How to Transfer Calls from a Landline to a Cell Phone?

Even in a mobile-first world, landline numbers still play an important role for many households and businesses. They’re often the numbers friends, customers, or official services already know. However, a landline is fixed to a single location, so you can easily miss calls when you’re not around.
Call forwarding removes this limitation by automatically redirecting incoming landline calls to your cell phone. That way, you can stay connected without being tied to a desk or a specific location.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to forward calls from a landline to a cell phone, including step-by-step instructions and common challenges you might face.
Highlights:
To activate conditional or unconditional call forwarding from a landline to a cell phone, simply pick up the handset, dial the activation code (*72 or 72#), enter the mobile number, and wait for the confirmation tone.
To deactivate call forwarding on a landline, pick up the phone, dial the deactivation code (usually *73 or 73#), wait for the confirmation tone, and then hang up.
Landline call forwarding can present reliability issues due to provider restrictions, setup problems, lack of international forwarding options, hidden costs, network disruptions, and confusion over where voicemails are delivered.
You can connect your landline to a mobile phone by porting the number to a mobile carrier or transferring it to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, allowing you to keep the same number without relying on landline hardware.
How Do You Forward Landline Calls to Cell Phones?
On most landlines, you can enable call forwarding by dialing your carrier’s call-forwarding code (such as *72), then entering the cell phone number and waiting for the confirmation tone.
- Step 1: Pick up your landline handset and listen for the dial tone.
- Step 2: Dial the call forwarding activation code. For example, AT&T users can dial *72 or 72#. If you are using a rotary or pulse-dialing phone, dial 1172 instead.
Step 3: Enter the cell phone number where you want your calls diverted.
- Long-distance numbers: Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number.
- Local numbers requiring area code: Enter area code + 7-digit number.
- Local numbers not requiring area code: Enter the 7-digit number only.- Step 4: Wait for the confirmation tone. The system will then automatically call the number you entered. If the forwarded-to number answers, call forwarding is successfully activated.
How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on a Landline?
To turn off both conditional and unconditional call forwarding on a landline, pick up the phone, wait for a dial tone, and dial the deactivation code (commonly *73 or 73#). Once you hear the confirmation tone or message, hang up to confirm that call forwarding has been successfully disabled.
- Step 1: Lift your landline phone receiver and wait for the dial tone.
- Step 2: Dial the deactivation code. (For example, either *73, 73# or 1173 if you are using a rotary or pulse-dialing phone).
- Step 3: Listen for two short confirmation tones and hang up the call.
Landline Call Forwarding Codes by Carrier
You can set up call forwarding on most landlines using simple codes provided by your carrier. Below is a list of common codes to enable and disable call forwarding so your calls can be redirected to your cell phone when needed.
Carrier/Provider | Enable Call Forwarding | Disable Call Forwarding |
| AT&T | *72 or 72# | *73 or 73# |
| Verizon | *72 or *71 | *73 |
| Spectrum | *72 | *73 |
| Sprint | *72 | *720 |
| Vodafone | *21 | #21# |
| CenturyLink | *72 | *73 |
| Bell | *72 | *73 |
| Telus | *72 or #72 | *73 or #73 |
Common Challenges with Landline Call Forwarding
Landline call forwarding can be unreliable due to carrier limitations, activation failures, and a lack of support for international numbers. It may also result in unexpected charges, delayed or missed calls because of network issues, and confusion over where voicemails are received.
- Carrier limitations: Not all service providers support landline call forwarding, so you may need to confirm availability.
- Unexpected charges on the phone bill: Forwarded calls may be billed as long-distance or per-minute calls, depending on the destination number and service plan. This can lead to higher-than-expected charges if forwarding is used frequently.
- Forwarding failure: Call forwarding may not work if the destination number is busy, unreachable, or entered incorrectly.
- International forwarding not supported: Most landline call forwarding services do not support international call forwarding, so you can only divert calls to local or domestic numbers.
- Delayed or missed forwarded calls: Network congestion, service outages, or poor mobile signal can cause forwarded calls to arrive late or fail entirely, leading to missed calls even when forwarding is enabled.
- Voicemail confusion: Forwarded calls may go to the voicemail of the forwarded number instead of your landline’s voicemail, causing missed messages.
Alternative Ways to Connect Your Landline Number to a Mobile Phone
You can connect your landline to a mobile phone by porting the number to a mobile carrier or by transferring it to a VoIP service, allowing you to keep the same number without using landline hardware.
1. Port Your Landline Number to a Mobile Carrier
Porting your landline number to a mobile carrier lets you keep the same number while receiving calls directly on your cell phone. Once the porting process is complete, you no longer need the landline hardware. All incoming calls reach your mobile without delay. This option improves mobility, reduces missed calls, and simplifies communication, especially if you are often on the move.
2. Port Your Landline Number to a VoIP Service
Porting your landline number to a VoIP service converts your existing phone number into a VoIP number that works over an internet connection instead of traditional phone wiring. After porting, you can log in to your account on your service provider’s platform to manage calls, settings, and features with ease. This setup offers many advantages, including lower calling costs, the ability to make and receive calls from anywhere, easy scalability as your business grows, and advanced calling features.
How to Port Your Landline Number to Calilio?
To transfer your landline number to Calilio, check whether your number is eligible for porting using Calilio’s number portability checker. Once eligible, submit a porting request with the required details, and Calilio will handle the process of transferring your landline number to its platform.
- Create/log in to your account: Sign up on Calilio or log in to your existing account.
- Navigate to the porting option: Once logged in, go to Settings, then select My Number, and click on the option to Port existing number.
- Submit the porting request: Submit the request to transfer your current phone number to Calilio. Calilio’s team will then coordinate with your existing carrier to initiate the transfer.
- Provide your information: Provide the required documents (a recent phone bill, Letter of Authorization (LOA), and Customer Service Record (CSR)) to the Calilio team.
- Wait for confirmation: The transfer usually takes several business days. You will receive a notification once your number is successfully ported. Ensure your current service remains active during the process.
- Test and cancel: Once complete, test the number on Calilio and then cancel your old landline service.
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Conclusion
Call forwarding from a landline to a cell phone is a simple way to stay connected when you’re away from home or the office, ensuring important calls are not missed. However, the process can be inefficient, as it often involves additional costs, call delays, and limited control.
For better flexibility and reliability, porting your landline number to a mobile phone or a VoIP service is a smarter long-term solution. VoIP, in particular, offers greater flexibility, advanced call management features, better scalability, and cost savings.
Summarize this blog with:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to turn on call forwarding on a Spectrum landline number?
To enable call forwarding on a Spectrum landline number, enter *72 and wait for the dial tone, then enter the phone number you want to forward calls to, followed by the # key. You will hear a confirmation tone when the feature is activated.
Why isn’t 72 working for call forwarding?
What is the difference between call forwarding and call divert?

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