Secret Codes guide
*72[number] on iPhone: Turn On Call Forwarding (Verizon / UScellular)
By Muhammad Shahid · · 3 min read
Quick answer
*72[number]: The classic US feature code for immediate forwarding. Dial *72 followed immediately by the 10-digit destination number, then press call. You will normally hear a confirmation tone or a short announcement. This is the North-American vertical service code equivalent of the GSM **21*number# string — Verizon and UScellular use this style rather than MMI.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| Code | *72[number] |
|---|---|
| What it does | The classic US feature code for immediate forwarding. |
| Published for | Verizon and UScellular |
| Type | Carrier specific |
The classic US feature code for immediate forwarding. This page explains what *72[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 *72[number] do?
Dial *72 followed immediately by the 10-digit destination number, then press call. You will normally hear a confirmation tone or a short announcement.
This is the North-American vertical service code equivalent of the GSM **21*number# string — Verizon and UScellular use this style rather than MMI.
Important: Carriers may bill forwarded calls as outgoing calls from your line. Check your plan before forwarding to a long-distance or international number.
How do I use *72[number]?
- Open the Phone app and tap Keypad.
- Type *72[number], replacing [number] with the full phone number, including the area code.
- Press the green Call button.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | Verizon and UScellular |
|---|---|
| Type | Carrier specific |
| Good to know | Verizon and UScellular. Availability can depend on your plan — some prepaid plans do not include call forwarding. |
Related call forwarding codes
- **004*[number]#: Set All Conditional Forwarding
- *73: Turn Off Call Forwarding (Verizon / UScellular)
- *#004#: Check Conditional Forwarding
- *71[number]: Forward Only When Busy Or Unanswered (Verizon)
- ##004#: Erase Conditional Forwarding Only
- Call Forwarding In Settings
See all call forwarding codes or every category of iPhone codes.
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Frequently asked questions
What does *72[number] do on iPhone?
The classic US feature code for immediate forwarding. Dial *72 followed immediately by the 10-digit destination number, then press call. You will normally hear a confirmation tone or a short announcement.
What else should I know about *72[number]?
This is the North-American vertical service code equivalent of the GSM **21*number# string — Verizon and UScellular use this style rather than MMI.
What are the steps for *72[number]?
1. Open the Phone app and tap Keypad. 2. Type *72[number], replacing [number] with the full phone number, including the area code. 3. Press the green Call button.
Where do I use *72[number]?
On the keypad of the Phone app.
How do I add the number to *72[number]?
Replace [number] with the full phone number, including the area code, then press Call.
Is *72[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 *72[number] work on?
It is published for Verizon and UScellular. Verizon and UScellular. Availability can depend on your plan — some prepaid plans do not include call forwarding.
Is there anything to watch out for with *72[number]?
Carriers may bill forwarded calls as outgoing calls from your line. Check your plan before forwarding to a long-distance or international number.
Does *72[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 *72[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 *72[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 *72[number]?
**004*[number]#: Set All Conditional Forwarding. Point busy, no-answer and unreachable at one number.
Sources
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