Are you finding yourself constantly missing important calls because they're being forwarded to a number you no longer use, or perhaps you just don't need call forwarding active anymore? It happens to the best of us! Whether you initially set it up for convenience, a temporary solution, or just plain forgot about it, disabling call forwarding on your Verizon line is a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you regain full control over your incoming calls.
Why You Might Want to Cancel Call Forwarding
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly touch on why you might be here. Call forwarding, while incredibly useful, can sometimes become a hindrance. Perhaps you:
No longer use the forwarded number: You've gotten a new phone, changed jobs, or simply discontinued a secondary line.
Are missing calls on your primary device: With calls constantly being redirected, you might not even realize someone is trying to reach you directly.
Want to manage calls differently: Maybe you prefer calls to go straight to voicemail, or you're implementing a new call management system.
Are experiencing unexpected charges: While Verizon typically doesn't charge for the service of call forwarding itself, forwarded calls do use your plan's minutes, and if forwarded to a long-distance or international number, those charges could apply.
Whatever your reason, taking control of your call forwarding settings is a smart move. Let's get started!
| How To Cancel Call Forwarding Verizon |
Step 1: Identify Your Call Forwarding Type
Before you can effectively cancel call forwarding, it's helpful to understand which type you have enabled. Verizon offers a couple of different options, and while the cancellation method is largely the same, knowing the distinction can help with troubleshooting if needed.
Sub-heading: Understanding Immediate vs. Conditional Call Forwarding
Immediate Call Forwarding (Unconditional): This is the most straightforward type. All incoming calls to your Verizon number are immediately routed to the designated forwarding number, without your primary phone ever ringing. This is typically activated using the code
*72.Conditional Call Forwarding: This type of forwarding only kicks in under specific conditions. Your phone will ring first, and if you don't answer, your line is busy, or your phone is out of service/unreachable, then the call will be forwarded to the designated number. This is often used for services like Google Voice voicemail integration or external answering services. This is typically activated using the code
*71.
Don't worry too much if you're unsure which one you have enabled; the deactivation code usually works for both. However, this knowledge can be useful for diagnostics.
Step 2: The Easiest Way - Dialing a Deactivation Code
This is by far the quickest and most common method to cancel call forwarding on Verizon. It involves dialing a simple code directly from your phone.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Sub-heading: Using the *73 Deactivation Code
Open your phone's dialer: This is the application you use to make phone calls.
*Dial
*73: Carefully enter these three characters into your dial pad.Press the "Call" or "Send" button: Just as you would to initiate a regular phone call.
Listen for confirmation: You should hear a confirmation tone (often a busy signal-like sound) or a message indicating that call forwarding has been successfully deactivated. This is your crucial confirmation!
Hang up the call: Once you hear the confirmation, you can end the call.
Voila! Your call forwarding should now be disabled. It's truly that simple for most Verizon users.
Step 3: Alternative Method - Using the My Verizon App or Website
While the dialer code is the fastest, you can also manage your call forwarding settings through your My Verizon account, either via the mobile app or the website. This method can be particularly useful if you have multiple lines on your account or prefer a visual interface.
Sub-heading: Through the My Verizon App
Download and open the My Verizon App: If you don't have it already, download it from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Sign in to your account: Use your Verizon Wireless username and password.
Navigate to "Devices" or "Account": The exact path might vary slightly depending on the app version, but generally, you'll find an option like "Devices," "Account," or "Manage Devices."
Select the phone line you wish to manage: If you have multiple lines, make sure you choose the correct one.
Look for "Call Forwarding" or "Call Settings": Within the device details or preferences, you should find a section related to call management. This might be under "Manage," "Preferences," or "Features."
Toggle off or remove the forwarding number: You should see an option to disable call forwarding or remove the number it's currently forwarding to. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your changes.
Save your changes: Ensure you save any modifications made in the app to apply them to your line.
Sub-heading: Through the My Verizon Website
Go to the Verizon Wireless website: Open your web browser and navigate to Verizon's official website (verizon.com).
Log in to your My Verizon account: Click on "My Verizon" and enter your username and password.
Access your account details: Once logged in, look for sections like "Account," "My Devices," or "Manage Account."
Find "Call Forwarding" settings: Similar to the app, you'll need to navigate through your line's features or settings. You might find it under "Calling Features," "Features & Perks," or by using the search bar within your account and typing "call forwarding."
Disable the feature: You should see an option to turn off or modify call forwarding. Confirm any changes as prompted.
Apply/Save changes: Make sure to save or apply the changes to ensure they take effect.
