What is *71 on a phone?

What Is *71 on a Phone?

Ever missed an important call because you were already on another line or simply didn’t answer in time? That’s where *71 comes in—especially useful for landlines and some older phone systems.

*71 activates Conditional Call Forwarding, a feature designed to ensure you never miss a critical call—even if you're busy or away from the phone. When enabled, incoming calls are automatically rerouted to another number if your line is engaged or if you don't answer after a few rings (typically 3 to 6).

For example, if you're on a call and someone else tries to reach you, instead of sending them straight to voicemail, *71 sends them to a backup number you’ve designated—like your mobile or office line. This can be especially helpful for home-based workers or anyone managing multiple responsibilities.

To use it, simply dial *71, followed by the 10-digit phone number where you'd like calls forwarded (e.g., *71-999-555-4567). Once set up, the system takes over automatically. To deactivate, most providers allow you to dial *72 or check with your local carrier for instructions.

Keep in mind that *71 isn't available on all carriers or mobile networks—especially smartphones, which often use built-in settings for call forwarding. It’s more commonly used with traditional landline services. Also, standard rates may apply depending on your plan, especially if forwarding to a long-distance number.

Though newer smartphones offer more intuitive alternatives in their settings, *71 remains a reliable, quick-dial solution for those using legacy systems. It’s a small code with a big impact—keeping you connected when every ring matters.