Calling all Verizon Wireless users! Ever found yourself in a situation where you couldn't answer an important call, or wished it could automatically redirect to another number? Perhaps you're busy at work, on vacation, or simply prefer another device. If so, then call forwarding is your superpower, and you've come to the right place!
We're about to embark on a comprehensive journey to demystify call forwarding on Verizon Wireless. By the end of this guide, you'll be a master of redirecting your calls, ensuring you never miss a beat. So, are you ready to take control of your incoming calls? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Call Forwarding
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of setting it up, let's briefly touch upon what call forwarding actually is and its different types. This foundational knowledge will help you choose the best option for your needs.
What is Call Forwarding?
Simply put, call forwarding is a service that allows you to redirect incoming calls from your Verizon Wireless number to another phone number. This could be a landline, another mobile phone, or even a voicemail service.
Types of Call Forwarding:
While the most common type is "all calls," Verizon offers a few variations:
Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls): This is the most straightforward. Every single call to your Verizon number will be immediately forwarded to the designated number. Your phone won't even ring.
Conditional Call Forwarding: This is where it gets a bit more nuanced and flexible. Calls are only forwarded under specific conditions. Common conditional forwarding options include:
No Answer/Busy: Calls are forwarded if you don't answer your phone or if your line is busy.
Unreachable: Calls are forwarded if your phone is off or out of service area.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision about how you want to manage your calls.
Step 2: Accessing Your Verizon Account for Call Forwarding Settings
To manage your call forwarding settings, you'll primarily use two methods: through the My Verizon app or the My Verizon website. Both offer a user-friendly interface.
Sub-heading 2.1: Using the My Verizon App
The My Verizon app is a convenient way to manage your account on the go.
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). Once installed, open the app and log in with your Verizon Wireless account credentials (your 10-digit mobile number and password).
Navigate to Account Settings:
Once logged in, look for an icon that typically represents "Account," "More," or a menu icon (three horizontal lines). Tap on it.
From the menu, you'll want to find options related to "Settings," "Account Settings," or "Manage Devices." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the app version.
Find Call Settings: Within the settings, you'll need to locate options specifically for "Call Settings," "Call Features," or "Call Forwarding." This is where the magic happens!
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the My Verizon Website
If you prefer a larger screen or are on a desktop computer, the My Verizon website is an excellent alternative.
Go to the My Verizon Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Verizon Wireless website (
www.verizon.com Log In: Click on the "My Verizon" or "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Enter your Verizon Wireless account credentials.
Access Account Management: After logging in, you'll typically be directed to your account overview. Look for options like "My Devices," "Manage Devices," or a section specifically for your phone line.
Locate Call Forwarding Settings: Within your device management section, you'll need to find "Call Settings," "Call Features," or "Call Forwarding." This is usually under a broader "Features" or "Services" tab.
Step 3: Setting Up Unconditional Call Forwarding (Forward All Calls)
This is the most common and straightforward type of call forwarding.
Select Your Line: If you have multiple lines on your account, make sure you select the correct phone number for which you want to enable call forwarding.
Enable Call Forwarding: Within the "Call Forwarding" section, you'll typically see a toggle switch or a button to "Enable" or "Activate" call forwarding. Tap or click on it.
Enter the Forwarding Number: You will be prompted to enter the 10-digit phone number to which you want to forward your calls. Double-check this number carefully to avoid sending your calls to the wrong person!
Confirm and Save: After entering the number, confirm your selection and save the changes. You should receive a confirmation message on your screen or a text message indicating that call forwarding has been successfully activated.
Important Note: When unconditional call forwarding is active, your phone will not ring. All calls will immediately go to the forwarded number.
Step 4: Setting Up Conditional Call Forwarding
Conditional call forwarding offers more flexibility.
Navigate to Conditional Call Forwarding Options: In the "Call Forwarding" or "Call Settings" section, look for options like "Conditional Call Forwarding," "Call Forwarding When Busy," "Call Forwarding No Answer," or "Call Forwarding Unreachable."
Choose Your Condition: Select the specific condition under which you want calls to be forwarded. You might be able to set up different forwarding numbers for different conditions.
No Answer: You'll typically be asked to set the number of rings before the call is forwarded (e.g., 4 rings).
Busy: The call will forward if your line is already in use.
Unreachable: The call will forward if your phone is off or out of service.
Enter the Forwarding Number: Just like with unconditional forwarding, you'll need to enter the 10-digit phone number for each selected condition.
Save Your Settings: Confirm your choices and save the configuration.
Step 5: Verifying and Testing Your Call Forwarding
It's always a good idea to test your call forwarding setup to ensure it's working as expected.
Call Your Verizon Number: From a different phone (not your Verizon Wireless phone), dial your Verizon Wireless number.
