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How do I forward missed calls on AT&T to an answering line?

AT&T publishes one forwarding code for its mobiles: *21* plus the 10-digit number and # forwards every call, and #21# turns it off. Its call forwarding pages, read on 31 Oct 2026, give no codes for calls you do not answer, calls while you are busy or a phone that is off, and they say forwarding can be changed only from the phone itself, not online.

For missed calls only, you have two routes: ask AT&T for the codes your line accepts, or test the standard GSM codes that phones and networks follow (3GPP TS 22.030): **61* plus the number and # for no answer, **67* for busy, **62* for unreachable, and ##61#, ##67#, ##62# to turn each off. These are the international standard, not codes AT&T publishes, so test them on your line before you rely on them. Google’s Voice help shows AT&T examples with a single star (*61*number#); that is Google’s page, not AT&T’s.

Updated Oct 31, 2026

How it works

  1. Forward all, as AT&T publishes it

    Dial *21*, the 10-digit number and # (AT&T’s example: *21*1234567890#), and wait for the confirmation tone before hanging up. Every call then goes to the answering line and your phone does not ring; outgoing calls still work.

  2. Turn it off

    Dial #21# and wait for the confirmation tone.

  3. Missed calls only: test the standard codes

    Dial **61*, the number and # for no answer; **67* for busy; **62* for unreachable. The standard also sets the ring time as a third field: **61*number**seconds#, from 5 to 30 seconds. If the network rejects a code, or the test call does not forward, stop and ask AT&T.

  4. Or ask AT&T

    AT&T’s wireless article points to its device tutorials for other forwarding options. Ask AT&T support which no-answer and busy codes your plan accepts.

  5. Check what is set

    The standard status codes are *#61#, *#67#, *#62# and *#21#. Again, that is the 3GPP standard, not an AT&T page.

  6. Test it before you rely on it

    Call your business number from another phone and let it ring without answering. The call should reach the answering line after the ring time. If you set busy forwarding, call again while the line is in use, and if you set unreachable, try once with the phone switched off.

What it costs to run

AT&T bills the forwarded call. As AT&T’s wireless call forwarding page puts it, read on 31 Oct 2026:

ItemList priceSource
Forwarded calls“Forwarded calls are billed for the length of the call”AT&T, Call Forwarding for Wireless (KM1011513)Read on Oct 31, 2026
Long distance“Long-distance charges apply when you forward calls to a number outside your designated home calling area”; calls “may incur long distance and/or roaming charges”AT&T, Call Forwarding for Wireless (KM1011513)Read on Oct 31, 2026
Plan minutes“With some AT&T wireless plans, call forwarding minutes aren’t counted against the minutes included in the plan”AT&T, Call Forwarding for Wireless (KM1011513)Read on Oct 31, 2026

Third-party list prices, read on the date shown. They are not Betterlane prices.

When it is not worth it

  • If you need a code you can trust without testing, AT&T’s pages do not give one for missed calls: forward-all is the only published option, and it stops your phone ringing.
  • On an AT&T business or home landline the codes are different (see the AT&T Phone for Business guide), and there *61 is call blocking.

Questions

Does forwarding replace my voicemail?

AT&T: “Call forwarding overrides your wireless voicemail.”

What if the answering line is busy?

AT&T: “If the designated forwarding number is busy, callers to your number will receive a busy signal.”

Can I forward to a number abroad?

No. AT&T: “You can’t forward calls to an international number.”

Is it *61* or **61*?

The 3GPP standard writes registration with two stars (**61*); Google’s Voice help shows AT&T examples with one (*61*). AT&T publishes neither. Try the standard, test it, and if it fails, ask AT&T.

Sources

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