How to forward calls on AT&T

AT&T uses a GSM-style star code to control call forwarding. This guide covers both the star-code method and the myAT&T app, with the exact dialing format.

The quick version

On your AT&T phone, open the dialer and enter **21* followed by the 10-digit number you want calls forwarded to, then press call. To turn forwarding off, dial ##21#.

Step-by-step: enable call forwarding on AT&T

Open the phone dialer app on the AT&T line you want to forward. You'll enter a short code the same way you'd enter a phone number.

Type **21* followed immediately by the 10-digit number you want calls forwarded to. No spaces, no dashes, no "+1". Example: **21*5551234567.

Press the call/send button. You'll hear a short confirmation tone or a brief recorded message, then the call ends automatically.

Test it. From a different phone (or ask a friend), call your AT&T number. It should ring at your forwarding destination, not your cell.

To turn forwarding off

Open the dialer, enter ##21#, and press call. You'll hear a confirmation. Your line is back to normal immediately.

Conditional forwarding (only when you don't answer)

Sometimes you want to handle some calls yourself and forward the rest. "Conditional" call forwarding routes calls only when your line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable. For conditional forwarding (only when busy or not answering), dial **61*NUMBER# to enable and ##61# to disable. AT&T also supports **62* for "when unreachable" and **67* for "when busy."

Using the AT&T app instead

You can also manage call forwarding from the myAT&T app: tap Account → your wireless line → Manage my device features → Call Forwarding. Toggle on, enter the destination number, save. This is the easiest path if you prefer a UI to star codes.

Things worth knowing

AT&T's codes use a specific syntax: **21* then the 10-digit number then #, with no spaces. Full example to forward to 555-123-4567: **21*5551234567# then press call.
Some older AT&T feature phones used *72 / *73 instead. If **21* doesn't work, try those — they'll work on legacy accounts.
Call forwarding is included on all AT&T postpaid wireless plans. Cricket Wireless (owned by AT&T) also supports the same **21* syntax.
Forwarded calls don't consume minutes on AT&T Unlimited plans.

Forwarding to an AI receptionist?

The whole reason you're reading this is probably to stop missing calls. If you're setting up call forwarding to send calls to a voice assistant, an answering service, or an AI, the steps above are the same — you just enter their number as the forward-to destination. Human Add AI gives you a dedicated AI receptionist that answers 24/7, captures every caller's intent, and texts you the details. Try it free for 7 days →

Troubleshooting

You hear an error or fast busy signal. Double-check you entered a valid 10-digit number with no extra characters. Some AT&T plans (pre-paid especially) don't include call forwarding — if it still won't set up, call AT&T and ask them to enable "call forwarding" on your line.
Calls still ring your cell. Forwarding can take up to a minute to activate. Wait 60 seconds and test again. If it's still not working, dial ##21# to clear it, then redo the enable code.
You want to stop forwarding but don't remember the code. Dial ##21# from the forwarded line. That's the universal "cancel all forwarding" code on most networks.
Voicemail is picking up before the forward kicks in. That's usually because your voicemail delay is set shorter than the forward. If you want forwarded calls to always get through, use unconditional forwarding (**21*) instead of conditional.