How to forward only the calls you miss

Updated November 2026 · JobCatcher

Conditional call forwarding sends a call somewhere else only when you don't answer it. Calls you pick up ring through as normal. It's how most missed call text back and answering services work without you changing your number.

Forward calls only when you don't answer

Open your phone's keypad, dial the code with the forwarding number in place of NUMBER (10 digits, no dashes), and press call. You'll usually hear a tone or see a confirmation.

AT&T and T-Mobile
Forward when you don't answer: **61*NUMBER#
Forward when you're busy: **67*NUMBER#
Forward when your phone is off or has no signal: **62*NUMBER#
Turn all forwarding off: ##21#

Verizon
Forward when you're busy or don't answer: *71NUMBER
Turn forwarding off: *73

Codes can differ by plan, prepaid brand or phone. If a code doesn't work, check your carrier's support page or call them.

Things to know

Calls you answer aren't affected. Only missed, busy or unreachable calls are forwarded.
How long it rings first depends on your carrier. Usually around 20 to 30 seconds.
Your voicemail stops getting those calls. The forwarding number takes them instead.
You can turn it off anytime with the off code above.

With JobCatcher

Turning on call forwarding is the only thing you set up on your phone. Once your number is approved, we text you the exact code to dial for your carrier, so you don't have to look anything up. See how missed call text back works.

How to test it

After you dial your carrier's code, call your business number from another phone and let it ring without answering. The call should forward after a few rings. If it goes to your old voicemail instead, the forwarding code didn't take, or your carrier needs it set up a different way.

Test again after any change to your phone plan, a new phone, or a carrier switch. Forwarding settings don't always carry over.

Business lines, VoIP and office phones

If your business number runs through a VoIP service or an office phone system, conditional forwarding is usually a setting in that system's dashboard rather than a dial code. Look for options named forward when busy, forward on no answer, or call forwarding rules.

Common problems

Calls forward even when you'd answer: the ring time before forwarding is too short. Calls never forward: the code wasn't accepted, or forwarding was later turned off. Callers hear your old voicemail: voicemail is answering before forwarding kicks in. Your carrier's support line can confirm what's set on your line.

Common questions

Will forwarding change the calls I answer?

No. Conditional forwarding only kicks in when you don't answer, are busy, or are unreachable. Calls you pick up work exactly like they do now.

Does call forwarding cost extra?

It depends on your carrier and plan. Many plans include it, but check with your carrier if you're unsure.

How do I turn forwarding off?

Each carrier has an off code, or you can turn it off in your phone settings or with your carrier's support. If you use JobCatcher, we text you the exact codes for your carrier.

Stop losing jobs to missed calls. JobCatcher texts every missed caller back in seconds and lets them book a time inside your hours. From $39/month, no contract.

Set it up free See how it works