Ready to take control of your voicemail? Annoyed when your iPhone 13 on Verizon goes to voicemail too quickly, or perhaps not quickly enough? You've come to the right place! We're about to dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating!) world of call forwarding and ring settings.
While your iPhone 13 itself doesn't have a direct "number of rings" slider in its settings, the good news is that Verizon often provides ways to adjust this. This guide will walk you through the most common and effective methods to get those rings just right. Let's get started!
Step 1: Understanding the "Why" Behind the Rings – It's Not Your iPhone, It's Verizon!
Before we jump into the "how," let's clarify a crucial point: the number of rings before your call goes to voicemail is not a setting on your iPhone 13 itself. This is a function controlled by your carrier, which in this case is Verizon. Your iPhone simply follows the instructions it receives from the Verizon network regarding call forwarding. This is why you won't find an option for "Rings before Voicemail" in your iPhone's Settings app.
So, what does this mean for you? It means we'll be focusing on Verizon's services and features, rather than tinkering with your iPhone's internal settings. This is a common misconception, and understanding it is the first step to successfully adjusting your ring time!
Step 2: The Most Common Method: Using Verizon's Call Forwarding Codes (Dialer Codes)
This is often the quickest and most straightforward way to adjust your ring time. Verizon, like many carriers, uses specific dialer codes that you can enter directly into your iPhone's Phone app. These codes manipulate your conditional call forwarding settings.
Step 2.1: Identifying the Right Code for Your Desired Delay
Verizon's system uses a specific format for these codes. You'll be dialing a short code followed by a number that represents the delay in seconds before the call forwards to voicemail.
The general format is: *61*+1[Your_Voicemail_Number]**[Seconds]#
*61*: This is the prefix for conditional call forwarding.+1[Your_Voicemail_Number]: This is the critical part. For most Verizon users, your voicemail number is simply your own 10-digit phone number. So, if your number is (123) 456-7890, this part would be+11234567890.**[Seconds]: This is where you specify the delay. Verizon typically allows increments of 5 seconds, up to a maximum of 30 seconds.**05#= 5 seconds (approximately 1-2 rings)**10#= 10 seconds (approximately 2-3 rings)**15#= 15 seconds (approximately 3-4 rings)**20#= 20 seconds (approximately 4-5 rings)**25#= 25 seconds (approximately 5-6 rings)**30#= 30 seconds (approximately 6-7 rings)
#: This signifies the end of the code.
Step 2.2: Executing the Dialer Code on Your iPhone 13
Open the Phone App: Tap the green "Phone" icon on your iPhone's home screen.
Go to the Keypad: Make sure you're on the "Keypad" tab at the bottom.
Enter the Code: Carefully type in the desired code. For example, if you want 25 seconds (around 5-6 rings) before voicemail, and your phone number is 123-456-7890, you would type:
*61*+11234567890**25#Press the Call Button: Tap the green call button.
What to expect: Your iPhone will briefly display a message like "Setting Activation Succeeded" or "Call Forwarding Conditional Activation." This indicates that the change has been registered with Verizon's network.
Step 2.3: Testing Your New Ring Time
After entering the code, it's highly recommended to test it out.
Use Another Phone: Grab another phone (a friend's, a landline, a different mobile) and call your iPhone 13.
Count the Rings: Carefully count the number of rings you hear before the call goes to voicemail.
Adjust if Necessary: If it's not quite right, repeat Step 2.1 and Step 2.2 with a different
[Seconds]value until you achieve your desired delay.
Step 3: Alternative Method: Contacting Verizon Customer Support
If using the dialer codes seems a bit daunting, or if for some reason they don't work, contacting Verizon's customer support is always a viable option.
Step 3.1: Gathering Your Information
Before you call, have the following ready:
Your Verizon Account Number: This will help them quickly identify you.
Your Phone Number: The one associated with your iPhone 13.
Your Desired Ring Time: Be specific about how many seconds or rings you'd like.
Step 3.2: Reaching Out to Verizon
Dial 611: From your Verizon iPhone, dial
611and press the call button. This connects you directly to Verizon customer service.Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you want to change the number of rings before your voicemail activates. You can mention that you're trying to adjust your conditional call forwarding delay.
Be Patient: You may need to navigate an automated system before speaking to a representative. Be prepared for some hold time.
Confirm the Change: Once the representative has made the adjustment, ask them to confirm it and then test it yourself by calling your iPhone from another phone.
