Set up Sosh call forwarding: USSD codes and steps

You're missing calls because you're out on a job, in a meeting, or simply out of network coverage. With Sosh, Orange's 100% online brand, the simplest solution is the same as with Orange: set up call forwarding to another number (a colleague, an external phone answering service, or a conversational AI like Accueil IA). Activation is free, it takes two minutes, and it turns off just as fast.

What is specific to Sosh: no shop and no dedicated adviser. Everything is set either by USSD code from the handset, or from the MySosh app or the customer account. This article lists everything you need to dial, no fuss.

Which USSD code to use for Sosh call forwarding

To set up unconditional Sosh call forwarding (all calls go straight to another number immediately), dial **21*number# then press call. For forwarding only on no-answer after 20 seconds of ringing, it's **61*number*11*20#. To turn either off, ##21# or ##61#.

Sosh runs on Orange's mobile network: the codes are therefore exactly the same as on an Orange plan. Activation is free; forwarded calls are counted as outgoing calls from your plan (no charge on a plan with unlimited calls to French landlines and mobiles).

The four Sosh forwarding types and their codes

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: unlike unconditional forwarding, it keeps your line free for the calls you can take yourself and only passes on the ones you miss. To turn it off, ##004#.

Set up Sosh 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.

1. Open Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
2. Toggle it on and enter the destination number.
3. 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 your options in MySosh).

Set up Sosh call forwarding on Android

On Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel), the interface is more complete and exposes the different forwarding types.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Three-dot menu top right > Settings > Calls > Call forwarding.
3. Choose the type (always, when busy, when unanswered, when unreachable).
4. 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 Sosh SIM before going into settings.

Call forwarding with a Boîte Sosh (phone over the internet)

If you also have a Boîte Sosh with internet telephony, forwarding of calls received on the landline is set from the MySosh app, from the Sosh customer account (landline section), or directly on the handset connected to the Livebox with the same codes (**21*number# then the green key). Forwarding to a French landline or mobile is counted as an outgoing call, included in the offer's unlimited calls.

Common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid

Another pitfall, specific to Sosh: plans with a blocking option (small plans, children's plans) don't allow all forwarding types. If you see "Service not allowed" after the code, lift the block from MySosh or go through the Sosh support chat, available from the customer account. The 3976 number (free call) is kept for emergencies.

Finally, on a plan with a minute allowance rather than unlimited calls, every forwarded call uses your minutes, including your customers' long calls. Keep an eye on your usage in MySosh for the first few days, or switch to a plan with unlimited calls: the price difference is quickly covered by a single saved customer call.

Check that a Sosh 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 MySosh app or the Sosh customer account. 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 French 09 landline number, included in the unlimited calls to landlines of the relevant Sosh plans. 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.

The equivalent guide for an Orange plan, how a callbot actually works, 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.