Turning off call forwarding on your Verizon line is a straightforward process, but it's crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure your calls ring to your primary device again. Whether you've been forwarding calls to another phone, voicemail, or a third-party service, we'll guide you through the process.
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Before we dive into the specific steps, take a moment to consider why you enabled call forwarding in the first place. Was it for work, travel, or to avoid unwanted calls? Understanding your original reason can help you decide if you need an alternative solution once call forwarding is disabled.
Step 1: Understanding Verizon Call Forwarding Types
Verizon offers a few different types of call forwarding. Knowing which one you have active can help you ensure it's fully turned off.
Immediate Call Forwarding (*72)
This is the most common type. When activated, all incoming calls are immediately routed to the designated forwarding number, and your mobile phone will not ring.
Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy Transfer) (*71)
This type of forwarding only kicks in under specific conditions:
When busy: If you're already on a call.
When no answer: If you don't pick up after a set number of rings.
When unreachable: If your phone is off or out of service.
Step 2: The Easiest Way to Turn Off Call Forwarding (Using a Code)
For most Verizon users, the quickest and most direct method to disable call forwarding is by dialing a specific code from your phone.
Sub-heading: Dialing the Deactivation Code
Pick up your phone: Ensure you're using the Verizon phone line that has call forwarding enabled.
Open your phone's dialer: This is the app you use to make calls.
Dial the deactivation code: For Verizon, the universal deactivation code for immediate and conditional call forwarding is *73.
Press the call button: After dialing *73, press the green call button as if you were making a regular phone call.
Listen for confirmation: You should hear a series of beeps, a confirmation tone, or a short message indicating that call forwarding has been successfully disabled. The call will typically end automatically.
Pro-tip: If you don't hear a confirmation or the call doesn't disconnect automatically, try dialing the code again. Sometimes a poor signal can interfere with the first attempt.
Step 3: Turning Off Call Forwarding Through Your Phone's Settings (Smartphone Specific)
If dialing the code doesn't work, or you prefer a graphical interface, you can often disable call forwarding directly through your smartphone's settings. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on whether you have an Android or iPhone.
Sub-heading: For Android Devices
Open the Phone App: Tap on the phone icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Access Settings:
Tap the three-dot menu (usually in the top-right corner) or a gear/settings icon.
Select "Settings" or "Call settings."
Navigate to Call Forwarding:
Look for an option like "Calls" or "Calling Accounts" and then select "Call forwarding."
Disable Forwarding Options:
You'll typically see categories like:
Always forward
Forward when busy
Forward when unanswered
Forward when unreached
Tap on each category that shows a forwarded number.
Select "Turn off", "Disable", or "Deactivate" for each active forwarding setting.
Confirm: Your phone may provide a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: For iPhone Devices
Open the Settings App: Tap on the gray gear icon on your home screen.
Scroll and Select "Phone": Find and tap on the "Phone" option.
Tap "Call Forwarding": This option will show you the current status.
Toggle Off: If call forwarding is enabled, you'll see a green toggle switch. Tap it to turn it off (it will turn gray).
Verification: The screen will update, and "Call Forwarding" should now show as "Off."
Step 4: Using My Verizon (Online or App)
For those who prefer managing their account online or through the Verizon app, you can also disable call forwarding there. This is especially useful if you don't have your phone with you.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website
Go to the Verizon Website: Open your web browser and navigate to Verizon's official website.
Sign In: Enter your User ID or mobile number and password to sign in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to Device Management:
Once logged in, look for options like "Account", "My devices", or "Device overview."
Select the specific device for which you want to turn off call forwarding.
Find Call Forwarding Settings:
Under your device's options, look for a section related to "Call Forwarding" or "Calling Features."
Select "Manage device" or a similar option.
Disable Call Forwarding:
You should see options to manage call forwarding. Look for a "Cancel Call Forwarding" or "Disable" option.
Confirm your selection.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App: Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log In: Enter your credentials.
Access Features/Settings:
Tap on the "Account" tab or menu icon.
Look for options like "Devices", "Manage Features", or "Call Settings."
Locate Call Forwarding: Find the "Call Forwarding" option for your line.