Step 4: Understanding Potential Limitations and Troubleshooting
While the methods above are generally effective, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Step 4.1: Maximum Ring Time
Verizon typically caps the maximum delay at 30 seconds. This is a network limitation, not an iPhone limitation. If you need more than 30 seconds, you might have to explore alternative solutions like a separate answering service, but for most users, 30 seconds (around 6-7 rings) is sufficient.
Step 4.2: Network Delays and Syncing
Sometimes, after entering a dialer code, it might take a few moments for the change to fully propagate through Verizon's network. Give it a minute or two before testing.
Step 4.3: Conflicting Settings
If you have other call forwarding rules set up (e.g., forwarding all calls to a different number), these might conflict with the voicemail forwarding settings. If you're experiencing issues, it might be worth reviewing any other call forwarding options you have enabled. You can often check these in your Verizon online account or by calling customer service.
Step 4.4: Voicemail Setup
Ensure your voicemail is properly set up on your iPhone 13. If you haven't set it up yet, the calls won't go to voicemail even if the rings are correct. You can usually set up Visual Voicemail by going to the Phone app, tapping "Voicemail," and following the on-screen prompts.
Step 5: Advanced Considerations (For the Tech-Savvy!)
Step 5.1: Verizon's My Verizon App/Website
While less direct for changing ring time, your My Verizon account (either through the app or website) can be a valuable resource for managing other call features that might indirectly affect your experience. You can often view existing call forwarding rules, manage blocked numbers, and check your plan details, which can sometimes help in troubleshooting. Look under sections related to "Call Settings" or "Features."
Step 5.2: Unconditional Call Forwarding
Be very careful with unconditional call forwarding. This feature (*21*) redirects all calls immediately, without ringing your phone at all. You generally do not want to use this for simply adjusting voicemail rings. Always use the *61* code for conditional forwarding to voicemail.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting your iPhone 13's rings before voicemail on Verizon might seem a bit tricky at first, but with the right dialer codes or a quick call to customer support, you'll have it perfectly tailored to your needs. Remember, it's all about communicating with Verizon's network, not just your iPhone! Enjoy your perfectly timed rings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my current number of rings before voicemail on iPhone 13 Verizon?
You cannot directly check the exact number of rings from your iPhone's settings. The best way is to call your iPhone 13 from another phone and count the rings you hear before it goes to voicemail.
How to set the maximum number of rings before voicemail on Verizon?
The maximum delay Verizon allows is typically 30 seconds, which translates to approximately 6-7 rings. You can set this by dialing *61*+1[Your_Phone_Number]**30# and pressing call.
How to increase the number of rings before voicemail on my iPhone 13 Verizon?
To increase the rings, use the *61*+1[Your_Phone_Number]**[Seconds]# code, increasing the [Seconds] value (e.g., from 15 to 20 or 25).
How to decrease the number of rings before voicemail on my iPhone 13 Verizon?
To decrease the rings, use the *61*+1[Your_Phone_Number]**[Seconds]# code, decreasing the [Seconds] value (e.g., from 25 to 15 or 10).
How to reset the number of rings before voicemail to default on Verizon?
There isn't a universal "reset to default" code for ring time. The default is often around 20-25 seconds (4-5 rings). If you want to return to that, you would use the corresponding dialer code, for example, *61*+1[Your_Phone_Number]**20#.
How to change voicemail settings on iPhone 13 beyond ring time?
Other voicemail settings, like greeting messages or PINs, are managed directly through your iPhone's Phone app (Voicemail tab) or by calling your voicemail box. These are separate from the ring delay.
How to find my Verizon voicemail number for the dialer code?
For most Verizon users, your voicemail number is simply your own 10-digit mobile phone number.
How to confirm if the ring time change was successful on Verizon?
After entering the dialer code, you should see a "Setting Activation Succeeded" message. Then, immediately call your iPhone from another phone and count the rings to verify the change.
How to troubleshoot if the dialer codes for ring time aren't working on Verizon?
If the codes aren't working, double-check that you're entering them exactly as shown, including your full 10-digit number. If issues persist, contact Verizon customer support directly as they can make the change on their end.
How to prevent calls from going to voicemail at all on Verizon?
To prevent calls from going to voicemail, you would typically need to disable call forwarding to voicemail entirely. This is generally not recommended as you would miss important messages. However, if you truly wish to do this, it would require specific actions with Verizon customer service or by manually forwarding all calls to a non-existent number (which can lead to a "number not in service" message for callers).
