The * 72 feature, sometimes referred to as “Call forwarding” or “Call diverting”, allows users to forward incoming calls to another number. This can be useful when you are unable to answer your calls directly, as it allows you to redirect calls to another phone number like a landline or a friend’s mobile number.
In this article, we will look at what * 72 is, how it works on mobile phones, its uses, and any limitations or issues users may face when trying to utilize this feature. Understanding the workings of * 72 can help mobile phone users take full advantage of this convenient call forwarding option.
What is * 72 on cell phones?
The * 72 feature code allows you to forward or divert incoming calls on your mobile phone to another number. Here is a quick rundown of what * 72 does:
– It forwards all incoming calls to the number you specify after dialing * 72. This prevents calls from going to voicemail.
– The call forwarding stays active until you dial the code * 73 to deactivate it.
– When call forwarding is enabled, callers will hear a ringing tone as normal when they call you. The call then gets redirected to the specified number.
– You can still make outgoing calls as normal when * 72 call forwarding is enabled.
– Most mobile networks support this type of call forwarding. However, the specific codes may vary by carrier.
How does * 72 work on mobile phones?
Using * 72 call forwarding on a mobile phone is quite straightforward:
1. Dial * 72 on your phone’s dial pad.
2. Enter the 10-digit phone number you want your calls forwarded to after the announcement or beep.
3. Press the call button to activate call forwarding. You should receive a confirmation message or announcement from your mobile carrier.
4. Incoming calls to your mobile number will now be redirected and ring on the forwarded number instead.
5. To deactivate, dial * 73 to cancel call forwarding.
Some additional pointers on how * 72 functions:
– It usually works even if your mobile phone is switched off.
– You will typically not receive any indication on your phone that call forwarding is active.
– Both landline and mobile numbers can be used as the call forward destination.
– Canceling call forwarding does not require you to enter the forwarded number again. Just dialing * 73 is enough.
– Call forwarding takes precedence over voicemail. Calls will be redirected before going to voicemail.
– You may be charged a fee by your mobile carrier per use or per month. Check with your provider.
What are the uses for * 72 call forwarding?
There are several handy uses and situations where * 72 call forwarding on a cell phone comes in handy:
– When you do not have cell signal or your phone battery has died, forwarding calls to a landline or another number ensures you do not miss important calls.
– If you are traveling abroad and want to reduce roaming charges, forwarding calls to a local number or landline allows you to receive calls without expensive roaming fees.
– If you are expecting an important call but will be away from your phone, forwarding to another mobile device ensures you do not miss the call.
– Forwarding to a toll-free number means callers contacting you will not be charged when they call. Useful for business purposes.
– If you are too busy to answer calls directly, forwarding them to an assistant or colleague allows them to screen and handle calls on your behalf.
– You can set conditional call forwarding to only redirect calls in certain situations, like when you are already on a call. This prevents missing important calls.
– When you do not want to be disturbed, call forwarding to voicemail acts as a simple do not disturb feature.
– Short-term temporary redirection of calls is easy to set up as needed by using * 72 and * 73.
Does * 72 work on smartphones?
Yes, the * 72 call forwarding feature code works on all types of mobile phones, including both basic phones and smartphones running Android, iOS, or other platforms.
The main requirements for * 72 to work are:
– Your phone should be connected to a mobile network with this feature enabled. Most major carriers support it.
– You have an active SIM card with calling capabilities. * 72 does not work on SIMs with data-only plans.
– If your smartphone requires it, there is sufficient prepaid balance or active monthly package on the SIM for making calls.
– Your phone is switched on and able to make calls on the mobile network normally. Call forwarding may work even if your phone is off in some cases.
– No other call restrictions, call barring or fixed dialing settings are active on the number. These may prevent * 72 from activating correctly.
As long as your smartphone and SIM meet these basic conditions, * 72 will work reliably to forward calls to any 10-digit number on both Android and iOS smartphones, as well as on basic feature phones.
What mobile networks and carriers support * 72 call forwarding?
Most major mobile carriers and networks in the United States, Canada and other countries support using * 72 call forwarding:
– Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and other large mobile networks in the US fully support * 72 call forwarding.
– Regional and prepaid carriers like Tracfone, Simple Mobile, and Cricket Wireless also have * 72 active on their networks.
– Canadian providers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Freedom Mobile allow call forwarding with * 72.
– In the UK, carriers like EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three Mobile enable the * 72 call divert feature.
– In Australia, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and other providers support * 72 call forwarding codes.
– The feature is active on Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone) and BSNL in India.
Users must check with their specific mobile phone carrier to confirm any special requirements to enable * 72 call forwarding. But overall, the major mobile networks worldwide do provide this capability.
Does * 72 call forwarding work on landlines?
Unlike mobile networks, using * 72 codes to forward calls is typically not available on traditional landline phone networks.
However, many landline providers do offer call forwarding features that must be configured through calling the provider or logging into your account rather than using * 72 codes.
