---
title: "Can HeyEthan answer only missed or after-hours calls?"
description: "Often, yes. Your carrier or phone system must support the forwarding behavior you want. ## Choose the route - Busy or unanswered calls can be forwarded after your team has an opportunity to answer. - Scheduled routing can send calls…"
url: "https://www.heyethan.ai/aireceptionist/docs/can-heyethan-answer-only-missed-or-after-hours-calls/"
updated: "2026-10-06"
category: Getting Started
---

# Can HeyEthan answer only missed or after-hours calls?

Often, yes. Your carrier or phone system must support the forwarding behavior you want.

## Choose the route

- Busy or unanswered calls can be forwarded after your team has an opportunity to answer.
- Scheduled routing can send calls to the assistant when the business is closed.
- All-call forwarding can have the assistant answer first.

## What we test

Ring duration, voicemail timing, forwarding activation, caller ID, and the approved route back to your team. The destination for a transfer must not immediately forward back to the assistant.

## Provider limits

Availability and carrier charges depend on your current provider. We verify the options before promising a particular routing setup. Voice forwarding does not automatically move your text messages.

## Get a recommendation

[Request a consultation](https://www.heyethan.ai/aireceptionist/get_started/) with your provider name and preferred answer pattern.