Call forwarding lets you route calls from a SignalWire phone number to another destination number, such as your mobile phone, without sharing your personal number. This guide explains how to set up basic call forwarding in a SignalWire Space by creating an XML bin that forwards inbound calls, attaching that bin to a purchased phone number, and verifying the destination number for trial-mode calling so inbound calls reliably forward to the right device.

Call Forwarding with SignalWire

Working from anywhere has been growing in popularity over the last few years, and many people have been finding themselves working from home for the first time. If you'd like to learn how to take your work calls at home without giving out your personal mobile number, SignalWire has a simple solution: call forwarding.

In this post, we'll walk through how to forward your calls to a professional number, that way you don't have to give out your personal mobile. This also leaves you the option to point the number back to your work phone for those days you're going into the office.

This solution requires a minimal amount of cXML, our compatibility XML markup language. By just copying and pasting a few lines of code, you can get your call forwarding application set up in just a few minutes.

Start by logging in or signing up for your SignalWire space, the command center of your SignalWire account.

Setting up a SignalWire project

Your first step will be setting up a Project. Projects are used to group resources according to your preference, such as by customer account, by geographical region, or by any other classification. You can switch between projects or create a new one at any time in the top left hand corner of your Space.

Setting up an inbound phone call

To set up an inbound phone call, we will need two elements: a phone number, and a LaML bin (also known as an XML bin) to handle the call. LaML bins provide instructions for handling phone calls using simple commands such as recording or text-to-speech.

Let’s start from the LaML bin. Navigate to LaML, then select the Bins entry from the menu, and then select New.

The following LaML snippet will forward all calls to the number you specify. Simply replace the number with your personal phone number.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Response>
 <Dial callerId="{{From}}">
 <Number>+19074864171</Number>
 </Dial>
</Response>

Once the LaML bin has been configured and saved, use the copy icon next to the Request URL to copy it to the clipboard.

Purchase a SignalWire phone number

Next, you will need a phone number. Navigate to the Phone numbers tab and select a phone number to use. You can purchase a new number here at any time if you need one. We recommend searching by area code and specific strings of text. This will be the phone number you give out in place of your personal number.

Once you’ve selected the number you would like to use, navigate to Edit Settings. Handle calls using a LaML Webhook, and paste your LaML bin URL into the When a call comes in field.

Next, verify your personal phone number. Navigate to the Verified tab under Phone Numbers. Add a new number - this will be your personal cell phone. You will receive a phone call that will give you a six digit code, which you can simply enter in the form.

Trial accounts are limited to interacting with verified phone numbers, both inbound and outbound. You can add a credit card to your account and deposit some credit to exit trial mode.

Now, any time you or someone else places a call to the number you bought, it will be forwarded to your personal phone. To change the destination to another number like your office phone, just edit the LaML document.

If you have any questions about our Voice offerings, XML bins, or what’s possible to build with SignalWire, you can stop by our Community Discord at any time to connect with our team!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is call forwarding?

Call forwarding routes an inbound call to a different destination number, for example forwarding calls from a work number to a mobile phone.

How do you forward calls with SignalWire?

Create a SignalWire Markup Language (LaML) bin that forwards calls to a destination number, then configure your SignalWire phone number to use that LaML bin as its inbound call handler.

What is a LaML bin?

A LaML bin is a hosted call handler that runs SignalWire Markup Language (LaML) instructions for inbound calls, such as forwarding, recording, or text-to-speech.

Why do trial accounts require number verification?

Trial accounts are limited to interacting with verified phone numbers for inbound and outbound calling, so the destination number must be verified before call forwarding works end to end.

How do you change the call forwarding destination number?

Edit the destination number in the LaML forwarding instructions, then save the updated LaML document so future calls forward to the new destination.