Master Your Calls: The Ultimate Guide to Forwarding Your Verizon Phone
Ever found yourself in a situation where you absolutely cannot miss an important call, but your phone is about to die, you're heading into a no-signal zone, or you simply want to direct calls to another device? If so, you're not alone! Knowing how to forward your Verizon phone is a super handy skill that gives you incredible control over your incoming calls.
Ready to take charge of your communication? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Types of Call Forwarding – What's Your Need?
Before we dial any codes, it's crucial to understand that Verizon offers different types of call forwarding. Knowing which one suits your situation best will save you time and ensure your calls go where you want them.
Sub-heading: Immediate (Unconditional) Call Forwarding
This is your "all-or-nothing" option. When you set up immediate call forwarding, all incoming calls to your Verizon number will bypass your phone entirely and go straight to the designated forwarding number. Your phone won't even ring! This is perfect when you:
Leave your phone at home or in the office.
Know you'll be in an area with no service (e.g., deep in the mountains, on an airplane).
Are using a different phone for a period and don't want to miss anything.
Sub-heading: Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy Transfer)
This is a more flexible option. With conditional call forwarding, calls will only be forwarded if certain conditions are met. Verizon typically offers two main conditional forwarding scenarios:
No Answer: Your phone will ring for a set number of rings (usually 3-6) and only if you don't answer will the call be forwarded to the designated number. This is great for when you:
Want to try and answer calls on your primary device first.
Are using a voicemail service other than Verizon's (e.g., a business answering service).
Busy Transfer: If your phone is busy (you're already on another call), the incoming call will be forwarded. This ensures callers don't just get a busy signal.
Keep in mind that while call forwarding itself is generally included with Verizon plans at no additional charge, airtime charges for forwarded calls will apply according to your calling plan, just as if you answered them on your primary phone.
Step 2: Activating Call Forwarding – Let's Get Those Calls Moving!
Now that you know what kind of forwarding you need, let's get it set up. Verizon provides two primary ways to activate call forwarding.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Using Your Phone's Keypad (The Quick & Easy Way)
This is the most common and often the quickest way to activate call forwarding directly from your Verizon phone.
Lift the receiver and listen for a dial tone (if it's a landline) or simply open your phone's dialer app (for mobile).
For Immediate (Unconditional) Call Forwarding:
Dial 72.
Immediately after 72, dial the 10-digit phone number (including area code) where you want your calls to be forwarded to. For example, if you want to forward to 555-123-4567, you would dial: *725551234567.
Press the Call/Send button.
Listen for confirmation. You should hear a series of beeps, a confirmation tone, or a message confirming that call forwarding has been activated. The call should automatically end after a moment.
For Conditional Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy Transfer):
Dial 71.
Immediately after 71, dial the 10-digit phone number (including area code) where you want your calls to be forwarded to. For example, if you want calls to forward to 555-987-6543 if you don't answer, you would dial: *715559876543.
Press the Call/Send button.
Listen for confirmation. Similar to immediate forwarding, you'll hear beeps or a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: Method 2: Through My Verizon Online Portal or App
While the keypad method is convenient, you can also manage call forwarding settings through your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app. This is particularly useful if you don't have your phone with you or if the star codes aren't working for some reason.
Log In: Go to the official Verizon Wireless website (verizon.com) or open the My Verizon app on another device.
Access Your Account: Sign in using your User ID (or cell phone number) and password.
Navigate to Settings: Once logged in, look for options like "My Verizon," "View All," "Manage Features," or "Services & Perks." The exact navigation might vary slightly based on updates to the Verizon website or app.
Find Call Forwarding: Search for "Call Forwarding" or "Call Settings" within your account features.
Enter Forwarding Number: You should find a field to enter the 10-digit phone number you wish to forward your calls to.
Adjust Options (if available): Some online portals might allow you to set specific conditions for conditional forwarding or enable/disable the feature with a click.
Save/Apply Changes: Make sure to click "Set Up Call Forwarding" or "Save Changes" to confirm your settings.
Step 3: Verify Your Call Forwarding – Don't Skip This!
You've set it up, but how do you know it's truly working? This step is absolutely critical.
Use a Different Phone: From a different phone (not your Verizon phone that you just set up forwarding on), call your Verizon number.
Observe the Outcome:
For Immediate Forwarding: Your Verizon phone should not ring. The call should immediately go to the number you forwarded it to.
