Master Your Verizon Calls: A Step-by-Step Guide to Call Forwarding
Ever found yourself in a situation where you just couldn't answer your Verizon phone, but absolutely couldn't miss that important call? Perhaps you're in a meeting, driving, or simply prefer to have calls routed to another number when you're unavailable. Call forwarding is your secret weapon! It's a incredibly useful feature that ensures you never miss an important conversation again by redirecting incoming calls to another phone number of your choice.
But how do you set it up? And what are all the different options? Don't worry, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of setting up and managing call forwarding on your Verizon device, ensuring you have complete control over your incoming calls.
Let's Get Started: Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Calls?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure you're ready. Do you have your Verizon phone handy? Do you know the phone number you want to forward calls to? Excellent! With those two things, you're already halfway there.
Step 1: Understanding the Different Types of Call Forwarding
Verizon offers several options for call forwarding, each designed to suit different needs. Knowing these will help you choose the best method for your situation.
Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls): This is the most straightforward option. Every single incoming call to your Verizon number will be immediately redirected to the forwarding number you've set, without your Verizon phone even ringing. This is perfect if you're going to be completely unreachable on your primary device for an extended period.
Conditional Call Forwarding: This is where things get a bit more nuanced and flexible. Conditional forwarding only kicks in under specific circumstances. There are a few variations:
No Answer/Busy Call Forwarding: Calls are forwarded only if you don't answer your Verizon phone after a certain number of rings, or if your line is busy. This is ideal if you want to give yourself a chance to answer first.
Unreachable Call Forwarding: If your phone is turned off, out of service area, or has a dead battery, calls will be forwarded. This ensures you still receive calls even when your phone isn't operational.
Selective Call Forwarding: This advanced feature (which may require a separate subscription or be part of a larger Verizon plan) allows you to forward calls only from specific numbers to another phone, or block certain numbers from reaching you. It offers a very high level of control over who can reach you.
Remember: Not all Verizon plans or devices may support every single type of call forwarding. It's always a good idea to check your specific plan details on the My Verizon app or website if you encounter any issues.
Step 2: Activating Call Forwarding – Your Primary Options
Now, let's get down to the actual activation. There are a few main ways to enable call forwarding on your Verizon line.
Sub-heading 2.1: Dialing Codes (The Quick and Easy Method)
This is often the fastest and most common way to activate and deactivate basic call forwarding. You'll simply dial a short code directly from your Verizon phone.
For Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls):
To Activate: Dial 72 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, and then press Send/Call.
Example: If you want to forward calls to 555-123-4567, you would dial
*72*5551234567and then press Send.
To Deactivate: Simply dial 73 and press Send/Call. This will disable all unconditional call forwarding.
For Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy/Unreachable):
To Activate:
*No Answer: Dial 71 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, and then press Send/Call.
*Busy: Dial 90 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, and then press Send/Call.
*Unreachable: Dial 92 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, and then press Send/Call.
To Deactivate All Conditional Forwarding: Dial 730 and press Send/Call.
A word of caution: While these codes are generally universal, slight variations can exist. If you find a code isn't working, don't fret! The next methods offer more visual guidance.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the My Verizon App (Modern & Intuitive)
The My Verizon app is a powerful tool for managing your account, and call forwarding is no exception. This method offers a user-friendly interface and clear options.
Download and Log In: If you haven't already, download the My Verizon app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS). Log in with your Verizon account credentials.
Navigate to Call Forwarding Settings:
Once logged in, look for a section related to "Account," "Devices," or "Services."
Tap on your phone line or the device you want to manage.
You'll typically find an option like "Manage Device," "Device Settings," or "Call Settings." Tap on it.
Within these settings, you should see an option for "Call Forwarding" or "Divert Calls."
Configure Your Forwarding:
You'll then be presented with options for the different types of call forwarding (All Calls, When Busy, When No Answer, etc.).
Select the type of forwarding you want.
Enter the 10-digit phone number you wish to forward calls to.
Save your changes. The app will usually provide confirmation that your settings have been applied.
Sub-heading 2.3: Through the My Verizon Website (Desktop Power)
The My Verizon website offers the same comprehensive control as the app, but on a larger screen, which some users might prefer.
Go to the Verizon Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Log In to Your Account: Click on the "My Verizon" or "Sign In" button and enter your username and password.
Access Call Forwarding Settings:
Once logged in, navigate to the "My Devices" or "Manage Devices" section.
Select the phone line you want to adjust.
Look for a tab or link that says "Features," "Services," or "Call Settings."
Click on "Call Forwarding" or a similar option.
Set Up Your Forwarding:
Choose the desired call forwarding option (e.g., "Always Forward," "Forward When Busy").
Enter the 10-digit phone number where you want calls to be redirected.
Confirm and save your settings. You should receive an on-screen confirmation.
