Call forwarding on Verizon sends incoming calls to another number you choose

Call forwarding is a Verizon feature that automatically redirects calls from your phone number to a different phone number — yours or someone else's. When someone calls your Verizon number, the call rings on whichever phone you've set as the forward destination instead of your own phone. You can turn it on or off anytime, and you only pay for the forwarded call itself, not an extra fee for using the feature.

Verizon offers two main types of call forwarding: unconditional (all calls go to the other number) and conditional (calls forward only when your phone is busy, doesn't answer, or is unreachable). The method you use to set it up depends on which type you want and whether you're using a smartphone or a basic phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Unconditional call forwarding sends all incoming calls to another number immediately; conditional forwarding only activates when your phone is busy, unanswered, or unreachable.
  • On most smartphones, you can set up call forwarding through the Phone app settings without calling Verizon or entering any codes.
  • On basic phones, you dial *72 to turn on unconditional forwarding and *73 to turn it off, then enter the destination number when prompted.
  • You can check whether call forwarding is active by dialing *#72# on a basic phone; smartphone users can see the status in their Phone app settings.

Setting up call forwarding on an iPhone

Open the Phone app and tap Settings at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Call Forwarding. Toggle the switch to turn it on, then enter the phone number where you want calls sent. The number must include the area code. Once you tap Save, all incoming calls will forward to that number.

If you want to turn off call forwarding later, go back to the same menu and toggle the switch off. Your phone will show a small arrow icon in the status bar at the top when call forwarding is active, so you can see at a glance whether it's turned on.

Setting up call forwarding on an Android phone

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your phone model and Android version, but the general path is the same. Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu icon (or settings icon), and look for Call Settings or Call Forwarding. Tap Call Forwarding, then select Unconditional Forwarding or Always Forward. Enter the destination phone number with the area code and save.

Some Android phones organize this differently — you may need to go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Permissions, or the option might be under a "More" or "Advanced" submenu. If you can't find it in the Phone app, check your phone's main Settings app under Network or Calling. Once it's on, you'll typically see an indicator on your screen showing that forwarding is active.

Using call forwarding codes on basic phones

If you have a traditional flip phone or basic Verizon phone without a touchscreen, you'll use codes instead of menus. To turn on unconditional call forwarding, dial *72, wait for a tone, then dial the 10-digit number (including area code) where you want calls sent. Press the send or call button. You'll hear a confirmation tone when it's activated.

To turn off unconditional forwarding, dial *73 and press send. To check whether forwarding is currently on, dial *#72# and press send — your phone will display the number calls are being forwarded to, or tell you that forwarding is not active. If you want to set up conditional forwarding (forward only when you don't answer), dial *71 instead of *72, then enter the destination number.

What happens when call forwarding is on

When call forwarding is active, the person calling your Verizon number won't know their call is being redirected — they'll just hear it ring and connect as normal. The call will ring on the forwarded-to number instead of your phone. If the forwarded-to number is busy or doesn't answer, the call won't automatically come back to your phone unless you've also set up conditional forwarding rules.

You're charged for the forwarded call based on your plan — if you're forwarding to a long-distance number, that may count as a long-distance call depending on your plan. Local forwarding within the same area code typically doesn't incur extra charges beyond your regular plan minutes or allowance.

Turning off call forwarding when you don't need it

If you set up call forwarding temporarily — to redirect calls while you're traveling, for example — remember to turn it off when you're done. On a smartphone, go back to the Call Forwarding setting and toggle it off. On a basic phone, dial *73 and press send. If you forget to turn it off, calls will continue forwarding to that number indefinitely until you disable it.

A common mistake is setting up call forwarding and then forgetting it's on, which means you miss calls because they're ringing somewhere else. If you notice you're not receiving calls on your phone, check whether call forwarding is active — it's often the first thing to verify.

When call forwarding doesn't work as expected

If you've set up call forwarding but calls aren't reaching the forwarded-to number, first check that you entered the phone number correctly, including the area code. The destination number must be a working phone number that can receive calls. If the number is correct and calls still aren't forwarding, try turning off call forwarding and turning it back on.

Some Verizon plans or account types have restrictions on call forwarding, particularly if you're on a prepaid plan or a business account with specific settings. If you've tried the steps above and call forwarding still isn't working, contact Verizon directly — they can check your account to see whether the feature is blocked or if there's a technical issue preventing it from activating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I forward calls to an international number?

Yes, but the call will be treated as an international call and charged according to your plan's international rates. Make sure the destination number includes the country code. Check your plan details to understand what international calling costs before setting this up.

What's the difference between call forwarding and call waiting?

Call forwarding sends incoming calls to a different number entirely. Call waiting lets you know when a second call is coming in while you're already on a call, so you can answer it on your current phone. They're separate features that do different things.

If I forward calls to another person's phone, can they see my caller ID?

Yes, the person receiving the forwarded call will see your Verizon phone number on their caller ID, not the number of the phone the call was forwarded to. The forwarding is invisible to the caller.

Does call forwarding work if my phone is turned off?

Yes. Call forwarding happens at Verizon's network level, not on your phone itself, so it works even if your phone is powered off, out of service, or in airplane mode. Calls will still forward to the destination number you set.

Can I set up different forwarding numbers for different contacts?

Standard call forwarding doesn't let you choose different destinations based on who's calling. All calls forward to the same number. If you need to route calls differently, you'd need to use a third-party app or service that offers more advanced call routing options.