Verizon Call Forwarding for Missed Call Text Back

For a service business using a Verizon mobile number, call forwarding can be part of a missed call text back setup. The useful distinction is whether the phone rings first or sends every incoming call to another number.

What is missed call text back?

Missed call text back sends an automatic SMS after an eligible unanswered call reaches a configured service. The text gives the caller a way to explain what they need while your team is busy. Messaging requires its own configured sender and account setup; changing call forwarding is only one step.

Verizon mobile: forward unanswered calls

Verizon documents *71 followed by the 10-digit destination number for forwarding calls you do not answer. This lets the mobile phone ring first. For all calls to forward immediately, Verizon documents *72 followed by the destination. To stop forwarding, dial *73. Verizon call forwarding FAQs

Use the destination assigned to your own TextBack account. This guide intentionally does not provide a shared forwarding number.

Before changing the settings

Confirm your receiving number and messaging setup are ready to test. Record your existing forwarding and voicemail behavior. If your business uses Verizon Fios, a landline, a hosted business phone system, or a different service, use that product's instructions rather than assuming mobile codes apply.

Turn on forwarding for unanswered mobile calls

From the Verizon mobile phone, enter *71 followed by your assigned 10-digit destination number and place the call. Follow the carrier's confirmation. Then test the behavior from a separate phone.

Verizon notes that setup requires being in its mobile coverage area, and forwarded calls can affect plan usage. Confirm the current terms for your line. Verizon mobile forwarding details

Unconditional forwarding is a different choice

Using *72 routes calls onward immediately. It is not the same as letting your business phone ring and handling only unanswered calls. Choose it only when that behavior is what you intend for your phone setup.

Test the call and the text

Use a phone you control to make an unanswered test call. Check the entire workflow:

1. The business phone rings as expected.
2. The forwarded call reaches the correct account.
3. The automatic message identifies the right business.
4. Your test phone receives the message when messaging is enabled.
5. A reply appears in the business inbox and can be answered.

Also make a call you answer normally and check voicemail behavior. A forwarding confirmation tone does not establish that the SMS workflow works.

Turn forwarding off

For Verizon mobile, dial *73 and listen for confirmation. Make another test call to verify normal routing has returned. If behavior differs from the instructions, contact Verizon with your exact device and plan rather than trying codes for a different carrier.

Once setup works, decide who handles incoming text replies. Try the TextBack demo to see the conversation workflow, or contact us with a setup question.