For Conditional Forwarding: Your Verizon phone should ring for a few seconds (as per the default setting, usually 3-6 rings). If you don't answer, the call should then be redirected to your forwarding number.
Troubleshoot if Needed: If the call doesn't go to the forwarded number as expected, hang up and try the activation process again. Sometimes, a busy signal during activation means it didn't set up correctly, or the forwarding number itself isn't active. Double-check the forwarding number by calling it directly to ensure it's a working line.
Step 4: Deactivating Call Forwarding – Getting Calls Back to Your Phone
When you no longer need calls forwarded, turning off the feature is just as simple.
Lift the receiver and listen for a dial tone (for landline) or open your phone's dialer app (for mobile).
To Deactivate All Call Forwarding:
Dial 73.
Press the Call/Send button.
Listen for confirmation. You'll hear two short tones, a busy signal, or a message confirming that call forwarding has been deactivated. The call should end automatically.
Verify Deactivation: Just like activation, it's a good idea to confirm. From a different phone, call your Verizon number. Your Verizon phone should now ring as normal.
Important Considerations and Pro Tips:
Location Matters for Activation: You typically need to be within the Verizon wireless coverage area to activate or deactivate call forwarding using the star codes (*72, *71, *73). If you're traveling internationally or in an area with no Verizon signal, you might not be able to change these settings directly from your phone. In such cases, the My Verizon online portal or app (if you have internet access) or contacting Verizon Customer Service are your best bets.
Text Messages Aren't Forwarded: Call forwarding only affects voice calls. Text messages received on your Verizon number will not be forwarded to the designated number. You'll still need to access them on your Verizon phone or via Verizon Messages (Message+) if you have it set up.
International Call Forwarding: You cannot forward your Verizon phone to an international number using the standard call forwarding features. This is a common misconception. If you need to handle international calls, Verizon offers separate international calling plans.
Voicemail Conflicts: If you have certain advanced voicemail features or third-party voicemail services, they might conflict with conditional call forwarding. If you experience issues, you might need to adjust your voicemail settings or contact Verizon support.
Business Users: For Verizon Business accounts, there might be more advanced call forwarding options or features, such as "Selective Call Forwarding" (forwarding specific numbers or at certain times). Consult your Verizon Business guide or account manager for details.
By following these steps, you'll be a pro at managing your Verizon calls, ensuring you never miss what's important, no matter where you are or what your phone's status is!
Frequently Asked Questions about Verizon Call Forwarding
Here are 10 common questions about forwarding your Verizon phone, with quick answers:
How to turn on call forwarding on Verizon?
To turn on immediate call forwarding, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to, then press the Call button. For conditional forwarding (no answer/busy), dial *71 followed by the 10-digit number and press Call.
How to turn off call forwarding on Verizon?
To turn off all call forwarding on Verizon, simply dial *73 and press the Call button. You'll hear a confirmation tone or message.
How to check if call forwarding is active on Verizon?
The best way to check is to call your Verizon number from a different phone. If the call goes to the forwarded number (or rings on your phone and then forwards for conditional), it's active.
How to forward calls if my Verizon phone is off or out of battery?
You can't activate forwarding directly from your phone if it's off. You'll need to use the My Verizon online portal or app, or contact Verizon Customer Service to set it up remotely.
How to forward text messages on Verizon?
Call forwarding on Verizon does not forward text messages. Only voice calls are redirected. You will still receive texts on your primary Verizon device.
How to forward Verizon calls to an international number?
Verizon's standard call forwarding does not support forwarding to international numbers. You'll need to look into Verizon's international calling plans or other solutions for international communication.
How to set up conditional call forwarding on Verizon?
Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit number you want calls forwarded to when you don't answer or your line is busy, then press the Call button.
How to find my Verizon call forwarding settings online?
Log into your My Verizon account on the website or app, then navigate to "My Verizon," "Manage Features," or "Services & Perks" to find your call forwarding settings.
How to forward calls only when I don't answer on Verizon?
This is handled by conditional call forwarding. Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit forwarding number and press Call. Your phone will ring first, then forward if unanswered.
How to resolve issues if Verizon call forwarding isn't working?
First, re-attempt the activation steps, ensuring you dial the star code and forwarding number correctly. Then, verify the forwarding number is active by calling it directly. If issues persist, contact Verizon Customer Service.
