What call transfer is and how to turn it off

Call transfer is a phone feature that sends incoming calls to a different number — usually another phone, voicemail, or a service like Google Voice. Your phone carrier includes this feature by default on most plans. You can turn it off entirely, change where calls go, or set it to work only in certain situations.

The steps to cancel call transfer depend on what type of phone service you have. If you use a traditional landline or mobile carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, you'll use codes or your account settings. If you use a VoIP service like Google Voice or Vonage, you'll change settings in that app or website instead.

Most people want to cancel call transfer because they've accidentally turned it on, or because they set it up for a specific situation that no longer applies. The process takes less than five minutes once you know which service you're using.

Key Takeaways

  • Call transfer sends your incoming calls to a different phone number, and you can turn it off through your carrier's settings or by dialing a code on your phone.
  • Mobile carriers like Verizon and AT&T use codes like *73 or #21# to disable call transfer, while landline carriers may require you to log into your account online.
  • If you use Google Voice, Vonage, or another VoIP service, you'll turn off call transfer in that app or website, not through your carrier.
  • Call transfer is different from call forwarding — transfer sends a call to another number mid-conversation, while forwarding sends it before you answer.

Canceling call transfer on a mobile phone

The fastest way to turn off call transfer on a mobile phone is to dial a code from your phone's keypad. The code is *73 on most carriers. Open your phone's dialer, type *73, and press the call button. You should hear a confirmation message saying call transfer is now off. This works on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers.

If *73 doesn't work, try #21# instead — some carriers use this code. Dial it the same way: open the dialer, type the code, and press call. You'll get a message confirming the change. If neither code works, your carrier may not support this feature through codes, and you'll need to use your account settings instead.

To turn off call transfer through your account, open your carrier's app or website and log in. Look for a section called "Call Settings," "Call Management," or "Calling Features." Find the option for call transfer or call forwarding, and toggle it off. The exact location varies by carrier, but it's usually in the same menu where you'd manage voicemail or block numbers.

Canceling call transfer on a landline

Landline carriers like Frontier, CenturyLink, or your local phone company usually don't support the *73 code. Instead, you'll log into your account online or call customer service. Open your carrier's website, sign in with your account number and password, and look for "Phone Settings" or "Call Features." Find call transfer or call forwarding and turn it off.

If you can't find it online, call your landline carrier's customer service number — it's usually on your bill. Tell them you want to cancel call transfer. They can turn it off in seconds and confirm the change over the phone. This is often faster than searching through the website if you're not sure where to look.

Turning off call transfer in Google Voice

If you use Google Voice, call transfer is managed inside the Google Voice app or website, not through your carrier. Open Google Voice on your phone or computer and sign in. Click the settings icon (usually a gear) and look for "Forwarding options" or "Call forwarding."

You'll see a list of phone numbers where calls are being forwarded. Uncheck the box next to any number you don't want to receive calls, or click the X to remove it entirely. If all boxes are unchecked, call transfer is off. Save your changes and you're done.

Turning off call transfer in other VoIP services

If you use Vonage, Ooma, MagicJack, or another VoIP service, the steps are similar to Google Voice but the menu names differ. Log into your account on the service's website or app. Look for "Settings," "Call Forwarding," "Call Transfer," or "Call Routing."

Find the section that lists where your calls are being sent. Remove or disable any forwarding numbers you don't want. Some services let you set up rules — for example, forward calls only during business hours or only to certain numbers. Turn off any rules that are active if you want to cancel transfer entirely. Save your changes when you're done.

The difference between call transfer and call forwarding

Call transfer and call forwarding are related but not the same thing. Call forwarding sends an incoming call to another number before you answer it — the caller never reaches your original phone. Call transfer usually means you answer the call first, then send it to someone else during the conversation.

However, many carriers and services use the terms interchangeably in their settings. When you look for the option to turn off call transfer, you may see it labeled as "call forwarding" instead. The steps to turn it off are the same regardless of what it's called.

What to do if you can't find the setting

If you've looked through your carrier's app or website and can't find call transfer or call forwarding, contact customer service directly. Call the number on your bill or use the chat feature in your carrier's app. Tell them you want to turn off call transfer, and they'll either walk you through it or do it for you.

Have your account number ready when you call — it's usually on your bill or in your account settings. Customer service can confirm whether call transfer is currently on, where calls are being sent, and turn it off when ready. This is the fastest option if you're unsure which service you're using or can't locate the setting yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would someone turn on call transfer in the first place?

Call transfer is useful if you want calls to reach you on a different phone — for example, forwarding your work number to your cell phone while you're away from the office, or forwarding a home phone to your mobile during vacation. Once the situation changes, you turn it off so calls go back to the original number.

Will turning off call transfer affect my voicemail?

No. Call transfer and voicemail are separate features. Turning off call transfer means calls won't go to another phone number, but they'll still reach your voicemail if you don't answer. You can turn off voicemail separately if you want, but it's not necessary to cancel call transfer.

Can I turn off call transfer for only certain callers?

Most carriers don't let you disable transfer for specific numbers — it's an all-or-nothing setting. However, some VoIP services like Google Voice let you choose which numbers receive forwarded calls. Check your service's settings to see if this option is available.

What if I want to turn call transfer back on later?

You can turn it back on using the same method you used to turn it off. If you used a code like *73, dial it again to re-enable transfer. If you used your account settings, log back in and toggle the feature on. The process is identical whether you're turning it on or off.

Does canceling call transfer cost anything?

No. Call transfer is included with most phone plans at no extra charge, and turning it on or off doesn't change your bill. Some carriers charge for advanced call management features, but basic call transfer is free to enable or disable.