Sub-heading 2.4: Contacting Verizon Customer Service (When All Else Fails)
If you've tried the above methods and are still having trouble, or if you have a complex scenario, don't hesitate to reach out to Verizon Customer Service. They can remotely activate call forwarding for you and troubleshoot any issues.
You can typically find their contact number on the Verizon website or by dialing 611 from your Verizon phone.
Step 3: Verifying and Managing Your Call Forwarding
Once you've set up call forwarding, it's crucial to verify that it's working as expected.
Sub-heading 3.1: Testing Your Call Forwarding
Call your Verizon number from a different phone (not the one you're forwarding to).
Observe where the call rings. If it goes directly to the forwarded number (for unconditional forwarding) or after the conditions are met (for conditional forwarding), then you've successfully set it up!
Sub-heading 3.2: Deactivating Call Forwarding
Just as easily as you activated it, you can turn off call forwarding when you no longer need it.
Using Dialing Codes:
For Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls): Dial 73 and press Send/Call.
For All Conditional Call Forwarding: Dial 730 and press Send/Call.
Using the My Verizon App/Website: Navigate back to the Call Forwarding settings (as described in Step 2, Sub-headings 2.2 and 2.3) and select the option to disable or turn off call forwarding. Save your changes.
Sub-heading 3.3: Modifying Your Forwarding Number
If you need to change the number calls are being forwarded to, simply follow the activation steps again (Step 2), but this time enter the new 10-digit number. This will overwrite the previous forwarding number.
Step 4: Important Considerations and Tips
Charges: In most standard Verizon plans, call forwarding itself does not incur extra charges. However, calls that are forwarded will use minutes from your plan as if you answered them directly. If you have an unlimited talk plan, this typically isn't an issue.
Voicemail: Be aware of how call forwarding interacts with voicemail. If you forward calls to a number that also has voicemail, calls will go to that voicemail if not answered. If you want calls to go to your Verizon voicemail when not answered by the forwarded number, you might need to adjust settings or consider the "No Answer" conditional forwarding to allow your Verizon voicemail to pick up after a certain number of rings.
International Forwarding: Forwarding calls to international numbers may incur international long-distance charges, even if the forwarded call is answered by someone in another country. Check your plan's international rates.
Blocked Numbers: Call forwarding generally respects blocked numbers. If a number is blocked on your Verizon line, it will typically not be forwarded.
Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing issues, first double-check that you've entered the forwarding number correctly. Then, try deactivating and reactivating the service. If problems persist, contacting Verizon support is the next best step.
Selective Call Forwarding: If you frequently need to forward calls from specific contacts or manage calls more granularly, explore Verizon's "Selective Call Forwarding" feature through your My Verizon account. This might be a premium feature for some plans.
By following these steps, you'll be a call forwarding pro in no time! Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you'll never miss an important call, no matter where you are or what you're doing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon Call Forwarding
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon call forwarding, with quick answers to help you out!
How to activate call forwarding on Verizon?
Activate by dialing *72* followed by the 10-digit forwarding number from your Verizon phone, then press Send. Alternatively, use the My Verizon app or website.
How to deactivate call forwarding on Verizon?
Deactivate by dialing *73 and pressing Send from your Verizon phone. You can also turn it off via the My Verizon app or website.
How to forward calls to voicemail on Verizon?
If you want calls to go directly to your Verizon voicemail when not answered, you typically don't need to set up call forwarding. It's the default behavior if a call isn't answered. If you've set up forwarding and want calls to go to your Verizon voicemail after ringing at the forwarded number, you'd generally set up "No Answer" conditional forwarding to your Verizon number, allowing your Verizon voicemail to pick up.
How to check if call forwarding is active on Verizon?
The easiest way is to call your Verizon number from a different phone. If it rings at the forwarded number, it's active. Some advanced Verizon online account features may also indicate active forwarding.
How to set up conditional call forwarding on Verizon?
For conditional forwarding (e.g., no answer), dial *71* followed by the 10-digit forwarding number, then Send. For busy, dial *90*, and for unreachable, dial *92* followed by the number.
How to forward calls only when my Verizon phone is busy?
Dial *90* followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, then press Send from your Verizon phone.
How to forward calls only when I don't answer on Verizon?
Dial *71* followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, then press Send from your Verizon phone.
How to forward calls from a specific number on Verizon?
This requires "Selective Call Forwarding," which you typically set up through the My Verizon app or website, as it's a more advanced feature that allows you to specify certain numbers for forwarding or blocking.
How to forward Verizon calls to an international number?
You can use the same *72* dialing code followed by the international dialing code and phone number. Be aware that international forwarding may incur additional charges based on your plan's international rates.
How to stop all call forwarding on Verizon at once?
To stop all unconditional forwarding, dial *73. To stop all conditional forwarding, dial *730.
