AT&T call forwarding codes and setup
AT&T cell phones use GSM codes for call forwarding. Dial the code below and every call, or just the ones you miss, routes wherever you point it. AT&T landlines use a different, older star code, and both are covered here.
The GSM system is more flexible than the star codes Verizon uses: on AT&T you can forward all calls, forward only busy and unanswered calls, and even control how many times your phone rings before it forwards. Pick the mode that fits how you work.
If you are on an iPhone, there is one setting to check first, because it silently swallows forwarded calls. More on that below.
NextPhone works with AT&T
The forwarding codes
**21*NextPhone number###21#**004*NextPhone number###004#*72NextPhone number*73*72NextPhone number#*73#*92NextPhone number#*93#Already a NextPhone customer? Get these steps with your own number filled in and ready to dial.
Open setupRing first, then forward
AT&T is one of the few networks that lets you set a ring delay. Your phone rings a few times, and only if you do not answer does the call forward. That way you catch the calls you can while nothing slips to voicemail.
Set the number of rings in the NextPhone app and it dials the right code for you, so you do not have to remember the timer syntax. Forward-all and forward-missed are shown above as plain dial codes if you prefer to do it by hand.
Turn off Live Voicemail and call screening on iPhone
On iPhone, AT&T lets you toggle unconditional forwarding from Settings, Phone. But if Live Voicemail or Screen Unknown Callers is on, the iPhone can answer the call on the device before the network forwards it. Go to Settings, Apps, Phone, turn off Live Voicemail and set Screen Unknown Callers to Never, then set your code or toggle.
Cricket, Consumer Cellular, and the other prepaid brands that run on AT&T use these same GSM codes.
AT&T landline is different
AT&T traditional landlines predate the GSM system and use the classic star code shown above. On some older switches the code is entered without the leading star. If the standard code does nothing, that is the one to try. When you dial it, AT&T calls the number you are forwarding to, and forwarding turns on once that call is answered. On a traditional line, forwarding only busy or unanswered calls is set by AT&T at 800-288-2020.
AT&T Phone and Phone-Advanced, the newer digital home and business phone service, add a no-answer code you can dial yourself. Both sets are shown above.
The landline codes cover the former BellSouth, Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell, and Ameritech territories, which all run on AT&T today.
Forwarding set up but calls still not coming through? Our call forwarding troubleshooting guide covers the usual causes and fixes on every carrier.
After the call forwards
A dial code moves the call. What answers it is the part that wins you the customer. Forward your AT&T line to a NextPhone number and an AI receptionist picks up and actually handles the call.
It qualifies the lead, books the appointment, answers the common questions, and sends you the details as a text and an email. NextPhone costs a flat 199 dollars a month for unlimited calls.
AT&T FAQ
Before you forward
your line.
Quick answers about forwarding your AT&T line
Still have questions? Contact our support team
On an AT&T cell phone, dial **21* your NextPhone number # to forward all calls or **004* your NextPhone number # to forward only the calls you miss. Turn it off with ##21#. AT&T landlines use a separate star code, shown above.
Yes. AT&T supports a no-answer ring timer, so your phone can ring a set number of times before the call forwards. The NextPhone app sets the exact number for you.
Yes. Cricket, Consumer Cellular, and other brands on the AT&T network inherit AT&T GSM forwarding codes.
Live Voicemail or Screen Unknown Callers answers the call on the device before it forwards. Under Settings, Apps, Phone, turn off Live Voicemail and set Screen Unknown Callers to Never, then re-enter your code.
On a traditional AT&T landline, pick up the handset and dial *72 and the number. AT&T calls that number once, and forwarding turns on when it is answered. On some older switches, use 72# instead. AT&T Phone and Phone-Advanced use *72, the number, then #.
