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*71[number] on iPhone: Forward Only When Busy Or Unanswered (Verizon)

By Muhammad Shahid ยท ยท 3 min read

Quick answer

*71[number]: Ring your iPhone first, then hand the call on. Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit destination number. Calls ring your iPhone first and are only forwarded if the line is busy or you do not answer โ€” the North-American equivalent of the GSM busy / no-answer rules.

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Key facts
Code*71[number]
What it doesRing your iPhone first, then hand the call on.
Published forVerizon
TypeCarrier specific

Ring your iPhone first, then hand the call on. This page explains what *71[number] does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.

I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.

What does *71[number] do?

Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit destination number. Calls ring your iPhone first and are only forwarded if the line is busy or you do not answer โ€” the North-American equivalent of the GSM busy / no-answer rules.

Important: Because voicemail is itself a no-answer rule, setting *71 can stop unanswered calls reaching your mailbox. Dial *73 to restore normal behaviour.

How do I use *71[number]?

  1. Open the Phone app and tap Keypad.
  2. Type *71[number], replacing [number] with the full phone number, including the area code.
  3. Press the green Call button.

Which carriers does this apply to?

Published forVerizon
TypeCarrier specific
Good to knowVerizon. UScellular support for *71 varies by market and plan.
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Frequently asked questions

What does *71[number] do on iPhone?

Ring your iPhone first, then hand the call on. Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit destination number. Calls ring your iPhone first and are only forwarded if the line is busy or you do not answer โ€” the North-American equivalent of the GSM busy / no-answer rules.

What are the steps for *71[number]?

1. Open the Phone app and tap Keypad. 2. Type *71[number], replacing [number] with the full phone number, including the area code. 3. Press the green Call button.

Where do I use *71[number]?

On the keypad of the Phone app.

How do I add the number to *71[number]?

Replace [number] with the full phone number, including the area code, then press Call.

Is *71[number] a hidden or secret code?

No. It is a published service, not a hidden menu. iPhones do not have Android-style engineering menus.

Which carriers does *71[number] work on?

It is published for Verizon. Verizon. UScellular support for *71 varies by market and plan.

Is there anything to watch out for with *71[number]?

Because voicemail is itself a no-answer rule, setting *71 can stop unanswered calls reaching your mailbox. Dial *73 to restore normal behaviour.

Does *71[number] work on Android phones too?

It is handled by the carrier or service rather than the iPhone, so it is not tied to one phone brand. Check with your carrier.

Will *71[number] work outside the US?

It is published for US carriers and services, so do not count on it abroad. Ask your carrier before you travel.

What if *71[number] does not work on my iPhone?

Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.

What is related to *71[number]?

*73: Turn Off Call Forwarding (Verizon / UScellular). Cancel forwarding set with *72 or *71.

What else is in this category?

Call Forwarding In Settings. iOS has a built-in switch for forwarding on GSM networks.

Sources

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