Verizon users frequently need to redirect incoming calls to another number, whether for business efficiency, traveling, or managing a secondary device. While many smartphones offer built-in menu options for call forwarding, Verizon's network primarily relies on star codes (Short-Dial Codes) to ensure the command is registered directly on their servers.

This comprehensive guide covers every method to activate and manage call forwarding on Verizon Wireless and Fios lines, including troubleshooting for modern features like iPhone’s Live Voicemail.

Quick Reference for Verizon Call Forwarding Codes

For those who need to set up forwarding immediately, these dial codes are the fastest method. They work on iPhones, Android devices, and basic "flip" phones.

  • To Forward All Calls (Unconditional): Dial *72 + [10-digit forwarding number] and press Call.
  • To Forward Missed/Busy Calls (Conditional): Dial *71 + [10-digit forwarding number] and press Call.
  • To Deactivate All Call Forwarding: Dial *73 and press Call.

After dialing these codes, you should hear a confirmation tone or a brief message indicating the change has been applied.

Understanding the Different Types of Call Forwarding

Not all call forwarding is the same. Verizon offers two distinct levels of redirection depending on whether you want your primary phone to ring at all.

Unconditional Call Forwarding (*72)

Often referred to as "Immediate Call Forwarding," this feature sends every single incoming call directly to your designated second number. Your physical Verizon phone will not ring. This is ideal for situations where your phone is broken, you are in an area with no reception but have access to a landline, or you are on vacation and want a colleague to handle all inquiries.

Conditional Call Forwarding (*71)

This is a more surgical approach. Your Verizon phone will ring normally first. If you do not answer, if your line is busy, or if you are in a "dead zone" where the phone cannot be reached, the call is then redirected to the forwarding number. This is the preferred method for users who use a third-party visual voicemail service or those who want a backup number to catch missed calls without losing the ability to answer primary calls.

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on a Verizon iPhone

iPhone users often find the "Call Forwarding" toggle in the iOS Settings app to be grayed out or non-functional on Verizon’s network. This is because Verizon manages these features at the network level rather than the device level.

Using Dial Codes on iPhone

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Select the Keypad tab.
  3. Enter *72 (for all calls) or *71 (for conditional).
  4. Enter the 10-digit number you want to forward to (e.g., *725551234567).
  5. Tap the green Call button.
  6. Listen for the confirmation tone or message, then end the call.

Resolving the Live Voicemail Conflict in iOS 17 and Later

A common issue for Verizon iPhone users on iOS 17 or iOS 18 is that conditional call forwarding (*71) appears to fail. This is usually caused by the "Live Voicemail" feature. Live Voicemail attempts to transcribe the call in real-time on your device, which "picks up" the call before the Verizon network can forward it to your secondary number.

To fix this:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
  3. Tap Live Voicemail.
  4. Toggle the switch to Off.
  5. Re-run the *71 code to ensure forwarding is active.

Setting Up Call Forwarding on Verizon Android Devices

Unlike iPhones, many Android devices—specifically those from Samsung and Google—can interface directly with Verizon’s network settings through the phone’s interface.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI) Instructions

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Tap Supplementary Services. (Note: This may take a few seconds to load as it queries the network).
  5. Tap Call Forwarding.
  6. Select Voice Calls.
  7. Choose your preferred type (Always forward, Forward when busy, etc.).
  8. Enter the 10-digit destination number and tap Enable or OK.

Google Pixel and Stock Android Instructions

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
  3. Tap Calling accounts.
  4. Select your Verizon SIM.
  5. Tap Call forwarding.
  6. Select the specific forwarding condition and enter the destination number.

Managing Call Forwarding via My Verizon

If you do not have your physical phone with you, or if the device is damaged, you can manage call forwarding through your Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app on another device.

Using the My Verizon App

  1. Log in to the My Verizon app.
  2. Tap the Account tab at the bottom.
  3. Select the specific mobile line you wish to manage.
  4. Scroll down to the Preferences or Manage Device section.
  5. Look for Call Forwarding.
  6. Toggle the feature on and enter the destination number.

Using the Verizon Website

  1. Go to the official Verizon website and sign in to your My Verizon account.
  2. Navigate to the Manage Device page for the line in question.
  3. Locate the Call Forwarding section under "Calling Features."
  4. Enter the 10-digit forwarding number and save changes.

Verizon Fios and Landline Call Forwarding

For traditional landline or Fios Digital Voice customers, the process is slightly different but still relies on familiar codes.

