20# | ##61# | *#61# |
| On busy | **67*number# | ##67# | *#67# |
| Out of reach / switched off | **62*number# | ##62# | *#62# |
The no-answer forwarding delay is adjustable: replace the 20 with 5, 10, 15, 25 or 30 depending on what you want. Five seconds is very short (the caller barely hears the first ring), thirty seconds nearly always means the destination has already gone to voicemail.
The ultimate conditional code: **004
If you want to forward in every unanswered case (busy, no answer, out of reach), a single code combines all three: **004*number#. It's the one recommended by most external phone answering services, including Accueil IA. To turn it off, ##004#.
Set up Orange call forwarding on iPhone
On iOS, there are two paths. The simplest goes through the Phone app, but Apple's interface only offers unconditional forwarding, not the conditional types.
- Open Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
- Toggle it on and enter the destination number.
- Go back, and it's set. A handset-and-arrow icon appears in the status bar.
For conditional forwarding (no answer, busy), there's no choice: you have to dial the USSD code manually in the Phone app, like a regular number, then call. iOS displays a "Setting Call Forwarding Successful" message. If you see "Connection error", it means your plan blocks forwarding (check with the Orange et Moi app).
Set up Orange call forwarding on Android
On Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel), the interface is more complete and exposes all four forwarding types.
- Open the Phone app.
- Three-dot menu top right > Settings > Calls > Call forwarding.
- Choose the type (always, when busy, when unanswered, when unreachable).
- Enter the number and confirm.
On some Samsung devices, the menu is called Call forwarding instead of "Transfert". Same on recent Pixels (Android 14+). If you have two SIM cards, be careful to select the Orange SIM before going into settings.
Call forwarding on an Orange landline
For an Orange landline (Livebox), there are two options. The quickest: dial the code directly on the landline handset, just like on mobile (**21*number# then the green key). The most visual: log in to your Orange customer account, under "Mes services", "Téléphonie fixe", "Renvoi d'appel".
On Livebox, unconditional forwarding to an Orange mobile is free. To a non-Orange mobile or an international number, it's charged at the plan's rate.
Common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid
##002# clears all forwarding and voicemail) if you want conditional forwarding to really work.Another pitfall: blocked plans from Sosh or Orange Pro Basique don't allow all forwarding types. If you see "Service not allowed" after the code, contact your Orange Pro advisor on 3901.
Finally, if you forward to a non-Orange mobile number, long calls (over 10 minutes) use up your plan's minutes. On an unlimited plan, no problem. On a Pro 5h or 10h plan, keep an eye on your usage in the Orange et Moi app.
Check that an Orange forward is active
Dial *#21# to check the status of unconditional forwarding, *#61# for conditional no-answer, *#67# for busy. The screen displays the number your calls are actually forwarded to, or "Disabled" if nothing is set. It's the most reliable test, quicker than calling your own number from another line.
You can also check the status of your forwards from the Orange customer account or the Orange et Moi app, under "Mes services" > "Téléphonie". The interface there is more visual but it can take 2-3 minutes to update after a change made by USSD code.
What next? Why forward to an AI answering service rather than another mobile
Forwarding to a colleague just kicks the problem down the road. They can be unavailable too. A more robust solution: forward to an AI phone answering service that always picks up, qualifies the call, books appointments and sends you a summary by SMS and email. Cost: from €39/month, versus €1,500 to €2,800/month for a human phone answering service.
The Accueil IA redirect number provided to each customer is a standard 09 geographic number, free or included in all Orange plans (mobile and Livebox). No risk of going over your plan or hidden extra cost. Setup is done via the USSD code **004*Accueil_IA_number# in under 30 seconds.
How a callbot actually works, AI vs in-house receptionist cost comparison, and trying a service for free before committing: three useful reads before you choose.
To try Accueil IA, create a free account in 2 minutes and call 09 72 10 55 19 to hear the quality of the cloned voice.