Master Your Verizon Phone: A Comprehensive Guide to Call Forwarding and Unforwarding
Ever found yourself in a situation where you just can't take a call on your primary Verizon number? Maybe you're traveling, at a conference, or simply prefer to have calls routed to a different line for a while. That's where call forwarding comes in! It's an incredibly useful feature that ensures you never miss an important call. And when you're ready to take calls on your main number again, unforwarding is just as easy.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about forwarding and unforwarding your Verizon phone, with clear, step-by-step instructions. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the "Why" and "What" of Call Forwarding - Why are you here?
Before we jump into the "how," let's take a moment to understand why you might need call forwarding and what types Verizon offers. Are you trying to:
Avoid missing calls while on vacation?
Direct business calls to a separate line during work hours?
Ensure family members can reach you on another phone if your primary device is off or out of battery?
Route calls to a virtual receptionist or answering service?
Knowing your reason will help you choose the right forwarding option.
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| How To Forward And Unforward A Verizon Phone |
What is Call Forwarding?
At its core, call forwarding is a telecommunications feature that redirects incoming calls from one phone number to another. Verizon, like most carriers, offers this as a standard feature, often included at no additional charge with your plan. However, airtime charges will still apply to forwarded calls, even if they're routed to a landline, according to your current calling plan.
Types of Verizon Call Forwarding:
Verizon offers a few different ways to forward your calls, giving you flexibility based on your needs:
Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls): This is the most straightforward option. Every single call to your Verizon phone will be immediately redirected to the forwarding number you specify. Your primary phone will not ring. This is great for when you absolutely do not want your main phone to ring, like when you're on vacation or using a temporary phone.
Activation Code: *72
Conditional Call Forwarding: This type of forwarding is more selective, activating only under specific conditions. This is perfect if you still want to receive calls on your primary phone but have a backup in place. Verizon typically offers two main types of conditional forwarding:
No Answer/Busy Transfer: Calls are forwarded only when your line is busy or when you don't answer after a certain number of rings.
Activation Code: *71 or *92 (for no answer) or *90 (for busy calls). *Note: Some sources indicate *71 covers both busy and no answer conditions, while others specify *90 and *92 for individual conditions. It's often safer to use 71 for general conditional forwarding.
Selective Call Forwarding: This advanced feature allows you to forward calls only from specific numbers to another number. You typically manage this through your My Verizon account online.
Activation Code: Typically managed online or via a specialized code like *63 for setup.
Step 2: Preparing for Call Forwarding - What You'll Need
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Before you initiate call forwarding, make sure you have the following ready:
Your Verizon Mobile Phone: This is the primary device from which you'll be forwarding calls.
The 10-Digit Forwarding Number: This is the phone number where you want your calls to be redirected. Make sure you have this number accurately.
A Confirmation Method: Be prepared to make a test call to ensure forwarding is working correctly.
Step 3: Forwarding Your Verizon Phone - Let's Get Those Calls Redirected!
There are a few ways to forward your Verizon phone, offering convenience depending on your preference.
Sub-heading 3.1: Using Your Phone's Dial Pad (Most Common Method)
This is the quickest and most frequently used method for activating call forwarding.
Open your Phone App/Dialer: On your Verizon mobile phone, tap the icon that looks like a phone receiver to open your dial pad.
Choose Your Forwarding Type:
For Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls): Dial *72
For Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy): Dial *71
Enter the Forwarding Number: Immediately after dialing the code (*72 or *71), dial the 10-digit phone number to which you want your calls forwarded. *For example, if you want to forward to 123-456-7890, you would dial *721234567890 or 711234567890.
Press the Call/Send Button: Tap the green call button to initiate the forwarding.
Listen for Confirmation: You should hear a confirmation tone (often a series of quick beeps) or a voice message confirming that call forwarding has been activated. If the call is answered at the terminating end (the number you are forwarding to), the feature has been activated. If it isn't answered, you might need to repeat the process.
Sub-heading 3.2: Using the My Verizon App (Convenient for Account Management)
The My Verizon app provides a user-friendly interface to manage your account features, including call forwarding.
Open the My Verizon App: Launch the app on your smartphone.
Sign In: If prompted, sign in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to Account/Devices:
Tap the Account icon (often a person silhouette) usually located at the bottom of your screen.
