*68 on Cell Phone: What It Does & Call Forwarding Codes

If you've ever dialed *68 on your cell phone—whether by accident or intentionally—you may have wondered what exactly this code does. Unlike the more commonly known *67 (which blocks your caller ID), *68's function varies significantly depending on your phone system and carrier. Understanding these features can help you manage calls more effectively, avoid accidental activations, and troubleshoot unexpected call routing issues.

What Does *68 Do on Cell Phones?

Important: *68 is NOT a standard code for cellular networks. The function of *68 varies by phone system:

• On some VoIP and landline systems – *68 may activate conditional call forwarding (forwarding calls when busy or unanswered)
• On business phone systems – *68 is often used for call parking or blocking caller ID on the next call
• On major cell phone carriers – *68 is generally NOT used; carriers have their own specific codes (detailed below)

If you're looking to set up call forwarding on your cell phone, you'll need to use your specific carrier's codes rather than *68. The most common cell phone carriers use completely different activation methods.

Conditional call forwarding is a feature that forwards incoming calls to another phone number only when your line is busy or when you don't answer after a certain number of rings. Unlike unconditional forwarding (which redirects all calls immediately), this option provides a backup so callers can still reach someone when you're unavailable.

How It Differs from Other Star Codes

It's easy to confuse various star codes, especially *67 and *68. Here's how they differ:

• *67 – Blocks your caller ID on a per-call basis, making your number appear as "Private" or "Unknown"
• *68 – Function varies: may block caller ID on some VoIP systems, used for call parking on business phones, or conditional forwarding on some landlines
• *69 – Automatically redials the last number that called you
• *72 – Activates unconditional call forwarding (all calls, all the time) on many systems
• *73 – Deactivates unconditional call forwarding on many systems

The most common mix-up happens when users intend to dial *67 for privacy but accidentally press *68 instead. Depending on your phone system, this could result in unexpected behavior.

How to Activate Conditional Call Forwarding

The activation process depends entirely on your carrier and phone system. For major U.S. cell phone carriers, *68 is typically NOT the correct code.

For Landline/VoIP Systems Using *68

If you're on a landline or VoIP system that supports *68:

1. Open your phone's dialer
2. Dial *68
3. Enter the 10-digit phone number where you want calls forwarded
4. Press the call button or add # at the end (system-dependent)
5. Listen for a confirmation tone or voice message
6. End the call

Once activated, your phone will forward incoming calls to the specified number whenever your line is busy or you don't answer within the preset ring delay. The feature remains active across all incoming calls until you manually deactivate it.

Testing Your Setup

After activation, test the configuration to ensure it works correctly:

• Have someone call your number while you're on another call (to test busy forwarding)
• Have someone call when you don't answer (to test no-answer forwarding)
• Verify the calls reach your forwarding number
• Check that voicemail doesn't interfere with the process

Carrier-Specific Codes and Variations

Major U.S. cell phone carriers do NOT use *68 for call forwarding. Each carrier has specific requirements:

Verizon Wireless

Verizon uses *71 for conditional forwarding. The activation process is:

• Dial *71 + 10-digit forwarding number
• Press call/send
• Listen for confirmation
• Deactivate with *73

This is the correct code for Verizon customers, not *68.

AT&T

AT&T uses GSM standard codes for conditional forwarding, not *68. The carrier also offers a Call Forwarding app that lets you manage settings through a visual interface rather than dialing codes. This can be more convenient for users who prefer not to memorize star codes.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile uses GSM standard codes (such as **61*number# for no-answer forwarding) and provides additional management options through the T-Mobile app. The carrier allows international forwarding, though additional charges may apply for calls forwarded outside the United States.

Sprint (Now T-Mobile)

Legacy Sprint customers may encounter different codes depending on when their account was created:

• *28 + forwarding number (older system)
• *73 (busy forwarding on legacy plans)
• *74 (no-answer forwarding on legacy plans)

Most former Sprint customers have been migrated to T-Mobile's system and now use standard T-Mobile codes.

MVNOs and Smaller Carriers

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) typically follow the codes of their parent network. For example:

• Cricket Wireless (uses AT&T network) – GSM standard codes
• Visible (uses Verizon network) – Uses *71 like Verizon
• Metro by T-Mobile – GSM standard codes
• Boost Mobile – Varies by underlying network

If you're unsure which code your carrier uses, dial 611 from your cell phone to reach customer service for confirmation.

