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How to Forward Calls with Verizon: Your Ultimate Guide

So, you need to forward your calls with Verizon? Whether you’re stepping away from your desk, juggling multiple devices, or simply want to ensure you never miss an important call, call forwarding is your go-to solution. Verizon offers a straightforward process, but like any technology, understanding the nuances will save you time and frustration. Let’s dive into the specifics of setting up call forwarding, and then tackle some frequently asked questions.

The Definitive Answer: How to Forward Calls with Verizon

The method for forwarding calls with Verizon depends on the type of phone service you have: landline, mobile, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, specifically One Talk. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Call Forwarding on Verizon Landlines

For traditional landlines, the process is usually the same, but it’s best to confirm this information with Verizon directly since procedures can vary across different regions.

Activate Call Forwarding: Dial *72 (or 1172 for rotary phones).
Enter the Destination Number: Immediately after dialing the code, enter the 10-digit phone number you want your calls forwarded to (including area code).
Confirm Activation: Listen for a confirmation tone or announcement that confirms call forwarding is active.

To deactivate call forwarding on a landline:

Dial *73 (or 1173 for rotary phones).
Listen for a confirmation tone or announcement that confirms call forwarding has been deactivated.

Call Forwarding on Verizon Mobile Phones

For mobile phones, you have two primary methods: using dial codes and using the phone’s settings menu.

Using Dial Codes:

Conditional Call Forwarding: This forwards calls only when you’re busy, don’t answer, or are unreachable. Here are the codes:
- Forward when busy: Dial *67 followed by the 10-digit forwarding number and then press SEND. To deactivate, dial *670 and press SEND.
- Forward when unanswered: Dial *61 followed by the 10-digit forwarding number and then press SEND. To deactivate, dial *610 and press SEND.
- Forward when unreachable: Dial *62 followed by the 10-digit forwarding number and then press SEND. To deactivate, dial *620 and press SEND.
Unconditional Call Forwarding: This forwards all calls immediately, regardless of your phone’s status.
- Activate: Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit forwarding number and then press SEND.
- Deactivate: Dial *73 and press SEND.

Using the Phone’s Settings Menu (Android & iOS):

Open the Phone App: Navigate to your phone’s dialer app.
Access Settings: Tap the three dots (usually located in the upper right corner) or the menu icon, and select “Settings.”
Find Call Forwarding: Look for “Call Forwarding” or a similar option within the settings menu. It might be under “Calling accounts,” “Supplementary services,” or “More settings.”
Choose Forwarding Type: Select the type of call forwarding you want to use (Always Forward, Forward When Busy, Forward When Unanswered, or Forward When Unreachable).
Enter the Destination Number: Enter the 10-digit phone number you want to forward calls to.
Enable Call Forwarding: Toggle the switch or tap the “Enable” button to activate call forwarding.

To deactivate call forwarding via the settings menu, simply return to the Call Forwarding settings and toggle the switch or tap “Disable.”

Call Forwarding on Verizon One Talk (VoIP)

Verizon One Talk is their VoIP business phone service, and call forwarding is managed through the One Talk portal or the One Talk mobile app.

Using the One Talk Portal:

Log in: Access the Verizon One Talk portal through your web browser.
Navigate to Call Settings: Find the “Call Settings” or “Features” section.
Select Call Forwarding: Choose the “Call Forwarding” option.
Configure Settings: Configure the call forwarding settings, including:
- Forwarding Number: The 10-digit number where calls will be forwarded.
- Forwarding Type: Choose between “Always Forward,” “Forward When Busy,” “Forward When No Answer,” or “Forward When Unreachable.” You can also set the number of rings before forwarding if you select “Forward When No Answer”.
Save Changes: Save your changes to activate call forwarding.

Using the One Talk Mobile App:

Open the App: Launch the One Talk mobile app on your smartphone.
Access Settings: Navigate to the “Settings” menu (usually represented by a gear icon).
Select Call Forwarding: Find and select the “Call Forwarding” option.
Configure Settings: Configure the same settings as the portal, including the forwarding number and forwarding type.
Save Changes: Save your changes to enable call forwarding.

To deactivate call forwarding through the One Talk portal or mobile app, simply return to the Call Forwarding settings and disable the feature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon Call Forwarding

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about call forwarding with Verizon:

1. Is there a cost associated with using call forwarding on Verizon?

The cost depends on your Verizon plan. For landlines, call forwarding is often included in standard service packages, but you should always confirm with Verizon to be sure. For mobile plans, call forwarding itself usually doesn’t incur extra charges, but the minutes used to forward the call to another number will be deducted from your monthly allowance (if applicable) or billed according to your plan’s per-minute rate. For One Talk, call forwarding is typically included in the monthly service fee.

2. Can I forward calls to an international number?

Yes, you can usually forward calls to an international number, but be aware of international long-distance rates. Verizon will charge you the applicable international rate for each minute the call is forwarded. These rates can vary significantly depending on the country, so it’s crucial to check Verizon’s international rates before setting up call forwarding to an international destination.

3. How many numbers can I forward calls to simultaneously?

With Verizon’s standard call forwarding features, you can only forward calls to one number at a time. If you need to forward calls to multiple numbers simultaneously, you might need to explore more advanced solutions, such as a business phone system with simultaneous ringing capabilities.

4. Can I forward calls from my Verizon landline to my mobile phone and vice versa?

Yes, you can forward calls from your Verizon landline to your mobile phone, and vice versa. This is a common scenario for people who want to ensure they never miss a call, regardless of which phone they are currently using. Just follow the instructions for the appropriate service (landline or mobile) to set up the forwarding.

5. What is the difference between unconditional and conditional call forwarding?

Unconditional call forwarding forwards all incoming calls immediately to the designated number, bypassing your phone entirely. Conditional call forwarding, on the other hand, only forwards calls under specific conditions, such as when you’re busy, don’t answer, or are unreachable.

6. How do I know if call forwarding is currently active on my phone?

The method for checking varies. On some phones, an icon will appear on the screen indicating that call forwarding is active. For landlines, you may have to dial a specific code provided by Verizon to check the status. For One Talk, the portal or mobile app will clearly show if call forwarding is enabled.

7. Will call forwarding still work if my phone’s battery is dead or if my phone is turned off?

If you are using unconditional call forwarding, it should work even if your phone’s battery is dead or your phone is turned off because the forwarding is handled at the network level. However, conditional call forwarding (forwarding when unreachable) might not always work reliably if your phone is off because the network might not immediately recognize that your phone is unavailable.

8. Can I forward calls to voicemail?

Yes, you can forward calls to your voicemail. Simply enter your own mobile phone number as the forwarding number. When the call is forwarded to your phone, it will go directly to voicemail (assuming you have voicemail set up).

9. I keep getting a busy signal when I try to activate call forwarding. What should I do?

A busy signal when activating call forwarding usually indicates that the service is temporarily unavailable, or there might be an issue with your account. Try again later. If the problem persists, contact Verizon customer support for assistance.

10. Can I use call forwarding while I’m roaming internationally?

Yes, you can usually use call forwarding while roaming internationally, but roaming charges will apply for the forwarded calls. Be mindful of these charges, as they can be substantial.

11. I forgot the code to deactivate call forwarding on my Verizon landline. What is it?

The code to deactivate call forwarding on a Verizon landline is *73 (or 1173 for rotary phones).

12. Is there a limit to how long I can keep call forwarding activated?

No, there is typically no limit to how long you can keep call forwarding activated. You can leave it on indefinitely, as long as you need it. However, it’s always a good practice to review your call forwarding settings periodically to ensure they are still accurate and relevant to your needs.