What does *72 do on a phone?

What Does *72 Do on a Phone?

If you've ever wondered what dialing *72 does on your landline or older phone system, it’s a quick way to forward your incoming calls to another number. Commonly used with traditional home or office phone lines, this feature comes in handy when you're expecting important calls but know you won’t be near the phone.

Here’s how it works: Pick up your phone and dial *72, followed by the 10-digit number where you want your calls sent—like your mobile or a colleague’s desk. If the number answers, call forwarding is activated instantly. You’ll usually hear a confirmation tone or message. From that point on, every incoming call to your line will ring through to the forwarded number.

But what if the line is busy or no one picks up? In that case, the setup fails, and you’ll need to redial the sequence to try again. It’s a small quirk, but one worth remembering if the first attempt doesn’t go through.

Want to turn it off? Simply dial *73, and call forwarding is deactivated—your calls will ring as normal again. This feature is part of a set of vertical service codes used by many landline providers, especially in North America.

While smartphones and apps have made advanced call management more seamless, *72 remains a useful, no-frills tool for those relying on traditional phone service. Whether you're stepping away from the office or just want peace of mind at home, a couple of taps on your keypad can keep you connected—without apps or internet.