With SFR, setting up call forwarding requires no call to 1023, no help from an advisor, and no extra subscription. Three characters, a hash, and it's live. You just need to know the right codes for the right scenario: all calls, only missed calls, or only when you're already on the line.
This guide lists the SFR USSD codes (which also work for RED by SFR and SFR Business), the step-by-step for iPhone and Android, and the usual things to watch out for (voicemail taking priority, restricted plans, cost of forwarded calls).
Which SFR code for call forwarding
To set up unconditional SFR call forwarding (all calls redirected), dial **21*number# then call. For forwarding only on no-answer, enter **61*number*11*20# (the 20 seconds can be changed). To cancel all forwarding at once, ##002#.
These codes are international GSM standards, which means they work almost identically on SFR, Orange, Bouygues and Free. The only difference: SFR allows every type of forwarding on all of its plans, including RED, which not every operator does.
Complete list of SFR USSD codes
| Action | Code to dial |
|---|---|
| Unconditional forwarding | **21*number# |
| Disable unconditional | ##21# |
| Forwarding on no-answer | **61*number*11*20# |
| Disable no-answer | ##61# |
| Forwarding when busy | **67*number# |
| Disable when busy | ##67# |
| Forwarding when out of range / switched off | **62*number# |
| Global conditional forwarding (busy + no-answer + out of range) | **004*number# |
| Disable ALL forwarding and voicemail | ##002# |
| Check the status of a forward | *#21# / *#61# / *#67# |
The **004*number# code is the most convenient day to day: it activates all three conditional forwards at once (busy, no-answer, out of range). It's the one recommended by most outsourced answering services and callbots, including Accueil IA.
iPhone tutorial (SFR or RED)
- Open the Settings app > Phone > Call Forwarding.
- Turn on the Call Forwarding toggle, enter the destination number (with no spaces).
- Go back; unconditional forwarding is now active. The handset-and-arrow icon appears at the top.
Apple's interface only handles unconditional forwarding. To set up a conditional one (no-answer, busy), you have to type the USSD code directly into the Phone app as if it were a number to call. A confirmation message appears: "Setting activation succeeded."
Android tutorial (SFR or RED)
- Open the Phone app.
- Three-dot menu at the top right > Settings > Calls > Call forwarding (wording may vary by manufacturer).
- Choose the type you want: Always, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable.
- Enter the number, confirm. On-screen confirmation follows.
On recent Samsung phones (One UI 6 and later), there's a "When to activate" submenu to schedule forwarding for certain time slots. Handy for redirecting to an AI answering service only in the evenings and on weekends.
SFR landline (box) and SFR Business
For an SFR landline via a box (SFR Box 8 or older models), dial the USSD code directly on the landline handset, or go through the web account: My SFR account > My landline > Manage call forwarding. It's more visual, and you can schedule time slots (forwarding only at night and on weekends).
For SFR Business (multi-line SMBs), forwarding is managed from the SFR Business Service Manager portal. Ask your telecom admin or your SFR Business advisor on 1023 if you don't have access.
Common mistakes
Another mistake: testing the forward by calling your own number from another line... but not waiting for the conditional delay (20 seconds). If you hang up at 10 seconds, the forward hasn't had time to trigger. Be patient.
Finally, some very entry-level SFR Pro plans block international forwarding (to a foreign number). If you forward to a platform hosted abroad, check first. Accueil IA is hosted in France (number 09 72 10 55 19), so there's no problem.
Scheduling forwarding for certain time slots
SFR doesn't natively offer scheduled forwarding (fixed hours automatically turned on and off) on mobile. Two workarounds are possible: use an iOS shortcut (the Shortcuts app with Automation) or Tasker on Android to run the USSD code at a set time, or use a downstream AI answering service that can manage on-call time slots itself (Accueil IA offers this setting in its dashboard).
On the SFR Box side, scheduled forwarding is available in the web account. Recommended setup for a tradesperson: automatic forwarding to the AI answering service every day from 6 pm to 8 am and all weekend, regular mobile the rest of the time.
And after the forward?
Forwarding your calls is good. But the target still has to pick up, otherwise you've just moved the problem. That's where an AI phone answering service changes everything: it always answers, qualifies the call, books appointments and sends you a summary. By comparison, a traditional call-answering service costs €1,500 to €2,800/month and is only reachable during business hours.
The Accueil IA forwarding number is a standard 09 72 line, free or included in all SFR plans (mobile and SFR Box landline). To activate it, dial **004*number# on your mobile and it's set for all unanswered cases (busy, no-answer, out of range). Reversible at any time with ##004#.
To go further: how a callbot works technically, the difference between a callbot and voicemail, and how to test a virtual receptionist for free.
To hear the Accueil IA cloned voice, call 09 72 10 55 19 or create a free account. Setting up forwarding to Accueil IA on your SFR line takes less than two minutes once our team provides the number, and it stays reversible at any time with a simple ##002#. All of the answering service's configuration (voice, trade, hours, appointment booking) is done from the web dashboard, with no salesperson involved and no software to install.