Scroll down to the "Lines" section or look for "Devices."
Select the specific phone line you wish to manage if you have multiple lines.
Find Call Forwarding Settings:
Look for "Preferences" or "Manage Device."
Then, select "Set up call forwarding" or "Call Forwarding."
Input Forwarding Number and Save:
In the Call Forwarding menu, you'll see a field to enter the forwarding number.
Enter the 10-digit number where you want calls redirected.
Select "Add Number" or "Save Changes."
Sub-heading 3.3: Using the My Verizon Website (For Desktop Users)
If you prefer managing your account from a computer, the My Verizon website is a great option.
Go to the My Verizon Website: Open your web browser and navigate to
secure.verizon.com/signin.Sign In: Enter your User ID or Cell Phone Number and Password, then click "Sign In."
Access Account Features:
Click "My Verizon" at the top.
Navigate to "Account" then "My devices" or "Device Overview."
Manage Device: Under your specific device, select "Manage Device."
Find Call Forwarding: Scroll down to the "Call Forwarding" section and select "Manage."
Set Up Forwarding:
Use the "Select Mobile Number" dropdown list to choose your number if you have multiple.
Enter the 10-digit forwarding number in the designated box.
Adjust any other options as desired (e.g., specific conditions if available).
Click "Set Up Call Forwarding" or "Save."
Sub-heading 3.4: Important Considerations When Forwarding Calls:
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Test it out! After activating call forwarding, immediately test it by calling your Verizon number from a different phone. Ensure the call rings through to the forwarding number you set.
Airtime Charges: Remember, even forwarded calls consume airtime from your plan.
International Forwarding: Forwarding calls to an international number will likely incur additional charges.
Voicemail: Be mindful of how call forwarding interacts with your voicemail. If you forward all calls, they won't go to your Verizon voicemail. If you use conditional forwarding, they might go to voicemail if the forwarded number is also busy or unanswered.
Step 4: Unforwarding Your Verizon Phone - Getting Back to Normal
When you're ready to receive calls directly on your primary Verizon phone again, unforwarding is just as simple as forwarding.
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Sub-heading 4.1: Using Your Phone's Dial Pad (Quickest Method)
This is the fastest way to deactivate call forwarding.
Open your Phone App/Dialer: Tap the phone icon on your Verizon mobile phone.
Dial the Deactivation Code:
For all types of call forwarding (unconditional or conditional), dial *73
*Note: While some sources mention *900 for busy calls and *920 for no answer, 73 is the universal deactivation code for Verizon call forwarding.
Press the Call/Send Button: Tap the green call button.
Listen for Confirmation: You should hear a confirmation tone (often two short tones) or a voice message confirming that call forwarding has been deactivated. It might even sound like a busy signal.
Test it out! Just like with forwarding, call your Verizon number from another phone to ensure it now rings on your primary device.
Sub-heading 4.2: Using the My Verizon App (Streamlined Deactivation)
The My Verizon app offers a visual way to turn off call forwarding.
Open the My Verizon App: Launch the app on your smartphone.
Sign In: If necessary, sign in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to Call Forwarding Settings: Follow the same path as when you set it up: Account -> Lines/Devices -> Manage Device -> Call Forwarding.
Deactivate Call Forwarding:
In the Call Forwarding menu, you should see the number to which your calls are currently forwarded.
Look for an "X" or a "Remove" or "Cancel Call Forwarding" option next to the forwarding number.
Tap or select this option to deactivate it.
Sub-heading 4.3: Using the My Verizon Website (Desktop Deactivation)
To unforward your phone from your computer:
Go to the My Verizon Website: Access
secure.verizon.com/signin.Sign In: Log in to your account.
Access Call Forwarding Settings: Follow the same path as when you set it up: My Verizon -> Account -> My devices -> Device overview -> Manage device -> Call forwarding -> Manage.
Cancel Call Forwarding:
In the Call Forwarding section, locate the forwarding number.
Select "Cancel Call Forwarding" or click an "X" next to the number.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues - When Things Don't Go as Planned
Sometimes, things don't work exactly as expected. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Calls Not Forwarding:
Double-check the dialed code and forwarding number: Even a single digit off can prevent forwarding.
