How to forward calls on Verizon (iPhone and Android)

Verizon wireless call forwarding uses star codes, not an app toggle. That trips people up, especially iPhone users, since most other carriers let you turn it on from Settings.

This guide covers both types Verizon offers: unconditional forwarding, where every call skips your phone and goes straight to another number, and conditional forwarding, where your phone rings first and only unanswered calls get forwarded. It also covers the one setting that quietly breaks call forwarding on newer iPhones.

Unconditional vs. conditional call forwarding

Unconditional forwarding sends every incoming call to another number immediately. Your phone never rings.

Conditional forwarding (Verizon calls this No Answer/Busy Transfer) rings your phone first. If you don't pick up, or your line is busy, the call forwards. If you do answer, nothing happens. This is the option most businesses want, since it forwards only the calls you'd otherwise miss.

Verizon call forwarding codes

*73 is a universal code. It turns off whichever type of forwarding is active, so you don't need to remember which one you set up.

You may see older guides list separate codes for busy (*90) and no answer (*92). Verizon's current support documentation lists *71 as a single code that covers both, so that's the one to use.

How to forward calls on a Verizon iPhone

Verizon iPhones don't have a Call Forwarding toggle in Settings. That option exists on GSM carriers like T-Mobile, but Verizon runs on its legacy CDMA-based system for this feature, so the toggle is grayed out or missing entirely. Dial codes and the My Verizon app are your only two options.

Step 1: Turn off Live Voicemail. If you're on iOS 17 or later, Live Voicemail can intercept unanswered calls before your conditional forwarding code has a chance to work. Go to Settings, tap Apps, scroll to Phone, and turn Live Voicemail off.

Step 2: Know the number you're forwarding to. If you're a Clara AI customer, your forwarding number is at the top of your Clara AI dashboard.

Step 3: Set up conditional forwarding. Dial *71 immediately followed by the 10-digit number, then press call. Wait for the confirmation tone or message.

Step 4: Or set up unconditional forwarding. Dial *72 immediately followed by the 10-digit number, then press call. Wait for the confirmation tone or message.

To turn either one off: dial *73, then press call.

How to forward calls on a Verizon Android phone

Android skips the Live Voicemail step entirely, since that feature is iOS-only. The codes are identical:

• Conditional forwarding: *71 + number, then call

• Unconditional forwarding: *72 + number, then call

• Turn off: *73, then call

Some Android phones also expose call forwarding under Phone app settings, but the dial codes work on every device and are the more reliable method on Verizon.

Setting up call forwarding through My Verizon

If you'd rather not use dial codes, you can turn conditional forwarding on or off through your My Verizon account or app, under call settings. This method isn't available on prepaid Verizon plans. Prepaid accounts have to use the dial codes.

Forwarding your Verizon number to Clara AI

If you're setting this up for a business line, conditional forwarding is usually the better fit. Your front desk still answers live calls, and only the ones you miss, after hours, during a busy shift, or when no one's available, get picked up by Clara AI instead of going to voicemail.

Dial *71, followed by your Clara AI number (found at the top of your Clara AI dashboard), then press call. Once you get the confirmation tone, missed calls will ring through to Clara AI, who can answer, gather details, and book the appointment instead of leaving a caller with a voicemail box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Verizon charge extra for call forwarding? 

There's no monthly fee on most current plans, though some older, retired plans may still carry one. Forwarded calls use airtime from your plan just as if you'd answered them yourself, so if you're not on an unlimited plan, they count against your minutes.

Can I forward calls to an international number? 

No. Verizon only allows forwarding to a 10-digit U.S. number.

Can I set up call forwarding while traveling internationally?

You can't turn it on while roaming abroad, but if you set it up before you leave, it keeps working while you travel.

Why isn't my conditional call forwarding working on my iPhone?

Check that Live Voicemail is turned off. On iOS 17 and later, it can intercept the call before *71 gets a chance to forward it.

Does call forwarding forward my text messages too? 

No. Call forwarding only affects calls.