How to forward missed calls on a landline
Most landlines can forward every call with *72, but forwarding only the calls you don't answer depends on your provider. Here are the codes the big providers publish, and where they say to call them instead.
The codes providers publish
Dial these from the landline itself. Enter the number you're forwarding to with the area code.
| Provider | Forward unanswered calls | Forward all calls | Turn off |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Phone (digital) | *92 + number + # (busy: *90 + number + #) | *72 + number + # | *93# (busy: *91#, all: *73#) |
| Spectrum Voice | *71 + number (unanswered or busy) | *72 + number | *73 |
| AT&T traditional home phone | Call AT&T at 800.288.2020 to add busy or don't answer forwarding | *72 + number | *73 |
| Verizon traditional home phone | Busy/no answer forwarding is usually set up by Verizon; where you can switch it, *90 on and *91 off | *72 + number | *73 |
| Verizon Fios Digital Voice | Set it up online in My Verizon, under Calling Features | Online | Online |
| Xfinity Voice | No code listed; Xfinity says advanced call forwarding is set up in Voice settings on xfinity.com | *72 + number | *73 |
Step by step
- Pick up the landline and wait for the dial tone.
- Dial your provider's code for unanswered calls, then the 10-digit number, then
#if your provider's table shows one. - Wait for the confirmation tone, then hang up. AT&T's traditional home phone page says the number you forward to must answer for forwarding to switch on.
Good to know
- Spectrum says call forwarding is included with Spectrum Voice at no additional cost.
- AT&T and Verizon say forwarded calls may carry local or long-distance charges.
- On AT&T's traditional home phone, the number of rings before a call is forwarded can be changed by dialing
*47and a ring code; AT&T's page lists the codes. - Xfinity says its forwarding features aren't included with the Xfinity Voice Unlimited Saver plan.
- Not sure which kind of AT&T or Verizon line you have? Your bill or your online account names the service.
Test it before you rely on it
- Call your business number from another phone.
- Don't answer. Let it ring.
- Check that the call reaches the number you forwarded to.
- Call once more while you're on another call, if you set up busy forwarding too.
If the call goes to your old voicemail instead, the forwarding didn't save. Go through the steps again, or contact your provider.
Sources: AT&T, AT&T Phone calling features, AT&T, Call forwarding for home phone, Spectrum, How to get the most from your home phone service, Verizon, Avoid missed calls, Xfinity, Phone quick reference guide. Checked November 1, 2026. Providers change their menus and codes; if a step doesn't match what you see, check the provider's help page or contact them.
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