Step 4: Verifying Call Forwarding is Disabled
After attempting to cancel call forwarding, it's always a good idea to verify that it has indeed been turned off. This step takes just a moment and can save you from missed calls later.
Sub-heading: The Quick Check
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Have someone call your Verizon number: Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to call your phone number.
Observe your phone's behavior:
If your phone rings directly, congratulations! Call forwarding has been successfully disabled.
If the call is still forwarded to another number or goes directly to voicemail without your phone ringing, then call forwarding is still active, and you'll need to re-attempt the deactivation steps.
If the first attempt didn't work, don't fret. Sometimes, a slight delay or a network hiccup can occur. Try the *73 method again, or if you're using the app/website, try navigating through the settings once more.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Contacting Support
In rare cases, you might encounter issues disabling call forwarding. If you've followed the steps above and are still experiencing problems, here's what to do.
Sub-heading: Common Troubleshooting Tips
Reboot your phone: A simple restart can often resolve minor network or software glitches. Turn your phone completely off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
Check for software updates: Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date. Sometimes, bugs are fixed with software updates.
Reset network settings: This can resolve connectivity issues that might be preventing the deactivation code from working. Be aware that this will reset Wi-Fi passwords and other network-related settings on your phone.
Try a different phone/device on your account (if applicable): If you have access to another phone on your Verizon account, try dialing
*73from that device for the line you wish to manage.
Sub-heading: When to Contact Verizon Customer Service
If you've tried all the above methods and troubleshooting steps without success, it's time to reach out to Verizon Customer Service. They have the tools to directly manage your account's call forwarding settings.
Dial 611 from your Verizon phone: This is the direct customer service number for Verizon Wireless.
Call 1-800-922-0204: This is Verizon's general customer service number.
Be prepared with your account information: Have your account number, PIN, or other verification details ready to expedite the process.
Clearly explain your issue: State that you are trying to disable call forwarding and have already attempted the
*73code and My Verizon app/website methods.
They will be able to diagnose any underlying issues and deactivate call forwarding from their end.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully cancel call forwarding on your Verizon line and regain full control over your incoming calls. Remember, taking a moment to understand and manage your phone settings can significantly enhance your mobile experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to check if call forwarding is active on Verizon?
You can typically check if call forwarding is active by calling your own Verizon number from a different phone. If the call goes to another number or rings differently than usual, it's likely active. Alternatively, you can check within the My Verizon app or website under your line's call settings, or by attempting to dial *73 – if you hear a confirmation tone, it means a forwarding setting was present and has now been deactivated.
How to turn off conditional call forwarding on Verizon?
To turn off conditional call forwarding on Verizon, dial *73 from your Verizon phone and press the call/send button. This code deactivates both immediate and conditional call forwarding.
How to turn off unconditional call forwarding on Verizon?
To turn off unconditional call forwarding on Verizon, dial *73 from your Verizon phone and press the call/send button. This code deactivates both immediate and conditional call forwarding.
How to disable call forwarding on a Verizon landline?
For Verizon landlines, the deactivation code is typically the same: dial *73 from the landline phone and wait for the confirmation tone.
How to cancel call forwarding to voicemail on Verizon?
If your calls are being forwarded to voicemail due to a call forwarding setting (rather than standard voicemail), dialing *73 from your Verizon phone will usually disable this forwarding and direct calls back to your primary phone.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
How to stop all call forwarding on Verizon at once?
Dialing *73 from your Verizon phone and pressing the call/send button is the quickest way to stop all forms of call forwarding (both immediate and conditional) at once.
How to know the number my calls are being forwarded to on Verizon?
Verizon does not provide a direct code to check the forwarding number. You would typically need to log into your My Verizon account (app or website) and navigate to your call forwarding settings to see the number that calls are currently being forwarded to.
How to temporarily disable call forwarding on Verizon?
To temporarily disable call forwarding, you would use the *73 deactivation code. To re-enable it, you would then use the activation code (*72 for immediate, *71 for conditional) followed by the forwarding number.
How to troubleshoot if *73 is not working to cancel call forwarding on Verizon?
If *73 isn't working, try rebooting your phone, checking for software updates, or resetting your network settings. If the issue persists, contact Verizon Customer Service (dial 611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204) for assistance.
How to cancel call forwarding if I don't have my Verizon phone?
If you don't have access to your Verizon phone, you can cancel call forwarding by logging into your My Verizon account on the Verizon Wireless website or through the My Verizon app on another device. Navigate to your line's settings and disable call forwarding from there. If those options aren't available or don't work, you'll need to contact Verizon Customer Service.