Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't answer your iPhone, but desperately needed to receive an important call? Perhaps you're in a meeting, your phone's about to die, or you just want a little peace and quiet without missing anything crucial. If you're a Verizon iPhone user, you're in luck! Call forwarding is a remarkably simple yet incredibly powerful feature that ensures you never miss a beat.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of setting up call forwarding on your Verizon iPhone, ensuring you stay connected no matter what. So, let's dive in and empower you with the knowledge to manage your calls like a pro!
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Call Forwarding
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly grasp what call forwarding actually is. In essence, it's a service that redirects incoming calls from your iPhone to another phone number of your choice. This could be another mobile phone, a landline, or even a voicemail service if you prefer. Verizon offers several call forwarding options, and understanding them is the first key to mastering this feature.
Always Forward: This is the most straightforward option. All incoming calls are immediately redirected to the number you specify, and your iPhone won't even ring. This is great for when you know you won't be able to answer your phone for an extended period.
Forward When Busy: Calls are only forwarded if your line is currently busy (e.g., you're on another call).
Forward When No Answer: Calls are forwarded if you don't answer your iPhone within a certain number of rings.
Forward When Unreachable: This option kicks in if your phone is off, out of service, or has no signal.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll focus primarily on the Always Forward option, as it's the most commonly used and provides the clearest example of call forwarding in action. However, the principles apply to the other options as well.
Step 2: Accessing Call Forwarding Settings on Your iPhone
Now, let's get hands-on! The primary way to manage call forwarding on your iPhone with Verizon is directly through your phone's settings.
Sub-heading 2.1: Navigating to Phone Settings
Unlock your iPhone: Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and you're on the Home screen.
Locate the "Settings" app: This is the gray gear icon. Tap on it to open your iPhone's settings.
Scroll down and tap "Phone": As you scroll through the settings menu, you'll see a section for "Phone." This is where all your call-related settings reside. Tap on it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Finding the Call Forwarding Option
Once you're in the "Phone" settings, you'll see a variety of options related to calls.
Look for "Call Forwarding": Scroll down a bit, and you should see an option labeled "Call Forwarding." This is what we're looking for!
Tap on "Call Forwarding": Tapping this option will take you to the dedicated call forwarding screen.
Step 3: Activating and Configuring Call Forwarding
This is where the magic happens! On the "Call Forwarding" screen, you'll enable the feature and specify where your calls should go.
Sub-heading 3.1: Toggling Call Forwarding On
Toggle the "Call Forwarding" switch: At the top of the "Call Forwarding" screen, you'll see a toggle switch. By default, it's usually off. Tap on it to turn it on.
Important Note: It might take a few moments for the "Forward To" option to appear after you toggle the switch on, as your iPhone is communicating with the Verizon network. Be patient!
Sub-heading 3.2: Entering the Forwarding Number
Once call forwarding is enabled, the "Forward To" field will become active.
Tap on "Forward To": This will open a numerical keypad.
Enter the desired forwarding number: Carefully type in the phone number to which you want your calls to be redirected. Double-check this number to ensure accuracy. A single digit error can send your calls to the wrong person!
Pro Tip: If the number is in your contacts, you can often tap the "+" icon next to the number field to select it from your existing contacts list, reducing the chance of errors.
Tap "Back" or "Done": Once you've entered the number, simply tap the "Back" arrow at the top left of the screen or "Done" if it appears. Your settings are now saved!
Step 4: Verifying Call Forwarding is Active
You've set it up, but how do you know it's actually working? Verification is a crucial step!
Sub-heading 4.1: Checking the Status Bar Icon
While not always present for all carriers or iPhone models, sometimes you might see a small phone icon with an arrow pointing away from it in your iPhone's status bar (at the very top of the screen) when call forwarding is active. This is a quick visual confirmation.
Sub-heading 4.2: Performing a Test Call
The most reliable way to confirm call forwarding is working is to make a test call.
Use a different phone: From a different phone (not your iPhone), dial your iPhone's number.
Observe the call:
If call forwarding is active and working correctly, your iPhone should not ring.
Instead, the call should be immediately redirected to the number you set up in Step 3.
