How To Divert Landline To Mobile

Learn how to divert your landline to your mobile in the UK, including setup steps, costs and provider options.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and have written how to divert landline phone to mobile so you’re always accessible to customers wherever you work.

Call diversion, also known as call forwarding, allows you to redirect incoming calls from your landline to another number, such as your mobile. This is especially useful if you work remotely, travel frequently, or don’t have someone in the office to answer calls. Most UK landline providers offer this feature, and setting it up usually takes just a few minutes.

Here’s how to divert your landline phone to your mobile, depending on your service provider and type of phone line.

1. Using BT Landline Call Diversion

If you’re a BT customer, you can set up call forwarding directly from your landline handset or through BT’s online account management.

To Set Up Call Diversion from Your Handset

  1. Lift the handset and wait for a dial tone.

  2. Dial *21, followed by your mobile number, then press #.

  3. Wait for confirmation that the service has been activated.

For example, to divert calls to 07123 456789, dial 21*07123456789#.

To Cancel Call Diversion

Dial #21# and wait for the confirmation tone.

BT also offers other types of call forwarding:

  • When busy – Dial 67 followed by your mobile number.

  • When unanswered – Dial 61 followed by your mobile number.

These options allow you to customise when calls are diverted.

2. Diverting Calls on Virgin Media

Virgin Media customers can use their phone’s keypad to activate call diversion.

To Set Up

  1. Dial *70, then enter your mobile number.

  2. Press # to confirm.

  3. You’ll hear a tone confirming the activation.

To Cancel

Dial #70 and wait for confirmation.

Virgin also lets you manage call diversion through your online account if you prefer digital control.

3. Setting Up Call Forwarding on Sky Talk

Sky Talk also provides an easy way to divert calls to your mobile.

To Activate

  1. Lift the receiver and wait for a dial tone.

  2. Dial 21, enter your mobile number, and then press #.

  3. Wait for the confirmation tone.

To Cancel

Dial #21# and wait for the confirmation.

Sky also offers options for diverting calls when your line is busy or unanswered, similar to BT.

4. Using TalkTalk’s Call Diversion

TalkTalk customers can enable call diversion by using their handset or logging into their My Account portal.

To Set Up from Your Handset

  1. Dial 21 followed by your mobile number, then #.

  2. Wait for the confirmation tone.

To Cancel

Dial #21# to turn it off.

TalkTalk’s online system also allows you to manage diversion settings remotely, which is convenient for business users.

5. For VoIP and Business Phone Systems

If you use a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or hosted phone system, call forwarding is usually managed through your online dashboard or app rather than your handset.

Most systems allow you to:

  • Set permanent forwarding to your mobile.

  • Create time-based rules (for example, divert after office hours).

  • Route calls to multiple numbers simultaneously.

VoIP solutions often provide more flexibility than traditional landlines, making them ideal for modern businesses.

6. Mobile Providers That Support Landline Diversion

Some UK mobile networks, such as EE, O2, and Vodafone, also offer combined business packages that include landline-to-mobile call forwarding. If you have both services under the same provider, they can often activate the feature for you automatically.

Contact your provider’s customer service team to confirm if this feature is available and whether there are any additional charges.

7. Check for Additional Costs

While call diversion is convenient, it may incur charges depending on your provider and the type of call. Generally, you’ll pay the standard rate for the forwarded call as if you were dialling the number directly.

For example, if your landline forwards to a mobile, you’ll pay the landline-to-mobile call rate for each diverted call.

Some providers include call diversion in their plans, so it’s worth checking your package details to avoid unexpected costs.

8. Tips for Effective Call Forwarding

  • Test your diversion: Always make a test call to ensure the setup works properly.

  • Use conditional forwarding: Only forward calls when busy or unanswered to manage costs.

  • Set up voicemail: If your mobile is unavailable, ensure callers can still leave a message.

  • Update your marketing materials: If you regularly divert calls, consider promoting your mobile number directly to reduce redirection costs.

9. Diverting Landline Calls When You’re Abroad

If you’re travelling, you can still receive calls from your UK landline on your mobile. However, international forwarding rates may apply. Check with your provider before setting it up, and consider using a VoIP or cloud-based phone service to manage calls over Wi-Fi instead.

10. When to Use Call Diversion for Business

For small businesses, missed calls can mean missed opportunities. Call diversion ensures customers can always reach you, even when you’re out of the office. It’s especially useful for:

  • Service-based businesses like plumbers or electricians.

  • Home offices or remote workers.

  • Retail shops during busy hours or holidays.

By combining call forwarding with an online presence, you can provide seamless customer service whether clients contact you by phone or through your website.

Final Thoughts

Diverting your landline to a mobile is one of the easiest ways to stay connected and maintain professional communication. It ensures customers can reach you no matter where you are, helping you deliver better service and avoid missed opportunities.

Whether you’re using BT, Virgin, Sky, or TalkTalk, the setup process is straightforward and can usually be completed in minutes. Regularly testing your diversion settings and being aware of potential costs will keep your communication smooth and reliable.

At Lillian Purge, we help local businesses stay competitive through strong SEO, digital presence, and local marketing strategies. Combining reliable offline communication, such as landline diversion, with effective online visibility ensures your business remains accessible and trusted by your community.

We have also written in depth articles on how to block a number on landline and is 0345 phone number free as well as our Virtual Landlines Hub to give you further guidance.