If you use Verizon and need to forward your calls, whether to an answering service like Upfirst, a backup phone, or while traveling, this guide has you covered. Here's how to set up call forwarding for all calls, missed calls only, and how to turn it off.
How to forward all calls from Verizon
To send every call to your Verizon number to another phone:
1. Open the Phone app on your device.
2. Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit phone number you want calls forwarded to. Example: *725551234567
3. Press the call button.
4. Wait for a confirmation tone or message that forwarding is active.
5. Hang up. All incoming calls will now forward to the number you entered.
6. Test by calling your Verizon number from another phone to confirm calls go to the new number.
How to forward only missed calls (conditional call forwarding) on Verizon
Conditional call forwarding sends calls to another number only when you don't answer or your line is busy. This is a good option if you want your phone to ring first but need a backup for missed calls.
iPhone users: Before setting up conditional forwarding, you must disable Live Voicemail. Go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail and toggle it off. If Live Voicemail is on, your iPhone will intercept unanswered calls before they can forward.
1. Open the Phone app on your device.
2. Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit forwarding number. Example: *715551234567. Press call.
3. Wait for a confirmation tone or message.
4. Test by calling your Verizon number and letting it ring to confirm forwarding works.
If *71 does not work on your device, try these alternate codes instead:
1. Forward when you don't answer: Dial *92 followed by the forwarding number. Example: *925551234567. Press call.
2. Forward when your line is busy: Dial *90 followed by the forwarding number. Example: *905551234567. Press call.
3. Wait for a confirmation tone or message after each code.
How to turn off call forwarding on Verizon
To stop forwarding and receive calls on your Verizon phone again:
1. Open the Phone app on your device.
2. Dial *73 and press call.
3. Wait for a confirmation tone or message.
4. Call your Verizon number to verify calls ring on your phone as normal.
*73 turns off both unconditional and conditional call forwarding. If you disabled Live Voicemail earlier, you can re-enable it in Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail.
FAQs about call forwarding on Verizon
Does Verizon charge for call forwarding?
Verizon does not charge extra for setting up call forwarding, but forwarded calls may use your plan's minutes. Forwarding to long-distance or international numbers may incur additional charges.
Can I forward calls internationally with Verizon?
Verizon generally only supports forwarding to U.S. phone numbers. International forwarding is not available on most consumer plans.
Will my phone still ring when call forwarding is enabled?
With unconditional forwarding (*72), your phone will not ring. Calls go straight to the forwarded number. With conditional forwarding (*71 or *92/*90), your phone rings first and only forwards if you don't answer or your line is busy.
Can I forward text messages too?
No. Verizon's call forwarding only works for voice calls. Text messages will still be delivered to your phone.
How is immediate forwarding different from conditional forwarding?
Immediate forwarding sends every call directly to another number without ringing your Verizon phone. Conditional forwarding only activates when you can't answer or your line is busy.
Can I forward calls from a Verizon landline?
Yes. Dial *72 plus the forwarding number from your landline, just like with a mobile phone. To turn it off, dial *73.
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