Are you finding yourself missing important calls because they're being redirected to another number? Perhaps you set up call forwarding on your Verizon line a while ago and now it's no longer needed, or maybe it was activated accidentally. Whatever the reason, you're in the right place! Deactivating call forwarding on Verizon is a straightforward process, and we're here to guide you through it step-by-step. Let's get your calls ringing directly to your phone again!
The Comprehensive Guide to Deactivating Call Forwarding on Verizon
Call forwarding can be incredibly convenient, allowing you to seamlessly redirect calls to another phone when you're away from your primary device or simply prefer to take calls elsewhere. However, there comes a time when this feature might become more of a hindrance than a help. Whether you've switched phones, changed your routine, or simply want all calls to come to your main device, understanding how to deactivate call forwarding on Verizon is essential.
Verizon offers several ways to manage your call forwarding settings, catering to different preferences and situations. We'll cover the most common and effective methods, ensuring you can regain full control over your incoming calls.
How To Deactivate Call Forwarding Verizon |
Understanding Types of Call Forwarding
Before we dive into the deactivation steps, it's helpful to understand the two main types of call forwarding you might have enabled on your Verizon line:
Unconditional Call Forwarding (Immediate Call Forwarding): This type of forwarding redirects all incoming calls to another number immediately, without your primary phone ever ringing.
Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy Transfer): This type of forwarding only redirects calls under specific conditions, such as when your line is busy, when you don't answer after a certain number of rings, or when your phone is unreachable (e.g., turned off or out of service area).
Knowing which type you have active can sometimes help troubleshoot if you encounter issues, but the deactivation steps are often the same or very similar for both.
Step 1: The Quickest Way - Dialing a Star Code from Your Device
This is by far the most common and often the easiest method to deactivate call forwarding on your Verizon wireless or landline phone.
Sub-heading: Deactivating Unconditional and Conditional Call Forwarding
For Wireless Phones:
Pick up your Verizon wireless phone.
Dial *73.
Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for a confirmation tone or message. This often sounds like a busy signal, but it's actually Verizon confirming that call forwarding has been turned off. The call should automatically end.
Pro Tip: If you're not within the Verizon wireless coverage area, using this star code might not work. Ensure you have a good signal for this method to be effective.
For Landline Phones:
Lift your telephone's receiver and listen for a dial tone.
Press *73. (On older rotary or pulse-dialing phones, you might need to dial 1173.)
Listen for two short tones. These tones indicate that call forwarding is now off and your calls will ring to your home number.
Important Note: This *73 code is the universal deactivation code for both unconditional and conditional call forwarding on Verizon. If you've activated conditional forwarding using codes like *71 (No Answer / Busy Transfer), *90 (Busy Calls), or *92 (No Answer), dialing *73 will generally deactivate those as well.
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Step 2: Managing Call Forwarding Through My Verizon Online
If you don't have your phone handy, or the star code method isn't working for some reason, the My Verizon online portal is a powerful tool for managing your account, including call forwarding settings.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Account and Device Settings
Open your web browser and go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Sign in to your My Verizon account. You'll need your Verizon User ID and password. If you don't have one, you'll need to register.
Once logged in, navigate to the "Account" section.
Look for options like "My Devices," "Manage Devices," or "Device Overview." The exact wording might vary slightly based on recent website updates.
Select the specific phone line or device for which you want to deactivate call forwarding.
Within the device management section, look for a "Call Forwarding" or "Calling Features" option.
You should see an option to "Manage" or "Turn Off" Call Forwarding. Select this.
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the deactivation. You might be asked to select your mobile number from a dropdown list and then confirm the cancellation.
Keep in mind: The My Verizon website interface can change, so if you're having trouble finding the exact options, use the search bar on the Verizon support site or refer to their help articles.
Step 3: Utilizing the My Verizon App
For a more convenient mobile experience, the My Verizon app allows you to manage many account features directly from your smartphone.
Sub-heading: Navigating the App for Call Forwarding Options
Download and open the My Verizon app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
Log in to your My Verizon account with your User ID and password.
Once logged in, look for a section related to "Account," "Devices," or "Plans & Services."
Select the specific line or device you wish to manage.
Browse through the available features or settings to find "Call Forwarding."
Tap on the "Call Forwarding" option and you should see a toggle or button to deactivate it.
Confirm your selection.
Note: Not all call forwarding options or troubleshooting steps might be available directly through the app. If you're encountering issues, the web portal or calling customer service might be necessary.
