Feeling overwhelmed by missed calls or the desire to streamline your communication? Verizon call forwarding is your secret weapon! It allows you to redirect incoming calls from your Verizon number to another phone, ensuring you never miss an important conversation, whether you're in a meeting, on vacation, or simply prefer to use a different device.
Ready to take control of your calls? Let's dive in!
A Comprehensive Guide to Verizon Call Forwarding
Verizon offers different types of call forwarding to suit various needs. We'll cover the most common ones and walk you through the activation and deactivation processes step-by-step.
Understanding the Types of Call Forwarding
Before we begin, it's essential to understand the two primary types of call forwarding Verizon offers:
Unconditional Call Forwarding (Immediate Call Forwarding): This is the most straightforward type. All incoming calls to your Verizon number will be immediately forwarded to the designated number. Your Verizon phone will not ring when this is active. This is ideal if you're using another phone exclusively, or if you're going on an extended trip and want all calls routed elsewhere.
Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy Transfer): This type of forwarding is more flexible. Calls are only forwarded when certain conditions are met, such as:
Your line is busy.
You don't answer after a certain number of rings.
Your phone is turned off or unreachable (e.g., out of service area). This is perfect if you want to attempt to answer calls on your primary Verizon phone first, but have a backup plan for when you're unavailable. This is also commonly used for services like visual voicemail (e.g., YouMail).
Step 1: Choosing Your Call Forwarding Method
Okay, so you've decided you want to forward your calls. Fantastic! Now, how do you want to do it? Verizon provides a few convenient options:
Dialer Codes (Most Common & Quickest): This is generally the fastest and most popular method for individuals. You simply punch in a specific code on your phone's dial pad, followed by the forwarding number.
My Verizon Account (Online or App): For more advanced settings, managing multiple lines (especially for business accounts), or if you prefer a graphical interface, My Verizon (website or app) is a great option.
Verizon Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or have complex needs, Verizon's customer service can always assist.
Let's proceed with the dialer codes first, as they are the most frequently used!
Step 2: Activating Unconditional Call Forwarding (All Calls)
This method ensures every single call to your Verizon number is sent to your chosen forwarding number.
Sub-heading: Activating via Dialer Code
Open your phone's dialer: This is the app you use to make phone calls.
Dial the activation code: Enter *72 on your dial pad. Do NOT press call yet!
Enter the forwarding number: Immediately after
*72, enter the 10-digit phone number (including area code) to which you want to forward your calls. For example, if you want to forward calls to 555-123-4567, you would dial*725551234567.Press the "Call" or "Send" button: This initiates the activation.
Listen for confirmation: You should hear a confirmation tone or a voice message stating that call forwarding has been successfully activated. Even if you receive a success message, it's always a good idea to test it.
Sub-heading: Testing Your Unconditional Call Forwarding
From another phone, call your Verizon number. It should not ring on your Verizon device, but instead ring on the number you just set up for forwarding. If it rings on your Verizon phone, or goes to your Verizon voicemail, something went wrong, and you'll need to try again or troubleshoot.
Step 3: Activating Conditional Call Forwarding (When Busy/No Answer/Unreachable)
This option gives you more control, only forwarding calls under specific circumstances. This is often used for advanced voicemail services like YouMail.
Sub-heading: Activating via Dialer Code
Open your phone's dialer: Again, go to your phone's call app.
Dial the activation code: Enter *71 on your dial pad. Do NOT press call yet!
Enter the forwarding number: Immediately after
*71, enter the 10-digit phone number (including area code) to which you want your calls forwarded conditionally. This is often a special "deposit number" provided by services like YouMail, or another personal number you want calls to go to if you miss them.Press the "Call" or "Send" button: This activates the conditional forwarding.
Listen for confirmation: You should receive an audible confirmation or message.
Sub-heading: Testing Your Conditional Call Forwarding
To test the "no answer" condition: Call your Verizon number from another phone. Let it ring several times without answering. The call should eventually be forwarded to your designated number.
To test the "busy" condition: Place a call from your Verizon phone to another number, keeping your line busy. Then, from a third phone, call your Verizon number. It should forward to the designated number instead of giving a busy signal.
Note: Testing the "unreachable" condition is harder to do reliably without actually going out of service.
Step 4: Deactivating Call Forwarding
Whether you've finished using the feature or need to change your forwarding settings, deactivating is just as simple.
Sub-heading: Deactivating Unconditional or Conditional Call Forwarding
Open your phone's dialer.
Dial the deactivation code: Enter *73 on your dial pad.
Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation: You should hear two short tones or a message confirming that call forwarding has been deactivated.
Sub-heading: Verifying Deactivation
From another phone, call your Verizon number. It should now ring directly on your Verizon phone and, if you don't answer, go to your standard Verizon voicemail (if you have it set up).