Standard Landline Codes

  • Activate: Lift the receiver, listen for a dial tone, and press *72. Wait for the second dial tone, then dial the forwarding number. The feature is activated when someone answers the destination phone or when you hear two short tones.
  • Deactivate: Lift the receiver, press *73, and listen for the confirmation tones.

Fios Digital Voice Advanced Features

Fios users have access to "Simultaneous Ring" and "Locate Me" through the Verizon Fios account manager.

  • Simultaneous Ring: Allows up to three different numbers to ring at the exact same time. The first one to answer gets the call.
  • Locate Me: Rings your numbers in a specific sequence (e.g., Home Phone first, then Cell Phone, then Office).

Important Limitations and Billing Details

Before enabling call forwarding, it is vital to understand what the service does—and does not—do.

What Happens to Text Messages?

A common misconception is that call forwarding includes SMS/MMS messages. Call forwarding only redirects voice calls. Your text messages will still arrive on your primary Verizon device. If you need to read texts remotely, you should use the Verizon Messages (Message+) web portal or sync your messages with a cloud service like iCloud or Google Sync.

International Forwarding Restrictions

Verizon generally does not allow calls to be forwarded to international phone numbers. The destination number must be a valid 10-digit North American number (including the area code).

Costs and Minutes

  • Monthly Fees: Most modern Verizon plans (Unlimited, 5G Start/Do/Play, etc.) do not charge a monthly fee for basic call forwarding.
  • Usage Charges: Forwarded calls are billed as if you answered the call on your primary phone. If you are on an older plan with limited minutes, forwarded calls will consume those minutes. If you have an unlimited plan, there is usually no additional cost for the call duration.
  • Long Distance: If your plan includes long-distance calling, you won't be charged extra for forwarding to a number outside your local area.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why am I getting a busy signal?

If callers hear a busy signal after you set up forwarding, it usually means the destination number was entered incorrectly. This often happens if the area code was omitted or if an extra digit was accidentally pressed. Deactivate the service using *73 and set it up again, ensuring you enter exactly 10 digits.

Forwarding does not work while roaming

You cannot typically activate call forwarding while your phone is outside the Verizon network (international roaming). However, if you activate the forwarding before you leave the Verizon coverage area, it will continue to work while you are abroad.

The "Call Forwarding Failed" Error on Android

This often occurs due to a "SIM Refresh" issue. Try toggling Airplane Mode on and off, or restart the device. If the menu-based setting in "Supplementary Services" continues to fail, revert to using the *72 dial code method, which bypasses the phone's UI and communicates directly with the network.

What is the difference between *72 and *92?

On many Verizon landline systems, *72 is for immediate forwarding, while *92 is used specifically for "No Answer" forwarding (similar to *71 on mobile). If you are using a Fios line and *71 does not work, try *92 followed by the destination number.

Summary of Verizon Call Forwarding Options

Feature Dial Code (To Turn On) Dial Code (To Turn Off) Best Use Case
All Calls (Unconditional) *72 + Number *73 Phone is off, broken, or in a no-signal area.
No Answer/Busy (Conditional) *71 + Number *73 Using a second phone or third-party voicemail.
Fios No Answer *92 + Number *93 Specific for Fios/Landline home phones.
Fios Busy Line *90 + Number *91 Redirects only when you are already on a call.

Conclusion

Managing call forwarding on Verizon is straightforward once you understand that dial codes are the most reliable method. Whether you are using an iPhone and need to disable Live Voicemail, or an Android user navigating the Supplementary Services menu, the core network commands remain the same. Always remember to test the setup by calling your Verizon number from a different phone to ensure the calls are landing at the intended destination. By utilizing *72 for total redirection and *71 for conditional backup, you can ensure that you never miss an important call, regardless of your location or device status.

FAQ

How do I turn off call forwarding on Verizon?

To turn off all call forwarding on your Verizon phone, simply dial *73 and press the Call button. You will hear a confirmation tone or a message indicating the service has been deactivated.

Does Verizon charge for call forwarding?

Most current Verizon plans include call forwarding at no extra monthly cost. However, the calls that are forwarded will use your plan's minutes. If you have an unlimited plan, this won't result in extra charges.

Can I forward my Verizon phone to an international number?

No, Verizon call forwarding is restricted to 10-digit U.S. numbers. It cannot be used to redirect calls to international lines.

Can I forward my Verizon phone if I don't have it with me?

Yes. You can log in to the My Verizon app or the Verizon website from any computer or mobile device to manage call forwarding for any line on your account.