Listen for confirmation: Did you hear the confirmation tone or message? If not, try again.
Network Issues: Occasionally, network congestion can interfere. Try again after some time.
Device Restart: A simple phone restart can sometimes resolve minor glitches.
Cannot Deactivate Call Forwarding:
*Ensure you're dialing 73 correctly.
Try restarting your phone.
Use the My Verizon app or website: These interfaces can sometimes provide a more robust way to manage features.
Forwarded Calls Not Reaching the Designated Number:
Verify the forwarding number: Is the number you entered truly correct and active?
Test the forwarding number directly: Can you call the forwarding number successfully from a different phone? If not, the issue might be with the forwarding number itself.
Unexpected Charges:
Review your Verizon plan details: Understand what's included and what incurs extra charges, especially for international forwarding.
Contact Verizon Customer Service: If you believe you're being incorrectly charged, reach out to Verizon directly.
By following these steps, you should be able to confidently forward and unforward your Verizon phone, ensuring you stay connected on your terms!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check if call forwarding is active on my Verizon phone?
You can usually check by attempting to call your Verizon number from another phone. If it rings at the forwarded number, it's active. Verizon also sometimes plays a short reminder tone on your primary phone when a call is forwarded, but your phone won't ring for the incoming call itself. For a more definitive check, you can also log into your My Verizon account (app or website) and look at your call forwarding settings.
How to forward calls to voicemail on Verizon?
While you can forward calls to a specific number, directly forwarding all calls to your Verizon voicemail isn't the primary function of call forwarding. If you want calls to go to voicemail when you're busy or don't answer, that's typically handled by the conditional call forwarding settings. If you want all calls to go straight to voicemail, you might need to set up a specific voicemail access number as your forwarding number, or simply use your phone's built-in voicemail settings for unconditional routing.
How to forward text messages on Verizon?
Verizon's call forwarding feature does not forward text messages. Call forwarding is strictly for voice calls. To forward text messages, you would typically need to use a third-party app or a feature within your phone's messaging settings, if available, but this is not a Verizon-provided call forwarding function.
How to set up conditional call forwarding for specific numbers only?
Selective Call Forwarding, which allows forwarding calls from specific numbers, is typically managed through your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app. Look for "Selective Call Forwarding" or "Call Blocking" options in your device settings within your account.
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
How to forward calls from a Verizon landline?
For Verizon landlines, the process is similar to mobile phones but uses different codes. To activate call forwarding, lift the handset, dial **72, then the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to. To deactivate, dial **73. Listen for confirmation tones or messages.
How to remotely forward my Verizon phone?
Verizon does offer remote access to call forwarding. You'll typically need to dial a specific remote access number provided by Verizon (which might vary). After dialing, you'll enter your 10-digit phone number and PIN, and then follow the prompts to activate or deactivate call forwarding. Check the Verizon support website for the exact remote access number.
How to troubleshoot if my Verizon call forwarding isn't working?
First, ensure you've dialed the correct activation code (*72 for unconditional, *71 for conditional) and the full 10-digit forwarding number. Listen for confirmation tones. Try restarting your phone. If issues persist, check your call forwarding settings in the My Verizon app or website, and if necessary, contact Verizon customer support.
How to know if I have conditional or unconditional call forwarding active?
If your primary phone rings for incoming calls but then forwards after a few rings or if you're on another call, you likely have conditional call forwarding active. If your primary phone never rings and calls go directly to the forwarded number, you have unconditional call forwarding active. You can also check your settings in the My Verizon app or website.
How to temporarily disable call forwarding without completely turning it off?
Verizon's standard call forwarding does not typically offer a "temporary pause" feature. You would need to deactivate it using *73 and then reactivate it later with the *72 (or *71) code and the forwarding number. For more nuanced control, you might explore third-party call management apps or services that integrate with Verizon.
How to contact Verizon customer service for call forwarding help?
You can contact Verizon customer service through various channels:
Chat with Us: Visit the Verizon support website and look for the chat option.
Connect on Social Media: Reach out to their social media teams on platforms like Facebook Messenger.
Talk to Us (Request a Call): On the Verizon support website, you can request a callback from an agent at your convenience.
Dial 611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
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