Call forwarding / Verizon
Verizon call forwarding codes: *71, *72 and *73
Verizon does not use the long codes AT&T and T-Mobile use. It has three short star codes: one to forward every call, one to forward the calls you don't answer, and one to turn forwarding off.
In the codes below, number means the 10-digit number you want calls to go to, area code included, no spaces or dashes. For example 5125550147.
The codes
Verizon call forwarding codes
| What you want | Turn on | Turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Forward calls you don't answer (no-answer forwarding) | *71number | *73 |
| Forward every call (your phone will not ring) | *72number | *73 |
For most small businesses *71 is the one you want: your phone rings first, and only the calls you miss are forwarded. Dial *71, then the 10-digit number, for example *715125550147, and press call. Use *72 only when you want every call to go straight to the other number, for example on vacation.
Verizon says the number must be a US number that can take voice calls, written with its area code. You cannot forward to an international number.
Verizon bills a forwarded call as if you had answered it on your cell. Most plans have no monthly charge for call forwarding, and most US plans include unlimited minutes. A few older plans charge a fee.
Turning it off
How to turn off call forwarding on Verizon
Dial *73 and press call. You should hear a confirmation tone or message, which can sound like a busy signal. That is normal.
*73 turns off both *71 and *72. If you want to switch from one to the other, dial *73 first, then the new code.
Verizon says you need to set up or change forwarding from the cell phone itself, inside Verizon coverage. Set it up before you travel abroad.
Without a code
From your phone's settings
iPhone: Settings, then Phone (or Apps, then Phone on newer iOS), then Call Forwarding. On many Verizon iPhones this menu is hidden or forwards every call, so the star codes are more reliable.
Android: Phone app, three-dot menu, Settings, then Calls or Supplementary services. Menu names vary by phone maker, and some Verizon phones hide forwarding there too.
Fixes
If the code does not work
- Check you dialed all 10 digits with the area code, straight after
*71or*72, with no spaces. - Turn off Wi-Fi Calling, set the code again, then turn Wi-Fi Calling back on.
- On an iPhone, turn off Live Voicemail if missed calls still go to voicemail.
- If you have a Verizon prepaid or business plan, forwarding can work differently. Call Verizon on 800-922-0204 and ask for "conditional call forwarding" or "no answer transfer".
- Test it: ask someone to call your cell and let it ring out. With
*71it should ring a few times, then forward.
Source: Verizon, Call Forwarding FAQs. Carriers change their codes and plans from time to time; if something here does not match what your phone does, check with Verizon.
With a receptionist
Forwarding your missed calls to a receptionist
The most useful setup for a small business is to forward only the calls you don't answer. Your phone rings as normal; when you are on a job and can't pick up, the call goes to your While You Work number and our AI receptionist answers in your business name, takes the details and emails them to you within a minute.
When you sign up, your setup page shows the exact Verizon code with your While You Work number already in it, so there is nothing to type wrong. See how it works.
The same setup covers nights and weekends: see our after-hours answering service. If you keep voicemail for the calls you don't forward, our business voicemail greetings page has scripts you can copy.
Questions
Verizon call forwarding questions
What is the Verizon code to forward calls?
Dial *72 and the 10-digit number to forward every call, or *71 and the number to forward only calls you do not answer. Dial *73 to turn forwarding off.
How do I forward only missed calls on Verizon?
Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit number, with no spaces, and press call. Your phone keeps ringing as normal and only unanswered calls are forwarded.
How do I turn off call forwarding on Verizon?
Dial *73 and press call. It turns off both *71 and *72 forwarding.
Does Verizon charge for call forwarding?
Most Verizon plans have no monthly fee for call forwarding. Forwarded calls are billed as if you answered them on your cell, which on most plans means they use unlimited minutes. Some older plans charge a fee.
Hear what it does with your own missed calls
Call (866) 977-5432 toll-free and hear our own receptionist answer, or talk to Ellie in your browser. Priced per call, not per minute: Starter $39 and Pro $79 a month, with a 14-day money-back guarantee. US sign-ups open in November.