How to Enable Call Forwarding With Verizon: A Comprehensive Guide

Enabling call forwarding with Verizon is a straightforward process that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. Whether you’re stepping away from your desk, traveling, or simply want to ensure you don’t miss important calls, Verizon offers several ways to activate and manage this convenient feature. The most common method involves using star codes directly from your Verizon phone: dial *72 followed by the destination phone number and then press Send. This will immediately activate call forwarding to the number you specified.

Understanding Verizon Call Forwarding Options

Verizon provides a few different types of call forwarding to suit various needs. Understanding these options is crucial before enabling the service. These options depend on the type of Verizon service you have – landline or mobile.

Call Forwarding Unconditional

This is the most common type. Call Forwarding Unconditional forwards all incoming calls to another number immediately, regardless of whether your phone is busy or ringing. As noted above, you typically activate this by dialing *72 followed by the destination number and then pressing Send. To deactivate, you dial *73 and press Send.

Call Forwarding Busy

With Call Forwarding Busy, your calls are only forwarded when your line is busy. This ensures that callers still reach you directly if your line is available. To activate this feature on most Verizon landlines, you’ll need to dial a different code, often *90, followed by the destination number. To deactivate, it is usually *91. Be sure to check with Verizon customer service for the correct code in your specific area.

Call Forwarding No Answer

Call Forwarding No Answer diverts calls to another number only if you don’t answer within a specified number of rings. To activate, you often use codes like *92 followed by the destination number and the number of rings before forwarding (e.g., *92 followed by the number, and then 4 to forward after four rings). Deactivation codes are usually *93. Again, confirm the exact codes for your region with Verizon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Call Forwarding

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to enable Call Forwarding Unconditional, the most commonly used option, on a Verizon phone:

1. Prepare the Destination Number: Have the number you want to forward calls to readily available. Ensure it’s a valid and active phone number.
2. Dial the Activation Code: On your Verizon phone, dial *72. This is the universal code for activating Call Forwarding Unconditional.
3. Enter the Destination Number: Immediately after dialing *72, enter the complete ten-digit phone number you wish to forward your calls to. Include the area code.
4. Press Send/Call: Once you’ve entered the number, press the Send or Call button on your phone.
5. Confirmation Tone: Listen for a confirmation tone or message. This indicates that call forwarding has been successfully activated. If you don’t hear a confirmation, try the process again.

Verifying Call Forwarding is Active

After activating call forwarding, it’s a good idea to verify that it’s working correctly.

1. Use a Test Phone: Call your Verizon phone number from another phone.
2. Confirm Redirection: If call forwarding is active, the call should be immediately redirected to the destination number you specified.
3. Troubleshooting: If the call isn’t forwarded, double-check that you entered the correct activation code (*72) and destination number. If problems persist, contact Verizon customer support.

Disabling Call Forwarding

Deactivating call forwarding is just as simple as enabling it. To turn off Call Forwarding Unconditional, dial *73 and press Send. Listen for a confirmation tone, which signifies that the service has been successfully deactivated. For Call Forwarding Busy or No Answer, use the deactivation codes noted earlier (*91 and *93 respectively, but confirm with Verizon).

Managing Call Forwarding Through My Verizon

While using star codes is the most common method, Verizon may also offer options to manage call forwarding through their website or mobile app, My Verizon. This often provides a more visual and user-friendly way to control your call forwarding settings.

1. Log into My Verizon: Access your account through the Verizon website or the My Verizon app.
2. Navigate to Call Forwarding: Look for the call forwarding settings, usually under features or calling options.
3. Enable or Disable: Follow the on-screen instructions to enable or disable call forwarding and to enter the destination number.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

While call forwarding is generally reliable, issues can sometimes arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• No Confirmation Tone: If you don’t hear a confirmation tone after entering the activation code and destination number, the service may not be active. Try again, ensuring you enter the correct code and number.
• Calls Not Forwarding: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct destination number. Also, verify that the destination number is active and able to receive calls.
• Call Forwarding Not Deactivating: If you can’t deactivate call forwarding, try deactivating it through the My Verizon website or app. If the problem persists, contact Verizon customer support.
• International Call Forwarding: Standard call forwarding usually works only for domestic numbers. If you need to forward calls to an international number, you may need to explore specific international call forwarding plans offered by Verizon.

FAQs About Verizon Call Forwarding

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about call forwarding with Verizon:

1. How much does call forwarding cost with Verizon?

The cost of call forwarding depends on your Verizon plan. Some plans include call forwarding as a standard feature, while others may charge a monthly fee. Check your plan details or contact Verizon customer support to confirm the pricing.

2. Can I forward calls to an international number?

Generally, standard Verizon call forwarding works only for domestic numbers. To forward calls to an international number, you might need to subscribe to a specific international call forwarding plan or consider using a third-party service designed for international call forwarding.

3. Can I forward calls from my Verizon cell phone to my landline?

Yes, you can forward calls from your Verizon cell phone to your landline or vice versa. The process is the same as forwarding calls to any other number.

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

The easiest way to check if call forwarding is active is to call your Verizon number from another phone. If the call is immediately forwarded to the destination number, call forwarding is active.

5. Can I use call forwarding with multiple destination numbers?

No, standard Verizon call forwarding typically only allows you to forward calls to one destination number at a time. If you need to forward calls to multiple numbers, you might need to explore advanced call management services.

6. Will call forwarding work if my Verizon phone is turned off?

Yes, Call Forwarding Unconditional will work even if your Verizon phone is turned off. The calls are forwarded at the network level, so your phone doesn’t need to be active.

7. Can I forward calls to my voicemail?

Yes, you can forward calls to your voicemail. Simply enter your voicemail access number as the destination number when activating call forwarding. This can be helpful if you want all calls to go directly to voicemail.

8. What is the difference between call forwarding and call waiting?

Call forwarding redirects all incoming calls to another number, while call waiting alerts you to an incoming call while you’re already on the phone, giving you the option to answer it.

9. How do I cancel call forwarding if I am away from my home phone?

If you are away from your home phone, the easiest method is to log into your My Verizon account online or through the mobile app. Here you can typically disable the call forwarding feature. Otherwise, you will need to wait until you have access to your home phone to dial the deactivation code.

10. Can I use call forwarding with my Verizon Fios Digital Voice service?

Yes, the call forwarding feature works with Verizon Fios Digital Voice. The activation and deactivation codes are the same. You can also manage it via the My Verizon online portal.

11. Can I set up call forwarding to forward only specific numbers?

Verizon’s standard call forwarding does not provide an option for only forwarding specific numbers. All calls will be forwarded once the feature is activated. Consider using third-party call management applications that are designed to perform that function.

12. What if I forget the number I am forwarding my calls to?

The best way to find the number is to go into your My Verizon account online or on the mobile app to check settings. Additionally, you can deactivate the call forwarding feature, then reactivate and enter the number you wish to forward calls to.

By following these steps and FAQs, you can confidently enable and manage call forwarding with Verizon to ensure you never miss an important call.