How to Deactivate Call Forwarding

Turning off this feature is just as important as knowing how to activate it. The deactivation process varies by carrier:

Standard Deactivation by Carrier

For Verizon users who activated with *71, deactivate using *73.

For AT&T and T-Mobile users on GSM networks:

• Dial ##61# to deactivate no-answer forwarding
• Dial ##67# to deactivate busy forwarding
• Dial ##62# to deactivate unreachable forwarding
• Dial ##002# to deactivate all call forwarding

For landline/VoIP systems that use *68, deactivation codes may include *81 or *88, depending on the system. If you're using Vida's AI phone system, you can learn how to disable call forwarding to Vida with carrier-specific instructions.

Alternative Deactivation Methods

If the standard codes don't work, try these alternatives:

• Carrier App – Most carriers now offer call management features in their mobile apps where you can toggle forwarding on and off
• Customer Service – Call 611 from your phone or contact your carrier's support line
• Online Account – Log into your carrier's website and manage forwarding through account settings

Verifying Deactivation

After deactivating, confirm the feature is off by:

• Having someone call while you're on another line (should get busy signal or voicemail)
• Checking for any unusual dial tone (some carriers use stutter dial tone when forwarding is active)
• Reviewing settings in your carrier's app if available

Common Reasons People Use This Feature

Understanding when to use conditional forwarding helps you decide if this feature fits your needs:

Business Coverage

Small business owners and solo professionals often use this feature to ensure client calls never go unanswered. By forwarding to an assistant, partner, or answering service when busy or unavailable, they maintain professional responsiveness without missing opportunities. Many businesses are now exploring how to use Vida with your existing cell number to forward calls to an AI agent that can handle inquiries 24/7.

Personal Situations

• Phone repair – Forward calls to a temporary phone while yours is being fixed
• Vacation – Route calls to a family member who can handle emergencies
• Work-life balance – Forward work calls to a colleague during off-hours
• Shared responsibilities – Ensure calls reach the on-call person when you're unavailable

Advantages Over Voicemail

Many callers prefer speaking with a live person rather than leaving a voicemail. Studies show that the average voicemail response rate is only 4.8%, with over 95% of voicemails going unaddressed. Call forwarding provides a human connection that can:

• Capture time-sensitive opportunities
• Gather complete information from callers
• Provide immediate assistance or scheduling
• Create a better customer experience

Costs and Limitations

Before activating this feature, understand the potential costs and restrictions:

Who Pays for Forwarded Calls?

The account holder typically pays for the forwarding leg of the call. Here's how it breaks down:

• Local forwarding – Usually included in unlimited plans; may use minutes on limited plans
• Long-distance forwarding – Charges apply based on the distance between your number and the forwarding destination
• International forwarding – Significant per-minute charges, often $1-3 per minute or more

The original caller pays only for calling your number, not for the forwarding. You bear the cost of routing the call to its final destination.

Plan Requirements

Some carriers require specific plan features:

• Call forwarding may not be available on all prepaid plans
• Business accounts may include forwarding at no extra charge
• Basic plans might require adding call forwarding as a paid feature
• Some carriers charge a monthly fee (typically $5-10) for conditional forwarding

Technical Limitations

• Ring delay – Most carriers allow 5-30 seconds before forwarding on no-answer
• Forwarding chains – Limited to prevent infinite loops (usually 2-3 hops maximum)
• Network coverage – Forwarding won't work if you're completely out of coverage when the call arrives
• Voicemail interaction – May need to adjust voicemail settings to prevent conflicts

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When call forwarding doesn't work as expected, these solutions can help:

Calls Aren't Forwarding

If calls aren't routing to your forwarding number:

• Verify you entered the correct 10-digit number including area code
• Check that you received a confirmation tone after activation
• Ensure your account includes call forwarding features
• Test both busy and no-answer scenarios separately
• Confirm the forwarding number can receive calls

Accidental Activation

If you accidentally dialed *68 instead of *67:

1. Check with your carrier what *68 does on their network (it may do nothing on cell phones)
2. If on a landline/VoIP system, dial the appropriate deactivation code
3. Make a test call to verify normal operation
4. Contact your carrier if you can't resolve using standard codes

Wrong Forwarding Number

To correct a forwarding number:

1. Deactivate the current forwarding using your carrier's code
2. Wait a few seconds
3. Reactivate with the correct number
4. Test to confirm the change took effect

Conflicts with Other Features

Call forwarding may interact unexpectedly with:

• Do Not Disturb – May prevent forwarding from activating
• Call blocking – Blocked numbers won't forward
• Voicemail – May answer before forwarding triggers
• Simultaneous ring – Can cause confusion about which feature takes priority

If you experience conflicts, temporarily disable other call management features to isolate the issue. For iPhone users experiencing issues, check out our guide on what to do when call forwarding isn't working on iOS 17, as Apple's Live Voicemail feature can interfere with call forwarding.

