How to forward calls on a landline

The usual pattern

On many landlines, one code turns all-calls forwarding on and another turns it off. As one checked example, AT&T home phone lines use *72 (or 72#) to start forwarding and *73 (or 73#) to stop. Your carrier may use different codes.

Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone.
Dial your carrier's forward-on code, then your OnAnswer247 number.
Wait for the confirmation tone. Some carriers then call the destination: when it answers, forwarding is on.

Busy and no answer on a landline

Many carriers offer busy-line and don't-answer forwarding as separate options with their own codes. Some set them only through support. As one checked example, AT&T sets both through support at 800.288.2020. Ask your carrier which options your line has and how each one is switched on and off.

Turn forwarding off

Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone.
Dial your carrier's forward-off code and wait for the confirmation tone.

Test it

Once you forward to your OnAnswer247 number, call your landline from another phone. The assistant should answer. On many landlines you hear one brief ring first. That is normal, and you cannot pick the call up while all-calls forwarding is on.

Common pitfalls

Codes vary by carrier. A code from another carrier's guide may do nothing, or something else, on your line.
If the destination is busy or does not answer during setup, forwarding may not start. Repeat the steps.
Forwarded calls may carry extra local or long distance charges. Ask your carrier before you rely on it.
If your line has voicemail, say how many rings pass first. Too few and you never get a chance to pick up. Too many and callers hang up.

Sources

Example codes checked against AT&T's home phone forwarding page. Checked on 2026-09-28. Codes can change and may differ by plan; check with your carrier.

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