Is Call Forwarding Free with Verizon? Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected!
Hey there! Ever found yourself wondering, "Can I forward my Verizon calls to another number without racking up a huge bill?" Or maybe you're trying to figure out how to set it up so you never miss an important call, even when you're busy or away from your phone. You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about call forwarding with Verizon, from its cost to step-by-step activation and deactivation. Let's dive in!
| Is Call Forwarding Free With Verizon |
Step 1: Understanding the "Free" Aspect of Verizon Call Forwarding
First things first, let's clear up the biggest question: Is call forwarding free with Verizon? The answer is a resounding yes and a slight but.
No Monthly Subscription Fee: For most current Verizon plans, there is no separate monthly fee to have call forwarding as a feature. It's generally included automatically with new activations. This means you won't see an extra line item on your bill just for having the capability to forward calls.
Airtime Charges Still Apply: Here's the "but." While the service itself is free, you will be billed for the forwarded calls according to your current calling plan. Think of it this way: if a call comes to your Verizon phone and is then forwarded, Verizon considers that an "answered" call from your line, even if it rings on a different phone. So, if you have a limited minute plan, those forwarded calls will use up your minutes. If you have an unlimited plan, you won't see additional charges for the minutes themselves.
Long Distance and International Considerations: If your plan includes long-distance, you generally won't be charged extra for forwarding calls to a long-distance U.S. number. However, be very mindful about international call forwarding. Verizon generally does not support direct international call forwarding to most countries. If you manage to forward to an international number (perhaps via a third-party service or a specific business line feature), then international charges would most certainly apply.
In essence, the feature is free, but the usage consumes minutes just like any other call you make or receive.
Step 2: Activating Immediate Call Forwarding (Forward All Calls)
This is the most common type of call forwarding, where all incoming calls to your Verizon mobile phone are immediately redirected to another number. Your mobile phone will not ring when this is active.
Sub-heading 2.1: Activating from Your Mobile Phone
This is the quickest and easiest way to set up immediate call forwarding.
Open your phone's dialer: This is the app you use to make phone calls.
Dial
*72followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to.Example: If you want to forward calls to 123-456-7890, you would dial
*721234567890.
Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation: You should hear a confirmation tone or a voice message indicating that call forwarding has been successfully activated.
Hang up.
Your calls are now being forwarded!
Sub-heading 2.2: Activating via My Verizon App (If Available)
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Some Verizon plans and devices allow you to manage call forwarding through the My Verizon app.
Open the My Verizon app on your device.
Sign in to your account.
Navigate to "Devices" and select your phone line.
Look for an option like "Manage" next to "Call Forwarding" or "Calling Features."
Enter the number you want calls forwarded to.
Save your changes.
Step 3: Setting Up Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy Transfer)
Conditional call forwarding means calls are only forwarded under specific conditions, such as when your line is busy or you don't answer. Your phone will ring first with these options.
Sub-heading 3.1: Forward When No Answer
This option sends calls to your designated forwarding number if you don't answer your Verizon phone after a few rings.
Open your phone's dialer.
Dial
*71followed by the 10-digit number you want unanswered calls forwarded to.Example: To forward unanswered calls to 123-456-7890, you would dial
*711234567890.
Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation.
Hang up.
Sub-heading 3.2: Forward When Busy
This option directs calls to another number if your Verizon line is currently in use.
Open your phone's dialer.
Dial
*90followed by the 10-digit number you want calls forwarded to when your line is busy.Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation.
Hang up.
Sub-heading 3.3: Forward When Unreachable (Not always available/managed by network)
This scenario typically handles forwarding if your phone is off, out of service, or has no signal. This is often an automatic network function that directs calls to voicemail by default, or to a pre-set number if you've configured it specifically with Verizon support. It's less common to set this with a simple star code.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Step 4: Deactivating Call Forwarding
When you're ready for calls to ring directly on your Verizon phone again, deactivating call forwarding is just as straightforward.
Sub-heading 4.1: Deactivating Immediate Call Forwarding
Open your phone's dialer.
Dial
*73.Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation: You should hear a tone or message indicating that call forwarding has been turned off. It might sound like a busy signal, which is normal for deactivation.
Hang up.