Observe the Call:
For Unconditional Forwarding: The call should immediately ring on the number you set up for forwarding. Your Verizon phone should not ring.
For Conditional Forwarding (e.g., No Answer): Let your Verizon phone ring for the number of rings you set, and then the call should forward to the designated number.
For Conditional Forwarding (e.g., Busy): If you set up forwarding for busy, try calling your Verizon number while you're already on another call.
Troubleshoot if Necessary: If the call doesn't forward as expected, go back through the steps, ensuring all settings are correct and the forwarding number is accurate.
Step 6: Disabling Call Forwarding
When you no longer need call forwarding, it's easy to disable it.
Return to Call Forwarding Settings: Go back to the "Call Forwarding" section in either the My Verizon app or the My Verizon website (as described in Step 2).
Disable the Feature: You'll typically see a toggle switch or a button to "Disable" or "Deactivate" call forwarding. Tap or click on it.
Confirm: Confirm your decision to disable the feature. You should receive a confirmation that call forwarding has been turned off.
Quick Tip: Sometimes, you can also dial specific star codes from your Verizon phone to disable call forwarding, but using the app or website is generally more reliable and user-friendly for most users.
Step 7: Important Considerations and Tips
Here are a few extra pointers to keep in mind when using call forwarding on Verizon Wireless.
Per-Minute Charges: While setting up call forwarding is free, standard airtime charges apply to forwarded calls. This means if you have a limited plan, those forwarded minutes will count towards your allowance.
International Forwarding: Be mindful of international forwarding. If you forward calls to an international number, international long-distance charges will apply in addition to your regular airtime.
Voicemail Integration: Call forwarding interacts with your voicemail. If you have conditional forwarding set up, calls might go to your Verizon voicemail before being forwarded if the conditions aren't met quickly enough.
Call Forwarding to Voicemail: You can actually forward calls directly to your Verizon Wireless voicemail if you want to bypass your phone entirely. Just enter your own 10-digit Verizon number as the forwarding destination.
Blocked Numbers: If a number is blocked on your Verizon phone, forwarded calls from that number will still be blocked at the forwarded destination.
Call Forwarding While Roaming: Call forwarding generally works while roaming, but be aware of potential higher charges depending on your roaming agreement.
Data Usage: Setting up and managing call forwarding through the My Verizon app or website will consume a minimal amount of data. The forwarded calls themselves use cellular minutes, not data.
By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be able to effectively manage your call forwarding on Verizon Wireless, ensuring you stay connected on your terms!
Frequently Asked Questions about Verizon Wireless Call Forwarding
How to know if call forwarding is active on my Verizon phone?
You can usually check the status of call forwarding in the My Verizon app or on the My Verizon website under your device's call settings. Some phones also display an icon in the notification bar when call forwarding is active.
How to forward calls to voicemail on Verizon?
To forward calls directly to your Verizon voicemail, simply set your own 10-digit Verizon Wireless number as the call forwarding destination.
How to set up call forwarding from a different phone on Verizon?
You cannot directly set up call forwarding from a different phone. You need to log into your My Verizon account via the app or website, or call Verizon Customer Service, to manage these settings for your specific line.
How to disable call forwarding if I don't have my phone?
You can disable call forwarding by logging into the My Verizon website from any computer or device with internet access and navigating to your call settings.
How to check the number my calls are forwarded to on Verizon?
The My Verizon app and My Verizon website will display the current forwarding destination number in the call forwarding settings section for your line.
How to forward calls when my Verizon phone is off?
This is handled by "Conditional Call Forwarding - Unreachable." You'll need to set up this specific condition in your call forwarding settings within My Verizon.
How to temporarily suspend call forwarding on Verizon without disabling it completely?
Verizon's standard call forwarding features don't typically offer a "pause" or "suspend" option. You would need to disable it and then re-enable it when needed.
How to forward specific numbers only on Verizon?
Verizon's standard call forwarding does not allow you to forward specific numbers. It's an "all or nothing" for unconditional, or based on general conditions (busy, no answer, unreachable). For more advanced selective forwarding, you might need to explore third-party apps or services, which may not be officially supported by Verizon.
How to set up call forwarding with a short code on Verizon?
While some carriers use star codes for quick setup, Verizon generally encourages using the My Verizon app or website for managing call forwarding. Dialing *72 and *73 are traditional codes for activating/deactivating unconditional call forwarding, but their functionality might vary and be less reliable than the app/website.
How to troubleshoot call forwarding not working on Verizon?
First, double-check that you've entered the correct forwarding number and saved the settings. Ensure there are no conflicting features enabled (e.g., Do Not Disturb). If problems persist, contact Verizon Wireless customer support for assistance.
