T-Mobile call forwarding failures typically come from using single * instead of double ** in dial codes, DIGITS app conflicts, or Wi-Fi Calling interference. Here are 7 fixes in order of likelihood.
Quick Answer
Most T-Mobile call forwarding failures: (1) double asterisk required — **61*+1number# not *61*number#, (2) DIGITS users — disable DIGITS and use T-Mobile app instead, (3) Wi-Fi Calling conflict — disable in Settings while setting forwarding.
T-Mobile requires ** (double asterisk) — this is the most common mistake
Correct: **61*+1[number]#. Using single * (*61*) will silently fail on T-Mobile.
T-Mobile requires the full +1 prefix
Format: **61*+1XXXXXXXXXX# — without +1, forwarding may fail on some T-Mobile accounts.
Clear stuck T-Mobile forwarding state
Dial ##002# to cancel all forwarding. Wait 10 seconds. Re-dial **61*+1[number]#.
Wi-Fi Calling can interfere with USSD on T-Mobile
Go to Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → Off. Set forwarding, test, then re-enable Wi-Fi Calling.
DIGITS routes calls differently and can override forwarding
Open T-Mobile app → DIGITS → Disable. Set call forwarding. Re-enable DIGITS after testing.
More reliable than USSD for T-Mobile
Open T-Mobile app → Account → Phone settings → Call Forwarding → enter Katch number → toggle on.
Ask them to verify account-level forwarding
Dial 611 from your T-Mobile phone or visit a T-Mobile store. Ask them to confirm conditional call forwarding is enabled on your line.
1. Have a second phone call your T-Mobile number.
2. On your main phone, reject or let it ring unanswered past 4 rings.
3. The second phone should connect to Katch's AI within 5–8 seconds.
4. You should receive a Katch text summary within 30 seconds of the call ending.
Set no-answer forwarding to your Katch number: **61*+1[KATCH NUMBER]#. Katch's AI answers missed calls, talks to your caller, and texts you an instant summary with their name, reason, and urgency.
Full T-Mobile setup guide: US carrier call forwarding guide.
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T-Mobile uses double asterisk codes: **61*+1[number]# for no-answer forwarding, **67*+1[number]# for when busy, **21*+1[number]# for all calls. Cancel all: ##002#. Note: T-Mobile requires ** (double asterisk) unlike AT&T which uses single *.
T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling routes calls through your internet connection instead of the cellular network, which can prevent USSD codes from processing. Disable Wi-Fi Calling in Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → Off, set forwarding, test, then re-enable.
T-Mobile prepaid plans generally support conditional call forwarding. Check T-Mobile app → Plan → Features. The T-Mobile Essentials and 55+ prepaid plans do support it. If your plan does not list call forwarding, consider upgrading.
T-Mobile uses double asterisk: **61*+1[number]#. AT&T uses single asterisk: *61*+1[number]#. The cancel code (##002#) is the same on both. This is the most common confusion when switching between the two carriers.
Yes. Set no-answer forwarding to your Katch number: **61*+1[KATCH NUMBER]#. Katch answers missed calls with AI and texts you a summary. See the full T-Mobile setup guide at /guides/call-forwarding-us.