In an age dominated by touchscreens and digital apps, it’s easy to forget the simple, yet powerful, features accessible right from your phone’s keypad. For generations, phone companies have used a system of codes, often starting with the star (*) or pound (#) symbols, to give customers instant control over their lines. For AT&T customers, understanding these feature access codes—or as they are often called, AT&T * codes—is a way to unlock a range of services from managing calls to protecting your privacy.
These codes are more than just a throwback to landline telephones; they remain a quick and efficient way to control your phone services without navigating complex menus or online portals. Whether you have a traditional home phone, a business VoIP line, or even some mobile plans, these codes can be a valuable tool. The specific codes available to you may vary depending on your service plan and location, but many of the most popular ones are standardized across different AT&T services.
Understanding Different Types of AT&T Codes
When people talk about AT&T * codes, they are usually referring to a specific type of feature access code. However, it’s helpful to categorize the different types of codes you might encounter as an AT&T customer.
- Star (*) Codes for Calling Features
These are the most common and widely recognized codes. They are a set of vertical service codes that allow you to activate, deactivate, or check the status of a specific feature. They were originally developed by AT&T and are still widely used today. The simplicity of a short, easy-to-remember sequence of numbers and symbols makes them ideal for quick, on-the-go adjustments to your phone settings.
- Pound (#) Codes for Specific Actions
Similar to star codes, pound codes often work in conjunction with numbers to initiate certain features. In many cases, the pound symbol is used to confirm a setting or to disable a feature. For example, while *72 might turn on a feature, *73# might be used to turn it off.
- International and Business Access Codes
Beyond personal calling features, AT&T also provides a range of access codes for specific services. For example, AT&T USADirect® access codes are toll-free numbers used by travelers to connect to the AT&T network from a foreign country. Similarly, AT&T business customers, particularly those using products like AT&T CollaborateSM or Voice DNA, have a unique set of feature access codes designed to manage office features such as call parking, call pickup, and intercom functionality.
Essential AT&T Star Codes for Everyday Use
For many residential and small business customers, the most useful codes are those that manage day-to-day calling. Here are some of the most frequently used AT&T * codes to help you take control of your phone line.
Call Forwarding Codes
Call forwarding is one of the most popular features managed by AT&T * codes. The codes allow you to redirect incoming calls to another number, ensuring you never miss an important call.
- Activate Call Forwarding: Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to. This is the code for “All Call Forwarding” and will send all incoming calls to the new number.
- Deactivate Call Forwarding: Simply dial *73 to turn off all call forwarding. Your calls will then ring on your primary phone number again.
- No Answer Call Forwarding: For those times when you can’t get to the phone, you can set up call forwarding for missed calls. The code to activate is *92 followed by the number where you want the calls to go. To turn this off, dial *93.
Call Blocking and Privacy Codes
These codes are a powerful tool for controlling who can reach you and how your information is displayed.
- Block Your Caller ID: If you want to make a private call where your name and number do not appear, dial *67 before the number you are calling. Your Caller ID will be blocked for that specific call.
- Anonymous Call Rejection: To block incoming calls from people who have hidden their Caller ID, dial *77. To turn this feature off, dial *87.
- Call Blocking: You can add specific numbers to a blocked list by dialing *60. To deactivate the service, dial *80.
Voicemail and Other Convenience Codes
Managing your voicemail and other call features can be done quickly using a few key codes.
- Access Voicemail: From your own AT&T phone, the code to access your voicemail is often *98. If you’re calling from another phone, you can dial your own number, and when the greeting starts, press the star key to enter your PIN and retrieve your messages.
- Last Call Return: If you missed a call and want to call the person back, simply dial *69. This will automatically redial the number of the last person who called you. To cancel this function, you would dial *89.
- Repeat Dialing: If you are trying to reach a busy number, you can dial *66. The service will monitor the line for up to 30 minutes and alert you with a special tone when it’s free, then automatically redial the number for you. To deactivate the service, dial *86.
Important Considerations
While these AT&T * codes are widely used, it’s important to remember a few key points:
- Service Compatibility: Some of these codes are specific to certain AT&T services, such as a traditional landline, a digital home phone service like AT&T Phone, or a business-specific line. Always check with your service documentation to confirm the codes that work for your specific plan.
- Service Availability: Not all features are available in all areas or with all service plans. Some may require a subscription or incur a usage fee.
- Always Dial a Phone Number: For codes that require you to enter a destination number, always remember to include the full 10-digit number, including the area code, for a successful connection.
conclusion
Knowing the right AT&T * codes gives you a level of direct control over your phone line that is both convenient and powerful. By mastering these simple keypad commands, you can manage everything from call forwarding to privacy settings, ensuring your phone service works for you exactly as you need it to.
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