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

Step-by-step instructions to set up call forwarding on Verizon Wireless. Includes *72/*73 codes, GSM codes, My Verizon app setup, and troubleshooting.

David Schemm David Schemm

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. Like AT&T, Verizon uses its own *72/*73 codes for unconditional call forwarding while supporting standard GSM codes for conditional forwarding.

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

Forwarding Codes for Verizon

Verizon uses a mix of proprietary and standard codes. For all-call forwarding, use *72/*73. For conditional forwarding (no answer, busy, unreachable), use the standard GSM codes.

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

Activate:   **61*[number]**[seconds]#
Deactivate: ##61#
Check:      *#61#

Replace [seconds] with the ring duration before forwarding: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30.

Forward When Busy

Activate:   **67*[number]#
Deactivate: ##67#
Check:      *#67#

Forward When Unreachable

Activate:   **62*[number]#
Deactivate: ##62#
Check:      *#62#

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 only. Verizon’s proprietary codes handle all-call forwarding. For conditional scenarios (no answer, busy, unreachable), you need the standard GSM codes. The **21* code may not work reliably on Verizon.
  • 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.

Try It Interactively

Our interactive call forwarding tool generates the right codes for Verizon. Pick Verizon as your carrier, choose conditional or unconditional forwarding, enter the destination, and get the exact code to dial.

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 billed at Verizon’s international rates.

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?

When using the no-answer forwarding code (**61*), you set the ring time yourself (5 to 30 seconds). If you used *72 for unconditional forwarding, calls skip your phone entirely and go directly to the destination without ringing.

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.
Why does *72 not work on my Verizon phone?
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.
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.
How long does Verizon ring before forwarding kicks in?
When using the no-answer forwarding code (**61*), you set the ring time yourself (5 to 30 seconds). If you used *72 for unconditional forwarding, calls skip your phone entirely.
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