Call forwarding / AT&T
AT&T call forwarding codes, on and off
AT&T cell phones use the standard forwarding codes. There is a code for each situation, missed calls, busy, phone off and every call, and a matching code to turn each one off.
In the codes below, number means the 10-digit number you want calls to go to, area code included, no spaces or dashes. For example 5125550147.
The codes
AT&T call forwarding codes
| What you want | Turn on | Turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Forward calls you don't answer, are busy on, or can't receive (all three) | **004*number# | ##004# |
| Forward only calls you don't answer | **61*number# | ##61# |
| Forward only when you are on another call | **67*number# | ##67# |
| Forward only when your phone is off or has no signal | **62*number# | ##62# |
| Forward every call (your phone will not ring) | **21*number# | ##21# |
| Turn off all forwarding | n/a | ##002# |
Most business owners want **004*number#: missed calls, calls while you are busy and calls when your phone is off all go to the other number, and your phone still rings first. Open the keypad, type the code with the 10-digit number, press call, and wait for the confirmation on screen.
If your phone rejects the code, try the number with a 1 in front, for example **004*15125550147#.
On most AT&T plans forwarded calls use your plan minutes, and most plans are unlimited. Prepaid and business plans can differ.
Turning it off
How to deactivate call forwarding on AT&T
Dial the turn-off code that matches the one you set, for example ##004#, and press call. Your phone shows a message saying forwarding is off.
To clear every kind of forwarding at once, dial ##002#. This also clears forwarding to your voicemail, so missed calls will ring out until you set it again.
Not sure which code you used? ##002# clears them all; then set the one you want.
Without a code
From your phone's settings
iPhone: Settings, then Phone (or Apps, then Phone on newer iOS), then Call Forwarding. This forwards every call; for missed calls only, use **004* or **61* instead.
Android: Phone app, three-dot menu, Settings, then Calls or Supplementary services, then Call forwarding. Many Android phones let you set "when unanswered", "when busy" and "when unreachable" separately.
Fixes
If the code does not work
- Type the whole code, including both stars at the start and the # at the end, with no spaces.
- Turn off Wi-Fi Calling, set the code again, then turn it back on.
- On an iPhone, turn off Live Voicemail if missed calls still go to voicemail.
- Some AT&T prepaid, business and older plans block conditional forwarding. Ask AT&T for "conditional call forwarding".
- Test it: ask someone to call your cell and let it ring out.
Source: the standard GSM forwarding codes used by AT&T wireless, checked against carrier and industry guides in October 2026. Carriers change their codes and plans from time to time; if something here does not match what your phone does, check with AT&T.
With a receptionist
Forwarding your missed calls to a receptionist
The most useful setup for a small business is to forward only the calls you don't answer. Your phone rings as normal; when you are on a job and can't pick up, the call goes to your While You Work number and our AI receptionist answers in your business name, takes the details and emails them to you within a minute.
When you sign up, your setup page shows the exact AT&T code with your While You Work number already in it, so there is nothing to type wrong. See how it works.
The same setup covers nights and weekends: see our after-hours answering service. If you keep voicemail for the calls you don't forward, our business voicemail greetings page has scripts you can copy.
Questions
AT&T call forwarding questions
What is the AT&T call forwarding code?
To forward missed, busy and unreachable calls, dial **004* then the 10-digit number and #. To forward every call, dial **21* then the number and #. To forward only unanswered calls, use **61*.
How do I deactivate call forwarding on AT&T?
Dial the matching off code, such as ##004# or ##21#, and press call. ##002# turns off every kind of forwarding at once.
Can I forward only missed calls on AT&T?
Yes. Dial **61* followed by the 10-digit number and #. Your phone rings first and only unanswered calls are forwarded.
Does call forwarding cost extra on AT&T?
On most AT&T plans forwarded calls simply use your plan minutes, and most plans have unlimited minutes. Prepaid and business plans can differ, so check your plan.
Hear what it does with your own missed calls
Call (866) 977-5432 toll-free and hear our own receptionist answer, or talk to Ellie in your browser. Priced per call, not per minute: Starter $39 and Pro $79 a month, with a 14-day money-back guarantee. US sign-ups open in November.