How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Verizon (2026 Guide)

Verizon Wireless is the largest mobile carrier in the United States by subscriber count, covering over 90% of the US population with its 5G and 4G LTE networks. Verizon uses *72/*73 for unconditional forwarding and *71 for conditional forwarding (no answer/busy). International call forwarding is not supported.

Here is how to set up call forwarding on Verizon, step by step.

Forwarding Codes for Verizon

Verizon uses its own dial codes. For all-call forwarding, use *72/*73. For conditional forwarding when you don’t answer or your line is busy, use *71.

Forward All Calls (Unconditional)

Activate:   *72 + [number] then press Call
Deactivate: *73 then press Call

Dial *72 followed by the full destination number (e.g., *7214155551234) and press call. Listen for a confirmation tone or a brief recorded message. To cancel, dial *73 and press call.

Forward When No Answer or Busy

Activate:   *71 + [number] then press Call
Deactivate: *73 then press Call

Verizon uses *71 for conditional forwarding. The standard GSM codes **61*, **67*, and **62* are not Verizon’s official method, and ring time cannot be set via a seconds parameter.

Cancel All Forwarding

##002#

Removes all forwarding rules in one step.

Setting Up via the My Verizon App

Verizon’s app gives you another way to manage forwarding:

1. Open the My Verizon app
2. Sign in to your account
3. Tap Account at the bottom
4. Select Devices and pick the line you want to configure
5. Tap Manage Device > Controls or Call Settings
6. Find Call Forwarding and enter the destination number
7. Save your settings

You can also manage this at verizon.com/myaccount. For phone support, dial 611 from your Verizon device or call 1-800-922-0204.

Things to Know About Verizon Forwarding

• *72/*73 for unconditional, *71 for conditional. Verizon’s own codes apply to wireless. GSM codes **61*, **67*, and **62* are not Verizon’s official method.
• No customizable ring time. With *71, Verizon sets the wait time — there is no seconds parameter like with **61*.
• No international forwarding. Verizon does not allow forwarding to numbers outside the United States.
• Per-call charges may apply. On Verizon, forwarded calls count as outgoing minutes from your line. Most current Verizon unlimited plans cover domestic forwarding without extra charges, but metered plans will see the minutes deducted.
• Verizon Prepaid supports forwarding. If you are on a Verizon Prepaid plan, call forwarding works, but some older plans require you to activate the feature first by calling customer service at 611.
• Business accounts have extra options. Verizon Business customers can set up forwarding rules through the Verizon Business Portal, including time-of-day routing and simultaneous ring to multiple numbers.
• Voicemail interference. Verizon’s voicemail is set up as a default conditional forward. If you set a custom forwarding destination but calls still go to Verizon voicemail, you may need to call 611 and ask them to disable the default voicemail forwarding.
• CDMA legacy. Verizon originally ran on CDMA, which did not support standard GSM codes. Since Verizon’s full transition to VoLTE and 5G, GSM codes now work for conditional forwarding on all modern Verizon lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Verizon charge for call forwarding?

Verizon does not charge a fee to turn on call forwarding. The forwarded call itself is treated as an outgoing call and may use your plan minutes. On unlimited plans, domestic forwarding is included. International forwarding is not supported on Verizon.

Why does *72 not work on my Verizon phone?

If *72 returns an error or does nothing, check a few things. Make sure you are dialing from a cellular connection, not Wi-Fi only. Confirm that call forwarding is enabled on your plan by dialing 611 or checking the My Verizon app. On some Verizon Business plans, forwarding may need to be enabled by the account administrator.

Can I forward Verizon calls to a VoIP number?

Yes. You can forward to any valid phone number, including VoIP services, landlines, and other cell phones. The destination number must be able to receive incoming calls from the Verizon network. Some VoIP providers may need specific configuration to accept forwarded calls.

How long does Verizon ring before forwarding kicks in?

With unconditional forwarding via *72, calls skip your phone entirely. With conditional forwarding via *71, Verizon sets the ring time — a seconds value like with **61* is not available on Verizon.

Related Pages

• Call Forwarding: All Carriers Hub - Guides for every major carrier
• How to Set Up Call Forwarding - General forwarding guide for any phone
• GSM Codes Complete Reference - Every GSM/USSD code explained
• Call Forwarding Solutions - Forward calls to an AI assistant