What is *71 on a phone?

When you dial *71 followed by a phone number, you enable conditional call forwarding. This feature automatically redirects incoming calls to that specific backup number under two conditions: if your line is already busy, or if you do not pick up after a certain number of rings.

How conditional forwarding works

This code is most commonly associated with traditional landline services and older phone systems. Unlike unconditional call forwarding, which sends all calls to another number, *71 only triggers when you cannot answer. For instance, if you are on a call and another person tries to reach you, the system routes their call to your designated backup number, such as your mobile phone, instead of sending them to voicemail. This is particularly useful for home-based workers or anyone who manages multiple responsibilities and needs to ensure they catch urgent calls.

Setting up and disabling the code

To activate the feature, dial *71, pause briefly, and then enter the 10-digit phone number where you want calls forwarded. Once set, the system operates automatically in the background. If you no longer need this feature, you can typically disable it by dialing *72 or *73, though the specific deactivation code can vary slightly by carrier. *71 is not a standard feature on most modern mobile networks. Smartphones usually handle call forwarding through their settings menus rather than USSD codes. Standard long-distance charges may apply if you forward calls to a number in a different area, so it is wise to check your carrier’s plan details before using this code extensively.