Step 5: Managing Call Forwarding via My Verizon (Optional, for More Control)
For those who prefer a web interface or app, My Verizon offers a more visual way to manage call forwarding, especially useful for business accounts or managing multiple lines.
Sub-heading: Accessing My Verizon
Go to the My Verizon website (verizon.com) or open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Log in to your account with your User ID and password.
Sub-heading: Navigating to Call Forwarding Settings (General Steps)
The exact navigation can vary slightly based on updates to the My Verizon interface.
Look for sections like "Manage Features," "Calling Features," "Account Features," or "Services."
You should find an option related to "Call Forwarding" or "Call Diversion."
From here, you can often:
Enable/Disable Call Forwarding.
Enter or change the forwarding number.
Select the type of forwarding (unconditional or conditional).
For business accounts, manage group forwarding for multiple lines.
Important Considerations and Tips
Airtime Charges: Be aware that airtime charges apply to all forwarded calls according to your calling plan, even when forwarding to a landline. You are essentially paying for two legs of the call: the incoming call to your Verizon number and the outgoing forwarded call to the destination number.
Long Distance Charges: If you forward calls to a long-distance number, those long-distance charges will also apply as per your plan.
International Forwarding: Setting up call forwarding while outside the Verizon network (i.e., roaming internationally) may not work using the dialer codes. It's best to set it up before you leave the country, or manage it via My Verizon if accessible.
One Call at a Time: Generally, only one call can be forwarded at a time. A second incoming call while a forwarded call is active may receive a busy signal.
Troubleshooting: If call forwarding isn't working, first try deactivating (*73) and then reactivating (*72 or *71) the feature. Ensure you're dialing the full 10-digit forwarding number. If issues persist, contact Verizon customer support.
"Live Voicemail" on iPhones: Some iPhone users have reported issues with Conditional Call Forwarding (*71) when the "Live Voicemail" feature is enabled. If you're experiencing problems with conditional forwarding and have an iPhone, try temporarily disabling Live Voicemail in your phone settings to see if it resolves the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon Call Forwarding
How to check if call forwarding is active on my Verizon phone?
You can't directly check the forwarding number using a code. The best way is to test it by calling your Verizon number from another phone. If it rings on the forwarded number (or goes to a different voicemail than your usual Verizon one for conditional forwarding), it's active.
How to forward my Verizon calls to voicemail?
You typically don't forward calls to your voicemail directly using these codes. Call forwarding is designed to redirect to another phone number. Your Verizon voicemail is the default recipient if calls aren't answered and call forwarding isn't active. If you want all calls to go directly to voicemail without ringing your phone, you might consider using "Do Not Disturb" features on your device, or ensuring no call forwarding is active.
How to set up conditional call forwarding for a specific voicemail service like YouMail?
For services like YouMail, you'll generally use the *71 code followed by the specific "deposit number" provided by that service. This ensures that only missed, busy, or unanswered calls go to their system.
How to forward calls only when my Verizon phone is busy?
For busy call forwarding specifically, Verizon traditionally uses *90 to activate and *91 to deactivate. However, *71 (conditional call forwarding) often covers this scenario automatically.
How to forward calls only when I don't answer my Verizon phone?
Similar to the "busy" condition, Verizon historically used *92 to activate and *93 to deactivate for "no answer" forwarding. Again, *71 (conditional call forwarding) typically handles this as part of its functionality.
How to stop all call forwarding on my Verizon line?
Simply dial *73 from your Verizon phone and press "Call" or "Send." This will deactivate both unconditional (*72) and conditional (*71) call forwarding.
How to set up call forwarding for a Verizon landline or business line?
For Verizon landlines or business lines, the codes might be slightly different or managed through a specific online portal (like the One Talk Portal for business accounts). It's best to consult your specific service guide or the Verizon Business support website, or contact Verizon Business customer service directly.
How to forward calls internationally with Verizon?
You must activate call forwarding while you are still on the Verizon Wireless Network (i.e., before you travel internationally). The dialer codes (*72, *71, *73) may not work when roaming on an international network. If you need to manage it while abroad, try logging into My Verizon online or through the app, if you have data access.
How to forward calls to multiple numbers on Verizon?
Standard consumer call forwarding on Verizon typically allows forwarding to only one designated number at a time. For forwarding to multiple numbers or creating complex routing, you would need a more advanced business solution like Verizon's One Talk, which offers "Group Forwarding" and other sophisticated call routing features.
How to troubleshoot Verizon call forwarding if it's not working?
First, ensure you've dialed the correct code and the full 10-digit number. Try deactivating the feature by dialing *73 and then reactivating it. If you're on an iPhone, temporarily disable "Live Voicemail" as it can sometimes interfere with conditional call forwarding. If problems persist, contact Verizon customer support directly for assistance.
