To forward a home phone to a cell, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit mobile number from your landline. Most major carriers charge $0 to $5 per month for this feature; check your plan. Some budget providers include it free.
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To forward a home phone to a cell, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit mobile number from your landline. Most major carriers charge $0 to $5 per month for this feature; check your plan. Some budget providers include it free. Call forwarding routes incoming landline calls to your mobile, so you never miss important calls when away from home. It is especially useful for those who keep a home phone for emergencies or bundled services but rely on their cell for daily use. According to the FCC, about 37 million U.S. households still have a landline, and many use forwarding to bridge the gap without dropping service.
Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
Setting up unconditional forwarding (all calls) is simple. From your home phone, dial *72 and then your 10-digit cell number. Listen for a confirmation tone or message, then hang up. To cancel, dial *73. For conditional forwarding (when line is busy or unanswered), dial *71 instead. Note that these codes are standard for most landline providers in the U.S. but may vary with VoIP home phone services. Always confirm with your home phone provider, especially if you have a bundled plan with major carriers.
Costs and Fees to Watch For
While forwarding is often included in premium landline bundles, some providers charge an add-on fee. The average monthly fee is $3.50, according to the 2025 Consumer Expenditure Survey. Budget providers may charge nothing, but major carriers typically list it as a separate feature. Additionally, calls forwarded to your cell may use your mobile plan’s minutes. On prepaid plans with flat-rate talk, this can be cost-effective; on limited-minute postpaid plans, extra charges may apply. Always read your plan’s fine print. Below is a typical cost breakdown:
| Plan Type | Forwarding Fee (Monthly) | Per-Minute Cost (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic landline bundle | $0 – $5 | None |
| VoIP home phone | $0 – $3 | Varies |
| Postpaid wireless (pay-per-minute) | $0 (if included) | $0.10 – $0.25/min |
| Prepaid wireless (unlimited talk) | $0 if built-in | $0 |
How Plan Type Affects Forwarding Charges
Choosing the right combination of home and mobile plans can minimize forwarding costs. Consider these options:
- Prepaid plans often include unlimited talk with no per-minute fees, making forwarded calls free (other than the monthly forwarding fee, if any). Savings can reach up to 50% compared to postpaid plans.
- Postpaid plans from major carriers may bundle call forwarding into a premium tier, but budget tiers might charge extra. Average postpaid bill is about $140/month (FCC 2025), while prepaid averages $50.
- VoIP home phone services (e.g., through internet providers) usually include forwarding at no extra cost, but require stable broadband. Tax Foundation data shows VoIP has lower regulatory fees than traditional landlines.
If you rarely receive calls on your home line, consider switching to a low-cost prepaid plan for your cell and dropping the landline altogether. The CDC reports 78% of U.S. households are now wireless-only, a trend that saves the average household over $500 annually.
Alternatives to Traditional Forwarding
If forwarding fees are too high, you have other options. First, verify if your cell plan includes a virtual number feature that lets you have a second line on the same phone — some budget providers offer this at no extra cost. Second, port your home number to a prepaid cell plan using a cheap flip phone as your “home” handset. Third, use a free app that provides a VoIP number and routes calls via data. However, be aware that data-only forwarding can consume mobile data and may not work well in areas with limited coverage. Always compare the total monthly cost of forwarding versus dropping the landline and using a second cell line. The FCC requires providers to disclose all fees upfront; request a breakdown before committing.