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How To Turn Off Call Forwarding on Verizon: A Comprehensive Guide

Turning off call forwarding on your Verizon phone can be surprisingly simple, freeing you from unintentionally rerouting calls. I’ll guide you through the quick steps to achieve that, then address common questions to ensure you’re a pro at managing your call forwarding settings.

The Quick & Easy Method: Turning Off Call Forwarding

There are several methods to disable call forwarding on Verizon, depending on the type of phone you have (landline or mobile) and the features you’re using. However, the most straightforward method is using star codes.

From your Verizon phone, dial *73. (or 1173 on some older systems)
Listen for a confirmation tone or message. This confirms that call forwarding has been deactivated.
Hang up.

That’s it! You should now receive calls directly on your Verizon phone. However, understanding different methods and potential issues is vital, so let’s delve deeper.

Understanding the Different Call Forwarding Scenarios

Call forwarding isn’t a monolith; it has variants. To fully understand how to manage it, you need to know the different types you might be using:

Call Forwarding Always: All incoming calls are immediately forwarded to another number.
Call Forwarding Busy: Calls are forwarded only when your line is busy.
Call Forwarding No Answer: Calls are forwarded if you don’t answer after a set number of rings.
Call Forwarding Unavailable: Calls are forwarded if your phone is turned off or out of network coverage.

Each type might require a slightly different approach to disable, though the *73 code often handles the most common “Call Forwarding Always” scenario.

Alternative Methods for Deactivating Call Forwarding

While the star code is often the quickest, you can also manage call forwarding through:

Verizon My Fios App: If you have Verizon Fios (home internet and phone), the My Fios app offers a user-friendly interface to manage your call forwarding settings. Look for the “Call Forwarding” section under your phone service options.
My Verizon Website: Log into your My Verizon account online. Navigate to your phone service settings, and you should find options to manage call forwarding. This is particularly useful for landlines or if you prefer a visual interface.
Verizon Customer Service: If you’re struggling to disable call forwarding using the above methods, contacting Verizon customer service directly is always an option. They can remotely disable call forwarding on your line.
Phone Settings (Mobile): On many smartphones, you can access call forwarding settings directly within the phone’s settings menu. Typically, you’ll find this under “Phone” or “Call Settings,” then “Call Forwarding.” From there, you can disable each type of call forwarding individually.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even with the right instructions, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Confirmation Tone Not Heard: If you don’t hear a confirmation tone after dialing *73, try dialing it again slowly and deliberately. Ensure you have a clear connection. If the issue persists, try the My Verizon app or website.
Call Forwarding Remains Active: In rare cases, the deactivation code might not work immediately. Give it a few minutes and test by having someone call your number. If it’s still forwarding, contact Verizon support.
Unfamiliar with Star Codes: While *73 is the standard deactivation code, some older systems or specific service plans might use a different code. Consult your Verizon documentation or contact support for the correct code.
Forgot the Number Call Are Being Forwarded To: if you want to make sure where all the calls are being forwarded to, you can dial *72 to show you the call forwarding number, you can remove it following this procedure.

Landline vs. Mobile: Key Differences

While the *73 code often works for both landlines and mobile phones, there are nuances:

Landlines: Landlines often rely more on star codes and the My Verizon website for managing features. The My Fios app is particularly helpful for Fios landline subscribers.
Mobile Phones: Mobile phones offer the most flexibility, with in-phone settings, the My Verizon app, and star codes all available. The in-phone settings provide granular control over different call forwarding types.

Optimizing Your Call Management

Once you’ve successfully disabled call forwarding, consider how you can optimize your overall call management:

Voicemail Setup: Ensure your voicemail is properly set up. A clear and professional greeting is essential.
Do Not Disturb Mode: Learn how to use Do Not Disturb mode on your smartphone to silence calls when you need uninterrupted time.
Call Blocking: Familiarize yourself with call blocking features to prevent unwanted calls from reaching you.
Visual Voicemail: Visual voicemail (available on most smartphones) makes managing your voicemails much easier.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of call forwarding on Verizon.

1. What if *73 doesn’t work for me?

Try 1173 as an alternative deactivation code. If neither works, use the My Verizon app/website or contact Verizon support. There might be an issue with your line configuration.

2. How can I check if call forwarding is active?

On most phones, you can dial *72 (or 1172 on some systems). This should display or announce the number to which your calls are being forwarded (if call forwarding is currently active).

3. Can I turn off call forwarding temporarily?

Yes! Turning it off using any of the methods described is temporary. You can reactivate it later as needed.

4. Will turning off call forwarding affect my voicemail?

No, disabling call forwarding won’t affect your voicemail settings. Calls that aren’t answered will still go to voicemail (assuming voicemail is enabled).

5. Does Verizon charge extra for call forwarding?

It depends on your plan. Some plans include call forwarding as a standard feature, while others might charge a monthly fee. Check your Verizon account details or contact support for clarification.

6. Can I forward calls to an international number?

Yes, but it might incur international call charges. Check Verizon’s international rates before forwarding calls to an international number.

7. How do I turn off call forwarding busy?

The code to turn off call forwarding busy is usually *91 (or 1191).

8. How do I turn off call forwarding no answer?

The code to turn off call forwarding no answer is typically *93 (or 1193).

9. What is conditional call forwarding?

Conditional call forwarding refers to call forwarding that’s only active under certain conditions (busy, no answer, or unavailable).

10. Is there a difference between call forwarding and call diverting?

The terms are often used interchangeably. They both refer to the process of redirecting incoming calls to another number.

11. Can I set up call forwarding on multiple Verizon lines simultaneously?

Yes, you can manage call forwarding individually for each line on your Verizon account.

12. What if I forgot my Verizon account password to use the app or website?

You can easily reset your password through the My Verizon website or app by following the “Forgot Password” instructions. You’ll typically need to provide your account information and answer security questions.