AI not picking up my calls
Step-by-step diagnosis for when calls aren't being answered by the AI.
Did you set up call forwarding at all?
This is the #1 reason. AlwaysRespond can only answer calls that are forwarded to your AlwaysRespond number, it cannot intercept calls going to your regular number. Test it: call your business number from another phone. If it rings your cell (not the AI), forwarding is not set up. Follow our call forwarding setup guide.
Did you forward to the right number?
Go to Settings → Phone and copy your AlwaysRespond number. Then check what number you set for call forwarding on your phone. A single digit typo means calls go nowhere. Delete the forwarding entry and re-enter the number by pasting, not typing.
Is your carrier using a different forwarding code?
Standard *72 doesn't work on every carrier. Try the carrier-specific codes: AT&T uses *61* + number + #, Verizon uses *71 + number, T-Mobile uses **61* + number + #. If none work, call your carrier and ask them to set up 'conditional call forwarding when unanswered' to your AlwaysRespond number.
Did your subscription lapse?
Settings → Billing. If your subscription shows Cancelled, Past Due, or Inactive, the AI is paused. Update your payment method or reactivate to restore service. Your number stays reserved for 30 days after cancellation.
Are you calling your AlwaysRespond number directly?
Calling your AlwaysRespond number directly WILL reach the AI, this is how to test it. But your customers should be calling your regular business number, which then forwards. If you're calling AlwaysRespond directly and the AI answers, the setup is working, you just need to confirm your business number is forwarding correctly.
Is the forwarding delay set too short?
Some carriers start forwarding after just 1 ring, others after 4-5. If your forwarding delay is set very long, callers may hang up before the AI picks up. Check your carrier settings and reduce the number of rings before forwarding activates to 2-3.
Call your AlwaysRespond number directly to isolate
Dial your AlwaysRespond number directly from any phone. If the AI answers: your number is active and working, the problem is with call forwarding. If the AI doesn't answer: contact support, there may be an issue with your account or number.
Contact support
If none of the above fixes it, call us at (301) 615-3216 or email support@alwaysrespond.com with your account email and the number you're trying to forward from. We'll diagnose it in minutes.
Frequently asked
The AI answered once but now it's not working
Most likely your call forwarding was disabled. This can happen if you restarted your phone, switched carriers, or if the forwarding timed out. Re-enable it using the setup guide.
The AI answers when I call directly but not when customers call
This confirms the AI is working and your number is active. The issue is 100% in your call forwarding setup. Double-check that you're forwarding the right number (your public business number) to your AlwaysRespond number.
It worked yesterday but not today
Check your subscription status first, a failed payment pauses the AI. Then re-confirm call forwarding is still active on your phone.
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