Step 4: Contacting Verizon Customer Service for Assistance
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
If you've tried the above methods and are still unable to deactivate call forwarding, or if you prefer speaking to a representative, reaching out to Verizon Customer Service is always an option.
Sub-heading: Getting Direct Support from Verizon
Prepare your account information. This includes your account number, the phone number you're calling about, and possibly your account PIN or the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification.
Dial Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204. (For Verizon Business customers, the number is typically 800-922-0204 for wireless service or 800-837-4966 for Fios Internet and TV. Always check the Verizon website for the most current contact numbers.)
Follow the automated prompts to connect with a customer service representative. You may need to navigate through a few menus before reaching the right department.
Clearly explain that you wish to deactivate call forwarding on your specific phone number.
The representative will guide you through the process and may ask for verification details to ensure you are the authorized account holder.
Remember: Customer service hours can vary, so check the Verizon website for their current operating hours to avoid long wait times.
Step 5: Verifying Deactivation
After attempting to deactivate call forwarding using any of the above methods, it's crucial to verify that it has indeed been turned off.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Calls Are No Longer Forwarded
From a different phone (not the one you just deactivated call forwarding on), dial your Verizon number.
Your Verizon phone should now ring normally. If it does, congratulations! Call forwarding has been successfully deactivated.
If the call still goes to the forwarded number, or you hear a busy signal/voicemail without your phone ringing, then the deactivation was unsuccessful. Revisit the steps or contact Verizon Customer Service for further assistance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While deactivating call forwarding is usually straightforward, sometimes issues can arise.
"Star code not working": Ensure you have a good network signal. If you're outside Verizon's coverage area, the code may not function. Try another method.
"Cannot find call forwarding option in My Verizon": The interface can change. Try using the search bar on the Verizon website or app, or look for general "Calling Features" or "Device Settings."
"Calls still forwarding after deactivation": Double-check that you completed all steps correctly. If using the star code, listen for the confirmation tone. If using the app or website, ensure you saved your changes.
Conflicting settings: Sometimes, other features like "Do Not Disturb" or specific third-party call management apps can interfere. Temporarily disable these and try deactivating call forwarding again.
Outdated software: Ensure your phone's operating system and the My Verizon app are up to date. Software bugs can sometimes affect feature management.
Restart your device: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How to check if call forwarding is active on my Verizon phone?
You can usually check by dialing a specific code or by looking in your phone's call settings. For many Android phones, go to the Phone app > Settings > Call Forwarding. On iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. Alternatively, call your own number from a different phone; if it rings elsewhere, it's forwarded.
How to deactivate conditional call forwarding on Verizon?
Simply dial *73 from your Verizon phone and press call. This code deactivates both unconditional and conditional call forwarding.
How to deactivate call forwarding if I don't have my Verizon phone with me?
You will need to log into your My Verizon account online through a web browser. Navigate to your device settings to deactivate call forwarding remotely.
How to find my Verizon account number to contact customer service?
Your Verizon account number can typically be found on your monthly bill, by logging into your My Verizon account online, or within the My Verizon app.
*How to get help if 73 doesn't work for deactivating call forwarding?
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If dialing *73 doesn't work, try deactivating through the My Verizon website or app. If those methods also fail, contact Verizon Customer Service directly at 1-800-922-0204.
How to know if I have unconditional or conditional call forwarding active?
If all your calls are being redirected without your phone ever ringing, it's unconditional. If calls are only redirected when your line is busy or you don't answer, it's conditional. The *73 code generally deactivates both.
How to prevent accidental call forwarding activation in the future?
Be mindful of dialing *72 (activation code) or other specific forwarding codes. Regularly check your call forwarding settings through your phone's settings or the My Verizon app to ensure no unintended forwarding is active.
How to reactivate call forwarding on Verizon after deactivating it?
To reactivate unconditional call forwarding, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, and press call. For conditional, the codes are typically *71, *90, or *92 followed by the forwarding number.
How to handle call forwarding if I'm a Verizon Fios Digital Voice customer?
For Verizon Fios Digital Voice landlines, the deactivation code is also generally *73. You'll pick up your home phone, dial *73, and listen for the confirmation tones.
How to troubleshoot if deactivated call forwarding still sends calls to voicemail?
If calls are going straight to voicemail after deactivating forwarding, check your phone's "Do Not Disturb" settings and ensure they are off. Also, review any conditional call forwarding settings that might still be active, although *73 usually clears these. If issues persist, contact Verizon support.