The three US networks do not share one set of call forwarding codes. On Verizon you dial *72 followed by the ten-digit number to forward everything, *71 followed by the number to forward only calls you miss or take while busy, and *73 to cancel. On AT&T it is *21* followed by the ten digits and # to forward everything and #21# to cancel. T-Mobile runs a GSM network and takes the double-star codes: **21*NUMBER#, **61*NUMBER#, **67*NUMBER#, **62*NUMBER#, cancelled with ##21# and so on. On all three the number is the plain ten digits, no +1, no spaces, no dashes.
| What you want | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward every call | *72 + number |
*21* + number + # |
**21* + number + # |
| Forward when unanswered | *71 + number (also covers busy) |
not published | **61* + number + # |
| Forward when busy | *71 + number |
not published | **67* + number + # |
| Forward when unreachable | not published | not published | **62* + number + # |
| Cancel | *73 |
#21# |
##21#, ##61#, ##67#, ##62# |
"Not published" means the carrier's own material does not print a code for it, so it is not in the table; the phone's own call settings menu usually covers the missing rules.
Verizon's own guide is short and specific. Dial *72 immediately followed by the number you want calls sent to and press call, and every call goes there without your phone ringing. Dial *71 followed by the number instead and your phone rings first; only a call you do not answer, or one that arrives while you are on another call, moves on. *73 on its own cancels either.
Three things Verizon says that matter before you set it. There is no monthly fee for forwarding on a current plan, but airtime still applies to every forwarded call. The destination has to be a US number; Verizon will not forward to an international one. And wait for the confirmation after dialling a code rather than hanging up straight away.
AT&T's device help gives *21* followed by the ten-digit number and # to forward everything, and #21# to cancel it, with a wait of about three seconds for the confirmation tone before you end the call. AT&T's own support page adds a rule worth knowing: forwarding can only be changed from the wireless phone itself, not from your online account. AT&T does not publish codes for the conditional rules, so if you want calls forwarded only when unanswered, use the call forwarding menu in the phone's settings.
T-Mobile's network is GSM, so the codes are the same ones used across Europe. **21*NUMBER# forwards everything, **61*NUMBER# only unanswered calls, **67*NUMBER# only when busy, **62*NUMBER# only when the phone is off or without signal, and each is switched off with ## in place of ** and no number: ##21#, ##61#, ##67#, ##62#. **004*NUMBER# sets the three conditional rules at once and ##004# clears them. T-Mobile's own support pages describe forwarding in general terms; the codes above are the GSM standard as documented by every guide that covers T-Mobile.
The searches say "*72 not working" far more often than anything else about Verizon forwarding, and the cause is usually one of these.
*72 and the number run together with no space; a +1, a 1 or a dash in front of them is the most common reason a code is refused.*73 first (or #21# on AT&T, ##002# on T-Mobile), then set the one rule you want.Any US number that picks up, and that includes a service that picks up for you. Point *72, *21* or **21* at a PhoneMyAgent number and the call is taken by an AI agent that has read your price list and your hours: it greets callers with your business name, quotes what you have told it, books the slot if you let it, takes a message when it cannot help, and mails you the transcript. The Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile rows in your dashboard already carry your agent's number, so there is nothing to type but the code. Your published number is untouched throughout. The first 45 minutes are free and need no card; the plans start at $29 a month.
The general reference for what each code means is call forwarding codes explained. The argument for forwarding instead of printing a new number is made in keep your number and forward your line to an AI.
A forward changes where a call lands and nothing else: your carrier still owns the number, your listings still work, and *73 or #21# undoes it in a second. What it can do is cost you minutes, since Verizon bills airtime on the forwarded leg and the other two bill it under your plan, so look at the plan before you leave a forward on for the season. And a forward only ever does what its rule says: *72 means your own phone goes silent, which is the point, and the surprise, the first time.
On Verizon, *73 cancels call forwarding, whether it was set with *72 for all calls or *71 for missed and busy calls. Dial it on its own and wait for the confirmation.
Almost always the number: *72 must be followed by exactly ten digits with no +1, space or dash, then call. If that is right, dial *73 to clear any old forward and set it again, then test from a different phone.
Dial **21* then the ten-digit number then # and press call to forward everything, or **61*NUMBER# to forward only calls you do not answer. ##21# and ##61# switch them off, and ##002# clears every forward.
Dial #21# from the phone and wait about three seconds for the confirmation tone. AT&T only lets you change forwarding from the phone, not online.
Not on Verizon, which forwards to US numbers only. On the others it depends on your plan and it is billed as an international call, so check before you set it.
Verizon charges no monthly fee on current plans but airtime applies to every forwarded call. On AT&T and T-Mobile the forwarded leg is billed according to your plan. It is a normal call charge, separate from anything the destination charges.
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