Call forwarding codes by carrier: how to forward your business number
The standard star codes to forward a business line always, when busy, or when unanswered, how to turn forwarding off, and how to verify it works.
Updated October 17, 2026
Most US carriers use *72 to forward all calls, *71 or a carrier-specific code for busy/no-answer forwarding, and *73 to cancel; some mobile carriers use **21*, **61* and **67* sequences instead. Dial the code followed by the destination number from the phone being forwarded. Elavo Answer shows the exact codes for your carrier with your number filled in and verifies forwarding with a test call.
The four modes
Unconditional (always), busy, no-answer, and not-reachable. After-hours coverage is just unconditional forwarding switched on at close and off at open; "no answer" lets you keep picking up when you can.
Typical codes
Landline and many VoIP: *72 + number to forward all, *73 to cancel. Mobile GSM-style: **21*number# (all), **61*number# (no answer), **67*number# (busy), ##002# to cancel all. Codes vary by plan; the carrier's support page is authoritative.
- *72 / *73 — forward all / cancel (common landline, VoIP)
- **21*number# — forward all (GSM mobile)
- **61*number# — forward when unanswered
- **67*number# — forward when busy
- ##002# — cancel all forwarding
Verify it
Call your own number from a different phone. If the service answers, forwarding works. Re-check after any carrier plan change; lapses are the most common reason forwarding silently stops.
With Elavo Answer
Calls → Setup picks your carrier, shows the exact codes with your Elavo Answer number filled in, and confirms the verification call within seconds.