AT&T serves over 70 million wireless subscribers in the United States and is one of the oldest telecom companies in the country. Call forwarding on AT&T works a bit differently from other carriers because AT&T uses its own codes for unconditional forwarding while sticking with standard GSM codes for conditional forwarding.
Here is how to set it all up.
Forwarding Codes for AT&T
AT&T has a split system. For unconditional forwarding (all calls), AT&T uses *72 and *73. For conditional forwarding (no answer, busy, unreachable), standard GSM codes work.
Forward All Calls (Unconditional)
Activate: *72 + [number] then press Call
Deactivate: *73 then press CallDial *72, followed by the full destination number (e.g., *7214155551234), then press the call button. You should hear a confirmation tone or message. To turn it off, just dial *73 and press call.
Note: The standard GSM code **21*[number]# may also work on AT&T, but *72/*73 is the officially supported method.
Forward When No Answer
Activate: **61*[number]**[seconds]#
Deactivate: ##61#
Check: *#61#Replace [seconds] with how long your phone should ring: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30.
Forward When Busy
Activate: **67*[number]#
Deactivate: ##67#
Check: *#67#Forward When Unreachable
Activate: **62*[number]#
Deactivate: ##62#
Check: *#62#Cancel All Forwarding
##002#This clears every forwarding rule, including the *72 unconditional forwarding.
Setting Up via the myAT&T App
AT&T also lets you manage call forwarding through their app:
- Download or open the myAT&T app
- Sign in to your account
- Go to Account > Manage Device
- Select the line you want to configure
- Look for Call Forwarding under features or supplementary services
- Enter the destination number and save
You can also manage settings online at att.com/myatt. For phone support, dial 611 from your AT&T device or call 1-800-331-0500.
Things to Know About AT&T Forwarding
- Two code systems. AT&T uses
*72/*73for unconditional forwarding and standard GSM codes for conditional. This catches people off guard if they are used to the**21*code from other carriers. - Forwarded calls use airtime. On AT&T, the forwarded call counts as an outgoing call from your line. If you have unlimited minutes, this does not matter. On limited plans, both the incoming and outgoing legs can be billed.
- No confirmation text. Unlike some carriers, AT&T typically gives you an audible tone rather than an on-screen confirmation when you dial
*72. Listen for one or two short beeps followed by a dial tone. - Postpaid and prepaid differences. AT&T Prepaid (formerly GoPhone) supports call forwarding, but some legacy prepaid plans may not. Contact AT&T if forwarding codes return an error on a prepaid line.
- Visual Voicemail conflicts. If you forward to a third-party number but calls keep going to AT&T voicemail, you may need to call 611 and ask AT&T to remove voicemail from your line, or disable Visual Voicemail in your phone settings.
Try It Interactively
Our interactive call forwarding tool generates the correct codes for AT&T. Select AT&T as your carrier, pick your forwarding type, enter your destination number, and copy the ready-to-dial code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between *72 and *21 on AT&T?
Both activate unconditional call forwarding, but *72 is AT&T’s proprietary code and is the officially supported method. The standard GSM code **21*[number]# may work on some AT&T lines but is not guaranteed. For conditional forwarding (no answer, busy, unreachable), AT&T uses the standard GSM codes.
Does AT&T charge extra for call forwarding?
AT&T does not charge a separate fee to activate call forwarding. However, the forwarded leg of the call is billed as an outgoing call and uses your plan’s minutes. International forwarding is charged at AT&T’s international calling rates.
Can I forward AT&T calls to a number in another country?
Yes, but the forwarded call is billed as an international call from your AT&T line. Rates depend on the destination country and your international calling plan. Check AT&T’s international rates before setting this up.
How do I check if call forwarding is active on AT&T?
For unconditional forwarding set with *72, there is no simple status check code. You can test by calling your own number from another phone. For conditional forwarding, use the standard status codes: *#61#, *#67#, and *#62#.
Related Pages
- Call Forwarding: All Carriers Hub - Guides for every major carrier
- How to Set Up Call Forwarding - General forwarding guide for any phone
- GSM Codes Complete Reference - Every GSM/USSD code explained
- Interactive Forwarding Tool - Generate codes for your carrier
- Call Forwarding Solutions - Forward calls to an AI assistant