For example, with AT&T or CenturyLink home phone accounts, you can login and setup call forwarding options. Verizon Fios digital landlines also allow call forwarding setup through the account.
But dialing * 72 will usually not activate call forwarding on a landline phone in most cases. An exception is Vonage or other VoIP landlines that do support using * 72 redirect calls.
So in summary – * 72 call forwarding does not work with conventional copper wire based landline networks. But landline call forwarding can be achieved through provider account settings.
Can I make calls with call forwarding enabled?
Yes, you can still make outgoing calls as normal from your mobile phone when * 72 call forwarding is enabled.
– You will be able to dial out and place calls just like you do normally. Call forwarding only affects incoming calls.
– Both mobile phones and landlines can be contacted as per usual. Call forwarding does not prevent any outgoing calls being made.
– International calls are also possible as normal when using * 72 call diversion. They are not blocked.
– You will still be able to receive text messages and use data while call forwarding is active. Only voice calls are redirected.
– Disabling call forwarding by dialing * 73 also does not affect making calls from your phone.
The only difference is that when you call another number with call forwarding enabled, your mobile number may show up as the forwarded number rather than your actual phone number. But overall, * 72 does not limit any outgoing calling capabilities.
Does * 72 call forwarding work if phone is off?
In most cases, yes – the * 72 call forwarding feature will remain active even if your mobile phone is switched off or if the battery dies.
This is because call forwarding usually takes effect on the network side within the carrier’s systems when enabled. Some pointers:
– For call forwarding to work with the phone off, it must have been initially activated when the phone was powered on with a valid SIM card.
– Once enabled, the network will continue to redirect calls made to your number, even if the phone is then turned off or stops working.
– When you switch your phone back on and disable call forwarding with * 73, it will stop redirecting calls again.
– If the SIM card is removed from an off phone, call forwarding may stop working, depending on the carrier and network.
– With some carriers, switching the phone off for an extended time may deactivate call forwarding after several hours or days.
So in most practical scenarios, the * 72 forwarded calls continue being redirected when a mobile phone is turned off or out of battery. But the network policies may vary by carrier.
Can you tell if * 72 call forwarding is enabled?
It can be tricky to confirm if * 72 call forwarding is currently enabled on your mobile phone just by looking at the device. Here are some ways to check:
– Try calling your phone number from another phone – if it goes to voicemail, forwarding is not active. If it rings elsewhere, it is enabled.
– Check your mobile carrier account online if available – it may indicate if call forwarding is active on your number.
– Certain Android phones display a small arrow icon in the status bar at the top when call forwarding is turned on.
– On some iPhones, a notification saying “Calls Forwarded” may briefly appear at the top of the screen after activating * 72.
– Dialing * 72 on most networks plays an announcement confirming if call forwarding is currently enabled or disabled.
– You can install third party apps that can detect and alert you about call forwarding status.
– Contact your mobile carrier’s customer service for confirmation if unsure.
Without any clear in-phone indication, contacting the carrier directly is the most definitive way to check if call forwarding was successfully set up using the * 72 code.
Does * 72 work internationally?
When traveling abroad, * 72 call forwarding will usually function if:
– Your home mobile carrier in your country provides international roaming on partner networks.
– You have active roaming enabled to make and receive calls in the foreign country.
– The visited network overseas supports standard call forwarding features.
– No roaming restrictions block usage of call forwarding.
So if you have roaming access with your regular number and SIM card, and the network technology is compatible, * 72 call forwarding should work reliably in most countries worldwide.
However, international call charges may apply for:
– Any forwarding fee from your carrier in your home country.
– Forwarding calls to international numbers while roaming.
– Receiving forwarded calls if outside your home country.
So while * 72 generally functions for roaming mobiles, additional long distance charges may result when forwarding across borders.
Are there any limitations of * 72 call forwarding?
The * 72 call forwarding feature has some limitations to be aware of:
– It may not successfully forward to international numbers in some cases due to restrictions by the home carrier.
– Call quality to the forwarded number may not be as good as your regular mobile call quality.
– Voicemails and text messages cannot be forwarded. Only incoming voice calls are redirected.
– Typically can’t set more complex rules, like forward only when busy or only forward certain callers.
– Security and privacy concerns as calls are routed via a third-party number unknown to the caller.
– Possible extra charges from your provider for activating and using call forwarding.
– Call forwarding settings reset if your mobile number is ported to a new carrier.
– If issues arise, troubleshooting call forwarding relies on help from your mobile carrier.
– Requires access to another phone you can reliably receive forwarded calls on.
So while very useful in many cases, users should be aware of these potential drawbacks of relying solely on standard * 72 call forwarding.
Conclusion
The * 72 call forwarding feature allows diverting calls to another number, ensuring you can receive mobile calls even when not available on your own device. Most mobile networks support it, enabling flexible call redirection.
But some limitations exist when relying solely on this basic call forwarding option. Understanding how * 72 functions can help mobile users take full advantage of its benefits while avoiding any potential issues. With smart usage, it serves as a useful addition to any mobile user’s toolkit.