Checking Forwarding Status

To verify if forwarding is currently active:

• Listen for stutter dial tone when you pick up your phone
• Check your carrier's app for forwarding status
• Dial *#21# on GSM networks to see all forwarding settings
• Contact customer service to confirm your account settings

Modern Alternatives to Consider

While conditional forwarding serves basic needs, modern communication tools offer more sophisticated options:

Carrier Apps

Most carriers now provide mobile apps with visual call management interfaces. These apps let you:

• Toggle forwarding on and off with a switch
• Set different forwarding numbers for different scenarios
• Schedule forwarding for specific times
• View forwarding history and usage

VoIP Solutions

Internet-based phone services offer advanced features beyond basic forwarding:

• Simultaneous ring to multiple devices
• Custom routing rules based on caller ID
• Time-based routing schedules
• Visual voicemail transcription
• Integration with email and messaging

AI-Powered Phone Systems

For businesses that need more than simple forwarding, AI phone systems provide intelligent call handling. At Vida, our AI Agent OS goes beyond basic call routing to offer:

• Intelligent call screening and qualification
• Automated appointment scheduling
• CRM integration for personalized responses
• 24/7 availability without forwarding to personal phones
• Spam filtering and robocall blocking

These systems handle calls proactively rather than simply redirecting them, capturing more opportunities while reducing the burden on your personal phone.

Unified Communications Platforms

Enterprise-grade solutions combine calling, messaging, video, and collaboration tools with sophisticated routing capabilities. These platforms work well for teams that need coordinated call handling across multiple people and departments.

Best Practices for Using Call Forwarding

To get the most from this feature while avoiding problems:

• Test before relying on it – Always verify forwarding works correctly before depending on it for important calls
• Inform your forwarding contact – Let the person receiving forwarded calls know to expect them
• Monitor costs – Check your bill regularly if forwarding to long-distance or international numbers
• Deactivate when done – Don't leave forwarding active longer than necessary
• Use carrier-specific codes – Know your carrier's exact codes to avoid confusion
• Keep forwarding numbers updated – Change the destination number if your circumstances change
• Consider privacy – Remember that forwarded calls reveal your forwarding number to the destination

When to Upgrade Your Call Management

Basic call forwarding works well for occasional use, but certain situations call for more sophisticated solutions:

• You're missing important calls despite forwarding
• Forwarding costs are adding up significantly
• You need different handling for different types of callers
• Your business requires 24/7 coverage
• You want to integrate call handling with your CRM or scheduling system
• You need detailed call analytics and reporting

For businesses experiencing these needs, professional phone systems or AI-powered answering services provide better outcomes than simple forwarding. These solutions can qualify leads, schedule appointments, and handle routine inquiries automatically—capabilities that basic forwarding can't match.

At Vida, we help businesses move beyond basic call forwarding to intelligent phone management that captures every opportunity. Our AI agents handle calls professionally 24/7, integrate with your existing tools, and provide insights into your communication patterns. Visit vida.io to learn how modern phone systems can transform your customer communication.

Key Takeaways

Understanding call forwarding codes helps you manage calls more effectively and avoid accidental misconfigurations. Remember these essential points:

• *68 is NOT the standard code for cell phones—it varies by system and may not work on cellular networks
• Verizon uses *71 for conditional forwarding; AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM codes
• Deactivation codes vary by carrier (*73 for Verizon, ##61#/##67#/##002# for GSM networks)
• You pay for the forwarding leg of calls, which can add costs for long-distance destinations
• Test your setup before relying on it for important calls
• Modern alternatives offer more sophisticated call management for business needs

Whether you use basic forwarding occasionally or need advanced call management for your business, understanding how these features work ensures you never miss important calls. For simple personal use, the built-in carrier codes work well. For professional requirements, consider exploring modern phone systems that provide intelligence and automation beyond basic forwarding.