Call forwarding on iPhone can be configured through iOS when your carrier exposes the setting, or through carrier-specific dialing codes. Verizon currently uses *72 for immediate forwarding, *71 for unanswered/busy calls, and *73 to turn forwarding off.
Current iPhone path: on recent iOS versions, go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Forwarding. If that option is unavailable or your carrier instructs you to use network codes instead, follow the carrier’s current support page. Do not reuse codes from another carrier.
What Call Forwarding Does
Call forwarding routes incoming voice calls from your mobile number to another telephone number. It does not forward SMS or iMessage, and carrier rules determine which destination numbers are allowed.
Forwarding can be immediate, where every incoming call is redirected, or conditional, where calls are redirected only when the original line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable.
How to Turn On Call Forwarding in iPhone Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Phone.
- Tap Call Forwarding.
- Turn Call Forwarding on.
- Enter the destination number if your carrier exposes the forwarding field.
- Return to the previous screen and make a test call from another phone.
Apple includes Call Forwarding under the Phone settings, but the feature depends on carrier support. Apple also recommends checking Call Forwarding when troubleshooting an iPhone that is not receiving expected calls.
See Apple’s current iPhone calling troubleshooting guide for the current Settings path and related call settings.
Verizon Call Forwarding: Current Mobile Codes
| Goal | Verizon method | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Forward all incoming calls | Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit destination number | All calls route to the destination instead of ringing the Verizon mobile line. |
| Forward unanswered or busy calls | Dial *71 followed by the 10-digit destination number | Verizon describes this as Conditional Call Forwarding for busy or unanswered calls. |
| Turn forwarding off | Dial *73 | Listen for the confirmation tone or message, then place a test call. |
Verizon’s Call Forwarding FAQ says the destination must be an active, voice-capable U.S. line with a 10-digit number. Verizon does not allow forwarding a mobile call to an international number.
Verizon Restrictions to Know Before You Travel
Verizon says you cannot set up Call Forwarding when you are outside its mobile coverage area or traveling internationally. If you configure it before roaming, the forwarding can continue to work while you travel.
This means call forwarding should not be presented as something you can reliably switch on after you have already reached a no-service location. Configure and test it while your Verizon line is still connected to the network.
Do not assume forwarding avoids roaming or calling charges. Billing depends on the carrier, plan, destination, and where the line is used. Verify current plan terms before using forwarding for travel.
AT&T: iPhone Settings Are the Starting Point
AT&T’s current iPhone device-support instructions use the Phone settings to activate Call Forwarding and enter the destination number. On current iOS, the system Phone settings are under Settings → Apps → Phone.
AT&T also notes that the iPhone must be in range of the cellular network when Call Forwarding is configured. If the option is missing or the forwarding request fails, use the carrier’s device-specific support rather than substituting Verizon codes.
See AT&T’s iPhone Call Forwarding instructions for the carrier-specific procedure.
T-Mobile Uses Different Network Codes
T-Mobile publishes its own call-forwarding short codes. For example, its current support page lists **21*1+PhoneNumber# for unconditional forwarding and ##21# to turn unconditional forwarding off. It uses separate codes for no reply, not reachable, and busy conditions.
Because these codes differ from Verizon’s, copy them from T-Mobile’s current self-service short-code page rather than applying Verizon instructions to a T-Mobile line.
How to Verify That Call Forwarding Is Working
- Set forwarding while the iPhone has cellular service.
- Use another phone to call your mobile number.
- Confirm the destination phone rings.
- If you configured conditional forwarding, let the original line ring without answering and confirm the expected behavior.
- Turn forwarding off using the carrier’s documented method and place another test call.
If Calls Still Do Not Arrive Where Expected
- Recheck the forwarding number, including the area code.
- Confirm you used the correct carrier’s method.
- Check Focus or Do Not Disturb, blocked contacts, and Silence Unknown Callers on the iPhone.
- Confirm the destination number is active and can receive voice calls.
- If a star code fails, use the carrier’s current support channel rather than trying unrelated legacy codes.
Immediate vs. Conditional Forwarding
Immediate forwarding redirects every incoming call before the original phone rings. Conditional forwarding lets the original line receive the call first and redirects it only under specified conditions such as busy or unanswered.
This distinction matters when voicemail is involved. Changing conditional forwarding can alter where unanswered calls go, so test both answered and unanswered scenarios after making a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I forward all Verizon calls from my iPhone?
Verizon currently instructs mobile users to dial *72 followed by the 10-digit U.S. destination number. After the confirmation tones or message, place a test call from another phone.
How do I turn off Verizon call forwarding?
Dial *73 from the Verizon mobile phone. Verizon says you should hear a confirmation tone or message, after which you can test the line again.
Can Verizon forward calls to an international number?
No. Verizon’s current mobile Call Forwarding FAQ says the forwarding destination must be an active voice-capable U.S. line with a 10-digit number.
Why don’t I see Call Forwarding in my iPhone settings?
Carrier support affects the available controls. Check your carrier’s current instructions and account eligibility; if the carrier uses network codes, follow those codes instead of another carrier’s procedure.