Your phone will now ring for all incoming calls.
Sub-heading 4.2: Deactivating Conditional Call Forwarding
The deactivation codes for conditional forwarding are slightly different from activation.
To turn off "Forward When No Answer":
Dial
*710.Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation.
Hang up.
To turn off "Forward When Busy":
Dial
*900.Press the "Call" or "Send" button.
Listen for confirmation.
Hang up.
Sub-heading 4.3: Deactivating via My Verizon App (If Applicable)
Just like activation, if you set it up through the My Verizon app, you can usually turn it off there as well.
Open the My Verizon app.
Sign in.
Navigate to "Devices" and select your phone line.
Find the "Call Forwarding" option.
Disable the feature.
Save your changes.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Tips
Test It Out! After you've activated call forwarding, it's a great idea to test it by calling your Verizon number from a different phone. This ensures it's working exactly as you intended.
Your Phone Won't Ring (Immediate Forwarding): Remember, with immediate call forwarding (*72), your actual Verizon phone will not ring. All calls will go straight to the forwarded number.
Text Messages Aren't Forwarded: Call forwarding only applies to voice calls. Text messages will still be delivered to your Verizon phone. You'll need a separate app or service if you want to forward texts.
Limitations on Forwarding Numbers: The number you're forwarding calls to must generally be an active, voice-capable 10-digit U.S. phone number. International forwarding is typically not supported directly.
Contact Verizon Support if Issues Arise: If you're having trouble activating or deactivating call forwarding, or if you're unsure about your plan's specific details, don't hesitate to reach out to Verizon Customer Service. They can assist you and confirm your account features.
Managing Multiple Lines: If you have multiple lines on your Verizon account, remember that call forwarding is typically set up per individual line.
Frequently Asked Questions about Verizon Call Forwarding
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you master Verizon call forwarding:
How to check if call forwarding is active on Verizon?
The easiest way is to dial your Verizon number from another phone and see where the call rings. You can also check your phone's call settings (often under "Phone" or "Call Settings" for iPhones and Androids, respectively) or the My Verizon app.
How to forward calls to voicemail with Verizon?
Normally, if call forwarding is not active, calls will go to your Verizon voicemail if you don't answer. If you have active call forwarding and want to redirect to voicemail instead of another number, you would first deactivate call forwarding (dial *73 for immediate, or *710/*900 for conditional).
How to forward calls to an international number with Verizon?
Generally, Verizon does not support direct international call forwarding. Call forwarding is typically restricted to U.S. numbers. If you need to receive international calls, consider alternative solutions like Wi-Fi calling or international roaming plans.
How to forward calls to a landline with Verizon?
You can absolutely forward calls to a landline. Simply use the 10-digit landline number (including area code) when you dial *72 (for immediate forwarding) or *71 (for no answer forwarding). Remember, airtime charges will still apply from your mobile plan.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to make calls while call forwarding is active on Verizon?
Yes, you can still make outgoing calls from your Verizon phone even when call forwarding is active. It only affects incoming calls.
How to turn off all types of call forwarding on Verizon?
To turn off immediate call forwarding, dial *73. To turn off "no answer" conditional forwarding, dial *710. To turn off "busy" conditional forwarding, dial *900. If unsure, performing all three deactivation steps will cover most scenarios.
How to forward calls to another Verizon phone number?
You can forward calls to another Verizon phone number just like any other number. Simply use the 10-digit Verizon number you wish to forward calls to when activating the service (e.g., *72 followed by that number).
How to set up selective call forwarding on Verizon?
Selective call forwarding, which allows you to forward calls from specific numbers, is generally a more advanced feature not typically available via simple star codes. It might be available through Verizon's residential landline services or specific business plans, often managed through an online account manager or by contacting Verizon support.
How to use Verizon call forwarding when traveling internationally?
Call forwarding must be set up before you leave the Verizon wireless coverage area (i.e., before you go abroad). Star codes like *72 will not work when you are roaming internationally. If you anticipate needing calls forwarded while traveling, set it up beforehand.
How to get more information or troubleshooting help for Verizon call forwarding?
For detailed guides, troubleshooting, or account-specific questions, visit the official Verizon Support website or contact Verizon Customer Service directly via phone or live chat.