# Forward your existing number to Line

> Keep your number and your provider. Divert its calls to your Line number, and Line handles them with the call workflow of that number.

Source: https://useline.io/help/calls/forward-your-existing-number  
Section: Calls and numbers  
Last updated: 2026-11-05

You can keep your number with your current provider and divert its calls to a Line number. Each diverted call then runs the call workflow of that Line number, the same as a call to the Line number itself.

## Before you start

- You need a Line number. See [Get a phone number](https://useline.io/help/calls/get-a-number).
- You need the phone that has your existing number. If you cannot dial from it, you need your provider's call-divert settings.

> **Note:** A divert moves calls only. Texts to your existing number do not reach Line. A landline cannot send or receive texts. Use your Line number for texts and WhatsApp.

## Find your Line number

1. Open **Channels**.
2. Select **Calls**.
3. Open the number.
4. Select the number next to **Number** to copy it.

## Set up the divert

1. On the phone that has your existing number, dial `**21*`, then your Line number in international format, then `#`. For example: `**21*+441134960000#`.
2. Press call.
3. Wait for the confirmation tone. Then hang up.
4. From another phone, call your existing number.
5. Make sure that the call reaches Line.

The `**21*` code works on BT, EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three lines. On another provider, use the provider's call-divert setting. Give it your Line number as the destination.

If you set up Line with **Keep the number you already have** and **Forward your calls to Line**, the setup screen shows this code with your Line number in it.

## What happens to a diverted call

- The call runs the call workflow of your Line number. To change what happens, see [Set up what happens when someone calls](https://useline.io/help/workflows/call-workflows).
- The call shows in **Inbox** › **Calls** with your other calls.

## Show your existing number when you call out

A divert does not change outgoing calls. To show your existing number when you call from Line, add it as an external number. See [Choose the number people see when you call](https://useline.io/help/calls/caller-id).

## Move the number to Line instead

A port moves the number itself to Line. Then texts work on it too. You can keep the divert on while the port is in progress. See [Port your number to Line](https://useline.io/help/calls/port-your-number).

## Common problems

**Calls do not reach Line.** Check that you dialled the code from the phone that has the existing number. Check that the code has the `+` and ends with `#`. If your provider is not BT, EE, Vodafone, O2 or Three, use your provider's divert setting.

**Calls reach Line, but no team member rings.** Call your Line number directly. If it also does not ring, see [Calls do not ring](https://useline.io/help/troubleshooting/calls-not-ringing).

## Related articles

- [Get a phone number](https://useline.io/help/calls/get-a-number.md): Buy a UK mobile, local or national number in Channels › Calls. Line adds it to your workspace at once and sets it to ring your team.
- [Port your number to Line](https://useline.io/help/calls/port-your-number.md): Ask the Line porting team to move an existing number to Line in Channels › Calls › Number porting. A UK mobile takes about a week, other numbers 4–6 weeks.
- [Choose the number people see when you call](https://useline.io/help/calls/caller-id.md): Outgoing calls show your Line number. To show your own existing number, verify it in Channels › Calls › External numbers and pick it in Show as.
- [Calls do not ring](https://useline.io/help/troubleshooting/calls-not-ringing.md): Check your status, the browser tab and sound, the call workflow of the number, and your credits. Line rings only Available people in a Ring step.