How Do I Forward Calls with Comcast?

Call forwarding – it’s a lifesaver when you’re on the go, unavailable, or just plain trying to maintain some semblance of work-life balance. With Comcast’s Xfinity Voice, you’ve got a few options for setting up call forwarding, each catering to different needs. The method you use depends on the kind of phone service you have and what you’re trying to accomplish. Let’s dive straight into the how-to, and then we’ll unpack some common questions.

To forward your Xfinity Voice calls, you can use any of the following methods:

1. Using Your Phone:

This is often the quickest and most straightforward approach.

• To Activate Call Forwarding: Dial *72, then enter the 10-digit phone number you want to forward your calls to, followed by the # key. You should hear a confirmation tone or message. Example: *72-123-456-7890#
• To Deactivate Call Forwarding: Dial *73. Again, listen for a confirmation tone or message confirming that call forwarding has been disabled.

2. Through the Xfinity Voice Online Portal:

This method is ideal if you prefer a visual interface or need to manage call forwarding remotely.

• Log in to your Xfinity account at xfinity.com.
• Navigate to the “My Account” section.
• Find the “Voice” tile or link.
• Select “Call Forwarding.” (The exact wording might vary slightly based on updates to the Xfinity website.)
• Enter the phone number you want to forward your calls to in the designated field.
• Enable the call forwarding feature.
• Save your changes.

3. Using the Xfinity My Account App:

Perfect for those who live on their smartphones.

• Open the Xfinity My Account app on your mobile device.
• Sign in with your Xfinity credentials.
• Tap on the “Voice” tab.
• Select “Call Forwarding.”
• Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to.
• Toggle the call forwarding feature on or off as needed.
• Save any changes.

Important Considerations:

• Check your plan: Ensure your Xfinity Voice plan includes call forwarding. While it’s typically standard, it’s always good to confirm.
• Long-distance charges: Be aware that you may incur long-distance charges if you’re forwarding calls to a number outside your local calling area, depending on your Xfinity Voice plan. Check your plan details for more information.
• Confirmation: Always listen for the confirmation tone or message after activating or deactivating call forwarding via your phone. With the online portal or app, double-check that your settings have been saved correctly.

Understanding Call Forwarding Options with Comcast

Call forwarding isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Xfinity offers variations to suit your specific requirements. Let’s break down the common types:

Unconditional Call Forwarding:

This is the simplest form. All incoming calls are immediately forwarded to the designated number. This is the method activated by the *72 code. This is beneficial when you are completely unavailable and don’t want any calls to ring your home phone.

Call Forwarding Busy:

This option only forwards calls when your line is busy. Instead of the caller hearing a busy signal, they’ll be redirected to the forwarding number. Unfortunately, Xfinity does not offer Call Forwarding Busy.

Call Forwarding No Answer:

As the name suggests, calls are forwarded only if you don’t answer within a specified number of rings. Xfinity offers Call Forwarding No Answer. Calls ring at your location for a number of rings you designate, and then the call will be forwarded.

Selective Call Forwarding:

This advanced feature allows you to forward calls only from specific numbers. Xfinity does not offer Selective Call Forwarding.

Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

• Call forwarding not working: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct phone number, including the area code. Ensure that call forwarding is actually enabled in your online portal or app.
• Confirmation tone not heard: Try dialing the activation or deactivation code again, ensuring you’re pressing the keys firmly and clearly.
• Unexpected charges: Review your Xfinity bill for any unfamiliar charges. Contact Xfinity support if you believe you’re being billed incorrectly for call forwarding.
• Calls are still ringing: Make sure you deactivated the call forwarding by dialing *73. Check the call forwarding section of the app to see if it’s activated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Comcast Call Forwarding

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate Comcast call forwarding like a pro:

1. Is there a fee for using call forwarding with Xfinity Voice?

Call forwarding is typically included as a standard feature in most Xfinity Voice plans. However, long-distance charges may apply if you forward calls to a number outside your local calling area, depending on your plan. It’s crucial to check your plan details or contact Xfinity to confirm any potential charges.

2. How do I know if call forwarding is currently active on my Xfinity Voice line?

The easiest way is to dial *73. If call forwarding is already active, it will deactivate it, and you’ll receive a confirmation tone. Then, to check again, dial *72 and your phone number. If it’s activated, you’ll receive the tone again. You can also check the Xfinity My Account app or the Xfinity website.

3. Can I forward calls to an international number?

Yes, you can usually forward calls to an international number, but international long-distance rates will apply. Be sure to understand these rates before forwarding calls internationally.

4. How many phone numbers can I forward calls to simultaneously?

With standard Xfinity Voice call forwarding, you can only forward calls to one number at a time.

5. Can I forward calls to a cell phone?

Absolutely! You can forward calls to any valid 10-digit phone number, including cell phones.

6. What happens if the phone number I’m forwarding calls to is busy or unavailable?

The caller will typically hear a busy signal or be directed to the voicemail of the number you’re forwarding to, assuming that number has voicemail set up.

7. Is there a way to see a log of calls that have been forwarded?

Xfinity Voice typically provides a call log that shows all incoming and outgoing calls, but it may not specifically indicate which calls were forwarded.

8. Can I set up call forwarding to multiple numbers sequentially (if the first number is busy, forward to another, etc.)?

No, Xfinity Voice doesn’t offer sequential call forwarding as a standard feature. You’re limited to forwarding to a single number.

9. What is the difference between call forwarding and simultaneous ring?

Call forwarding redirects calls entirely to another number. Simultaneous Ring makes both your home phone and another number (like your cell phone) ring at the same time, allowing you to answer on either device.

10. What if I forget the call forwarding activation or deactivation codes?

You can always find the activation and deactivation codes on the Xfinity website, in the Xfinity My Account app, or by contacting Xfinity support. The most useful codes are *72 (activate) and *73 (deactivate).

11. Can I use call forwarding to send calls directly to voicemail?

While you can’t directly forward calls to your Xfinity Voice voicemail using the standard call forwarding feature, you can forward calls to your cell phone, and if your cell phone doesn’t answer, it will go to your cell phone voicemail.

12. Does call forwarding work during a power outage?

No, your Xfinity Voice service (and therefore, call forwarding) relies on power. If you experience a power outage, your call forwarding will not function unless you have a backup power solution for your Xfinity modem and voice equipment.

By understanding these nuances of Xfinity Voice call forwarding, you can tailor your communication strategy to fit your lifestyle, ensuring you never miss an important call. Remember to always double-check your plan details and contact Xfinity support if you have any questions or encounter any issues.