How to Turn On Call Forwarding on Verizon: A Comprehensive Guide

Let’s cut to the chase: turning on call forwarding on your Verizon line is surprisingly straightforward, but the exact method depends on whether you’re dealing with a landline or a mobile phone. For landlines, you typically dial *72 followed by the destination number, then press the # key or wait for confirmation. For mobile phones, the process generally involves navigating through your phone’s settings menu, specifically the call settings, and selecting the call forwarding option. Let’s dive deeper into these methods, and other vital aspects of Verizon call forwarding, ensuring you become a true expert yourself!

Understanding Verizon Call Forwarding: A Deep Dive

Call forwarding, at its core, is a remarkably simple yet powerful feature. It allows you to redirect incoming calls from your Verizon phone number to another number of your choosing. This can be incredibly useful in a multitude of scenarios, from ensuring you don’t miss important calls while traveling or working remotely, to seamlessly routing business calls to different team members. But understanding the nuances of how Verizon implements this feature is key to maximizing its potential.

Call Forwarding on Verizon Landlines

Let’s start with the venerable landline. While mobile phones often steal the spotlight, many still rely on traditional landlines, and Verizon offers robust call forwarding capabilities for them.

• Activation: To activate call forwarding on a Verizon landline, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit phone number you want to forward your calls to. For example, if you want to forward calls to 555-123-4567, you would dial *725551234567. Once you’ve entered the number, listen for a confirmation tone or announcement. Some systems require pressing the # key after the number, so try that if you don’t receive immediate confirmation.

• Deactivation: To deactivate call forwarding on a Verizon landline, dial *73. Again, listen for a confirmation tone or announcement. This will immediately stop all call forwarding from your landline.

• Important Considerations: It’s crucial to remember that call forwarding on landlines typically works on a per-call basis, meaning all calls will be forwarded once activated. There isn’t a built-in option to forward only when busy or unanswered, as you might find on a mobile phone. Also, some older Verizon landline systems may have slightly different dialing codes. If *72 and *73 don’t work, contact Verizon customer support to confirm the correct codes for your specific service area.

Call Forwarding on Verizon Mobile Phones

Now, let’s turn our attention to mobile phones. The call forwarding landscape here is a bit more sophisticated, offering greater flexibility and control.

• Android Phones: The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer and Android version, but the general process is as follows:

  1. Open your phone’s Phone app.
  2. Tap the menu icon (usually three dots or lines in the upper right corner).
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Look for Call Forwarding or Calling Accounts, then choose your Verizon SIM card if prompted.
  5. You’ll typically see three options: Forward when busy, Forward when unanswered, and Forward always.
  6. Tap the option you want to use, enter the destination phone number, and tap Enable or Turn On.

• iPhones: The process on iPhones is equally straightforward:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
  3. Tap Call Forwarding.
  4. Toggle the Call Forwarding switch to the “on” position.
  5. Enter the destination phone number in the “Forward To” field.

• Deactivation: To deactivate call forwarding on both Android and iOS, simply navigate back to the same settings menu and disable the call forwarding option you previously enabled.

• Important Considerations: Unlike landlines, mobile phones offer conditional call forwarding. You can choose to forward calls only when your phone is busy, unanswered, or unreachable. This is a significant advantage, allowing you to maintain control over which calls are forwarded and when. Additionally, always double-check that call forwarding is properly disabled when you no longer need it, as forgotten call forwarding can lead to missed calls and frustration.

Troubleshooting Common Call Forwarding Issues

Even with the best instructions, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

• Call Forwarding Not Working: Double-check that you’ve entered the destination phone number correctly. Also, verify that you have an active Verizon plan that includes call forwarding. Some older or limited plans may not offer this feature.

• Dialing Codes Not Working (Landline): As mentioned earlier, Verizon landline systems can vary. Contact Verizon customer support to confirm the correct dialing codes for your specific area.

• Call Forwarding Keeps Turning Off: This could indicate a problem with your phone’s software or settings. Try restarting your phone or contacting Verizon support for assistance.

• Call Forwarding Works Intermittently: Check your phone’s signal strength. If you’re in an area with poor coverage, call forwarding may not function reliably. Also, ensure that your phone’s operating system is up to date, as outdated software can sometimes cause issues.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify everything about Verizon call forwarding:

1. Is there a cost to use call forwarding on Verizon? Typically, call forwarding is included in most Verizon plans. However, some older or basic plans may charge extra. It’s best to check with Verizon to confirm the specifics of your plan. Also, be aware that the forwarded calls may count against your plan’s minutes or data, depending on the plan.

2. Can I forward calls to an international number? Yes, you can usually forward calls to international numbers. However, international call forwarding may incur additional charges, so it’s crucial to verify the rates with Verizon beforehand.

3. Can I forward calls to multiple numbers simultaneously? No, Verizon’s standard call forwarding feature only allows you to forward calls to one number at a time.

4. Will the person I’m forwarding calls to see my original number? This depends on the settings of the receiving phone and carrier. Some phones will display the original caller’s number, while others will show your number.

5. Can I still make outgoing calls while call forwarding is enabled? Yes, call forwarding only affects incoming calls. You can still make outgoing calls as usual.

6. Does call forwarding work when my phone is turned off? On landlines, yes, it works if the service is activated before the power is off. On mobile, If you set up conditional call forwarding (e.g., when unanswered), the forwarding will still work even when your phone is off. However, if you’ve set up unconditional call forwarding (forward all calls), it may not work reliably if your phone is completely powered down.

7. Can I disable call forwarding remotely? It is not possible to disable call forwarding remotely on Verizon unless the service is designed to do so through an app.

8. How do I know if someone has forwarded their calls to my number? There’s no foolproof way to know definitively. However, if you start receiving calls for someone you don’t know, it’s a likely indication.

9. What’s the difference between call forwarding and call transferring? Call forwarding automatically redirects incoming calls, while call transferring requires you to answer the call first and then manually transfer it to another number.

10. Can I forward calls to a voicemail box? Yes, you can forward calls to a voicemail box, including your own or someone else’s.

11. Why is my caller ID not showing up on forwarded calls? This issue may arise due to settings with the receiving number or carrier. Some carriers block forwarded caller ID information. Contact Verizon and the other carrier for assistance.

12. Is there a limit to how long I can keep call forwarding enabled? No, there’s typically no limit to how long you can keep call forwarding enabled, as long as your Verizon account remains active.

In conclusion, mastering Verizon call forwarding opens up a world of convenience and flexibility. By understanding the specific methods for landlines and mobile phones, along with the troubleshooting tips and FAQs, you can confidently manage your calls and ensure you never miss an important connection.