Turn Off: Toggle off the call forwarding feature or follow the prompts to disable it.
Step 5: Confirming Call Forwarding is Off
After attempting to turn off call forwarding, it's a good practice to verify that it's indeed disabled.
Sub-heading: Make a Test Call
Use a different phone: From a landline or another mobile phone, dial your Verizon number.
Observe the ringing: Your Verizon phone should now ring normally. If it goes straight to voicemail or a different number, call forwarding might still be active, or there could be another issue.
Sub-heading: Check Settings (Again)
Go back into your phone's call forwarding settings (Step 3) or My Verizon (Step 4) to visually confirm that the feature is listed as "Off" or "Disabled."
Step 6: Troubleshooting (If Call Forwarding Persists)
Sometimes, despite following the steps, call forwarding might stubbornly remain active. Here's what to do:
Sub-heading: Restart Your Device
A simple reboot can often clear minor software glitches that might be preventing the setting from updating.
Sub-heading: Try the Code Again
Double-check that you're dialing *73 correctly and pressing the call button. Ensure you hear the confirmation tone.
Sub-heading: Check for Conflicting Features
Do Not Disturb (DND): If DND is active, your phone won't ring, but calls aren't necessarily being forwarded. Turn off DND to test.
Call Blocking Apps: Some apps might interfere with call routing. Temporarily disable them to see if it resolves the issue.
Voicemail Settings: Sometimes, conditional call forwarding can be linked to your voicemail settings. If your voicemail is set to "Live Voicemail" or similar, it might impact conditional forwarding.
Sub-heading: Contact Verizon Customer Service
If all else fails, the best course of action is to contact Verizon directly. They can access your account and disable call forwarding from their end.
Dial *611 from your Verizon phone.
Dial 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
Explain your situation clearly and state that you wish to disable all call forwarding on your line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check if call forwarding is active on Verizon?
You can check by going into your phone's call forwarding settings (Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding on iPhone; Phone app > Settings/Call Settings > Call Forwarding on Android) or by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the app. You can also dial *#21# on some phones to check unconditional forwarding status.
How to turn off call forwarding for specific conditions on Verizon?
Generally, dialing *73 will turn off all immediate and conditional call forwarding on Verizon. For specific conditional forwarding (busy, no answer, unreached), you might need to individually disable them through your phone's call forwarding settings if the *73 code doesn't differentiate.
How to disable call forwarding remotely on Verizon?
You can disable call forwarding remotely by logging into your My Verizon account on the website or through the My Verizon app. Navigate to your device's call forwarding settings to make the changes.
How to know if *73 worked to turn off call forwarding?
After dialing *73 and pressing call, you should hear a confirmation tone (often a series of quick beeps or a busy signal sound) or a brief voice message confirming that call forwarding has been deactivated. Then, make a test call from another phone to your number to ensure it rings on your device.
How to reactivate call forwarding on Verizon if I turned it off?
To reactivate immediate call forwarding, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to (e.g., *72-XXX-XXX-XXXX). For conditional call forwarding (no answer/busy), dial *71 followed by the 10-digit number.
How to get Verizon customer service help for call forwarding?
You can reach Verizon Customer Service by dialing *611 from your Verizon phone or by calling 1-800-922-0204 from any phone. You can also use their online chat support or visit a Verizon store.
How to stop unwanted call forwarding to my number?
If calls are being forwarded to your number without your consent, this is usually an issue on the other person's line. They need to turn off call forwarding on their device. If your own line is forwarding unexpectedly, follow the steps in this guide.
How to prevent call forwarding from being accidentally turned on?
Be cautious about dialing unusual codes or installing apps that request extensive phone permissions. Regularly check your call forwarding settings (via phone settings or My Verizon) to ensure they are as you intend.
How to understand the different Verizon call forwarding codes?
*72 + (10-digit number): Activates immediate call forwarding (all calls forwarded).
*71 + (10-digit number): Activates conditional call forwarding (busy/no answer).
*73: Deactivates all types of call forwarding.
How to use My Verizon app to manage call forwarding?
Open the My Verizon app, log in, navigate to the "Account" or "Devices" section, select your phone line, and look for "Call Forwarding" or "Calling Features" to manage the settings.
