How To Divert Landline To Mobile

Diverting your landline calls to your mobile is a simple but powerful way to stay connected when you are away from home or the office. Whether you are travelling, working remotely or just want the convenience of taking calls on the go, call diversion ensures you never miss an important conversation.

In the UK, most phone providers offer call forwarding or diversion services, though the exact process and features vary slightly depending on your network. This article explains how to divert a landline phone to a mobile, how the service works, how to activate and deactivate it, and what to consider in terms of cost, compatibility and settings.

What Is Landline Call Diversion?

Call diversion allows you to forward incoming calls from your landline to another number, such as your mobile. Instead of ringing through to your physical handset, the call is automatically rerouted to the number you have set, giving the impression that you are always available even if you are not near the landline.

This feature can be permanent or conditional. Permanent diversion sends all calls to the chosen number, while conditional diversion may only forward calls if the line is busy or unanswered. You can typically set it up to forward to mobiles, other landlines or even international numbers depending on your provider.

How to Set Up Call Diversion

The easiest way to set up call diversion is by using a feature code directly from your landline handset. Most UK providers support standard codes, although there are some differences between networks. The process involves picking up the handset and entering a short sequence of numbers followed by the phone number you want to divert to.

For example, on BT and many Openreach-based lines, you can dial *21* followed by the mobile number and then # to activate permanent call diversion. To divert only when the line is busy, the code is usually *67*, and for no reply, it is *61*.

To deactivate any diversion, the common code is #21#, or variations such as #61# depending on the type of diversion.

If you are unsure which code applies to your provider or service type, consult your bill, check the provider’s website or contact customer support for the correct instructions.

Using Provider Services and Digital Accounts

Some landline providers allow you to manage call diversion through an online account or mobile app. BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk customers can usually log in and activate or change call diversion settings without using a handset at all. This is particularly useful if your phone is not plugged in or you are managing the line remotely.

In business settings, call diversion may be part of a broader call management package, allowing you to forward calls to multiple numbers, route them based on the time of day or record voicemails for specific types of calls. These services are often managed through digital dashboards and can include advanced call routing features.

Cost of Diverting to a Mobile

While activating call diversion is often free, the cost of forwarded calls is usually treated as an outgoing call from your landline to the destination number. If you divert to a UK mobile, the call will use your landline call allowance if you have one, or incur per-minute charges if not.

For example, if someone calls your landline and it is diverted to your mobile, your landline account is charged for the call to your mobile, while the caller pays only for the original call to the landline. This means that frequent diversions could increase your bill unless you have inclusive minutes or a suitable plan.

Always check with your provider how diversion calls are billed, especially if you plan to use the feature regularly or for long periods.

Compatibility and Conditions

Most UK landline networks support call diversion, but there are exceptions. If you are using a VoIP-based phone service or digital line, the setup process may be different. Some fibre or broadband-only phone lines use online dashboards rather than in-handset codes. In some cases, diversion is a paid add-on that must be activated through your provider.

Conditional diversions, such as forwarding only when busy or unreachable, are particularly helpful if you only want mobile calls when you are unable to answer the landline. This gives you flexibility without incurring unnecessary charges when you are at home and available.

Deactivating Call Diversion

To turn off call forwarding, dial the cancellation code on your landline. The most common is #21#, which disables all types of active diversions. If you set up conditional diversions separately, each will need to be cancelled using its respective code, such as #61# or #67#.

If you manage your call settings online, you can log in to your account and deactivate the service there. Make sure changes are saved and confirmed to avoid continued charges.

When Call Diversion Is Useful

Call diversion is especially helpful for people who are frequently away from home, business owners working remotely or anyone who wants to keep their landline number active while staying mobile. It is also a smart choice for those awaiting a new handset or experiencing problems with their landline phone.

In some cases, call diversion is used as a temporary measure during travel or home moves, ensuring that no important calls are missed during periods of disruption.

Conclusion

Diverting a landline to your mobile is a practical feature that adds flexibility and convenience to your communications. Most UK providers support it through simple dial codes or online settings, and while it may involve a small cost depending on your tariff, it ensures that you remain reachable wherever you are.

Before setting up call diversion, check how your provider handles call charges and make sure you understand the difference between permanent and conditional options. With the right setup, you can enjoy the reliability of a landline number and the freedom of mobile access without compromise home services.