If your iPhone still rings, something isn't right, and you'll need to re-check your settings.
Step 5: Deactivating Call Forwarding
When you no longer need calls forwarded, it's just as easy to turn the feature off.
Sub-heading 5.1: Returning to Call Forwarding Settings
Follow the same steps as in Step 2: Accessing Call Forwarding Settings on Your iPhone. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
Sub-heading 5.2: Toggling Call Forwarding Off
Toggle the "Call Forwarding" switch off: Simply tap the toggle switch again to turn the feature off.
Confirmation: The "Forward To" field will usually gray out or disappear, indicating that call forwarding is no longer active.
Important Considerations and Troubleshooting Tips:
Verizon-Specific Codes: While the iPhone's built-in settings are the most common way to manage call forwarding, Verizon also has specific shortcodes you can dial from your iPhone to activate or deactivate call forwarding. These are often used by users who prefer a quicker method or are troubleshooting issues with the settings menu.
To activate "Always Forward": Dial
*72followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, then press the call button. (e.g.,*721234567890)To deactivate "Always Forward": Dial
*73then press the call button.Note: These codes might not always update the visual setting in your iPhone's "Call Forwarding" menu immediately, but they will indeed change the service on the Verizon network.
Check Your Verizon Plan: While call forwarding is a standard feature, it's always a good idea to ensure your Verizon plan supports it, especially if you encounter issues.
International Forwarding: Be cautious when forwarding calls to international numbers, as this can incur significant charges. Always check Verizon's international calling rates.
Voicemail Integration: If you forward calls to a number that then goes to voicemail, remember that the original call was still forwarded to that number first.
Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart of your iPhone can resolve minor glitches if you're having trouble with call forwarding settings.
Contact Verizon Support: If you've followed all the steps and are still experiencing issues, don't hesitate to contact Verizon customer support. They can check your account settings and troubleshoot network-related problems.
By following these detailed steps, you'll be a call forwarding master in no time, ensuring you never miss an important conversation on your Verizon iPhone!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if call forwarding is active on my Verizon iPhone?
You can check by going to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. If the toggle is on and a number is listed under "Forward To," it's active. You can also dial your number from a different phone to see if it redirects.
How to forward calls to voicemail on Verizon iPhone?
You can set your call forwarding number to a voicemail access number provided by Verizon, or simply use the "Forward When No Answer" option if you want calls to go to your Verizon voicemail after a few rings.
How to forward calls selectively on Verizon iPhone?
Verizon's standard call forwarding primarily offers "Always Forward," "When Busy," "When No Answer," and "When Unreachable." Selective forwarding based on specific callers or times isn't directly available through the iPhone's built-in settings but might be an advanced feature offered by third-party apps or specific Verizon business solutions.
How to un-forward calls on Verizon iPhone using a code?
To deactivate "Always Forward" using a code, dial *73 from your Verizon iPhone and press the call button.
How to forward calls from a landline to my Verizon iPhone?
Call forwarding from a landline to your Verizon iPhone is a feature managed by your landline provider, not by your iPhone or Verizon. You would need to consult your landline service's instructions or contact their customer support.
How to manage call forwarding when I'm out of the country?
You can manage call forwarding through your iPhone's settings as outlined in this guide. However, be mindful of international roaming charges for incoming calls that are forwarded if you are abroad.
How to forward calls without my iPhone ringing first?
Use the "Always Forward" option. When this is enabled and a number is set, your iPhone will not ring; calls will be immediately redirected.
How to know if someone has forwarded their calls to me?
There is no direct way to know if someone has forwarded their calls to your number. The call will simply appear as an incoming call from their original number.
How to troubleshoot call forwarding issues on Verizon iPhone?
First, double-check the forwarding number you entered. Try toggling call forwarding off and on again in Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. If issues persist, restart your iPhone or contact Verizon customer support.
How to find the cost of call forwarding on Verizon?
Call forwarding is typically included as a standard feature with most Verizon wireless plans and does not incur additional charges within the domestic network. However, forwarding to international numbers or premium rate numbers could incur charges. Always refer to your specific Verizon plan details or contact Verizon customer service for exact pricing.