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How do I forward missed calls on Verizon to an answering line?

On a Verizon mobile, dial *71 followed by the 10-digit number of the answering line and press Call. Verizon calls this No Answer/Busy Transfer: calls you do not pick up, and calls that arrive while you are on the phone, go to that number. Dial *73 to turn it off.

Do not use *72 for missed calls: it forwards every call and your phone stops ringing. The ring time cannot be changed by code, and Verizon’s own pages disagree on it (3 to 6 rings on one, three or four on another). Airtime can apply to forwarded calls, and Verizon documents no code for a phone that is off or out of signal. Codes from Verizon’s support pages, read on 31 Oct 2026.

Updated Oct 31, 2026

How it works

  1. Dial *71 and the number

    From the Verizon phone itself, dial *71 followed by the 10-digit number (Verizon’s example: *71-999-555-4567), then press Call.

  2. Wait for the beeps

    Listen for the confirmation beeps, then wait for the call to end. If you pressed extra buttons and hear a busy tone, enter the code and number again.

  3. Know what it covers

    Unanswered calls and calls that arrive while you are on the phone go to the answering line. Only calls are forwarded, not texts. Verizon documents no separate code for when the phone is off or has no signal.

  4. Turn it off with *73

    Dial *73 from the mobile. Verizon warns that the confirmation tone “may sound like a busy signal”.

  5. Test it before you rely on it

    Call your business number from another phone and let it ring without answering. The call should reach the answering line after the ring time. If you set busy forwarding, call again while the line is in use, and if you set unreachable, try once with the phone switched off.

What it costs to run

Verizon does not charge for the feature on most plans, but the minutes of a forwarded call can be billed. Its two pages word this differently: the FAQ ties billing to plans without unlimited minutes, while the article says airtime applies to all forwarded calls. As written on Verizon’s pages, read on 31 Oct 2026:

ItemList priceSource
Call Forwarding feature“There’s no monthly fee for Call Forwarding on most plans”; “a fee may apply on certain older plans”Verizon, Call Forwarding FAQsRead on Oct 31, 2026
Forwarded calls without unlimited minutes“You’ll be billed for all forwarded calls according to your plan”Verizon, Call Forwarding FAQsRead on Oct 31, 2026
Airtime on forwarded calls“Airtime charges still apply to all forwarded calls, even if the calls are forwarded to a landline”Verizon, Call Forwarding: Everything You Need to KnowRead on Oct 31, 2026

Third-party list prices, read on the date shown. They are not Betterlane prices.

When it is not worth it

  • On a Verizon Fios Digital Voice home line, the user guide documents only forward-all (*72, off *73), with no missed-call option, so the line stops ringing while it is on.
  • Abroad: Verizon says forwarding cannot be set up outside its coverage area or while traveling internationally, though if set before roaming it “should continue to work”.

Questions

Can I change forwarding online?

No. Verizon says forwarding can only be set or changed from the mobile phone itself. Without the phone, or if the codes fail, call Verizon Customer Service at 800-922-0204.

How many rings before the call forwards?

You cannot set it by code. Verizon’s knowledge base says calls transfer after 3 to 6 rings; its article “Call Forwarding: Everything You Need to Know” says after three or four. Test it to see what your line does.

Can I forward to a number outside the US?

No. The destination must be an active, voice-capable US 10-digit number.

What about a Verizon business landline?

Verizon Business Digital Voice sets it in the User Portal: Call Forwarding, turn on When Busy and When no answer, enter the number, and choose how many rings. Those pages list no star codes. By default, unanswered calls go to voicemail.

Sources

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