How to transfer a call on Verizon

Call transfer on Verizon works differently depending on whether you have a landline, a mobile phone, or a business system. On a mobile phone, you typically use the merge or conference call feature to connect two people. On a Verizon landline, you use the flash hook or the transfer button. On a Verizon business phone system, you press a dedicated transfer button or code. The exact steps depend on your phone model and service type.

The most common scenario is transferring a call on a smartphone. When you're on an active call and need to reach someone else, you place the first caller on hold, dial the second number, and then merge the calls or transfer the connection. This process takes about 30 seconds and requires no special setup beyond what comes with your Verizon service.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile call transfer on Verizon uses the merge or conference feature, accessed through your phone's call screen during an active call.
  • Verizon landline transfer requires pressing the flash hook (usually the hook button briefly) or a dedicated transfer button, depending on your phone model.
  • Business phone systems through Verizon often have a dedicated transfer button or require dialing a code like *72 or *73.
  • The person you transfer to will not hear the original caller until you complete the transfer, so you can brief them first.

Transferring calls on a Verizon smartphone

On an iPhone or Android phone with Verizon service, call transfer happens through the merge or conference call feature built into the phone's dialer. When you're on an active call, look at the call screen. You'll see options like "Add Call," "Merge Calls," or "Conference." The exact wording depends on your phone's operating system.

To transfer a call on iPhone: tap "Add Call," dial the second number, wait for them to answer, then tap "Merge Calls." The two calls combine into one conference call. If you want to drop the first caller after connecting them to the second person, end your own participation by tapping "End Call" — this leaves the two of them connected.

To transfer a call on Android: tap "Add Call," dial the second number, wait for them to answer, then tap the merge icon (usually three dots or a similar symbol). The exact button location varies by phone manufacturer and Android version. Check your phone's manual or settings if you don't see a merge option when ready visible on the call screen.

Transferring calls on a Verizon landline

Verizon landline phones use the flash hook method or a dedicated transfer button. The flash hook is the button you press to hang up — pressing it briefly (not fully) while on a call puts the current caller on hold and lets you dial a new number. This feature comes standard on most Verizon landline service and requires no setup.

To transfer using flash hook: while on an active call, press and release the hook button quickly (usually a one-second press). You'll hear a dial tone. Dial the number you want to transfer to. When the person answers, you can speak to them briefly, then press flash hook again to complete the transfer. The original caller will now hear the new person.

Some Verizon landline phones have a dedicated "Transfer" button on the handset or base. If your phone has one, press it during an active call instead of using flash hook. The process is the same: the current caller goes on hold, you dial the new number, and pressing transfer again connects them.

Transferring calls on Verizon business phone systems

Verizon business lines, including Verizon Business and Verizon Fios Business, often use systems like Verizon Phone Manager or a dedicated business phone. These systems typically have a transfer button on the phone itself or use a code you dial.

On a business desk phone with a transfer button: press the transfer button during an active call, dial the extension or outside number, and press transfer again when the person answers. On systems without a dedicated button, you may dial *72 to initiate transfer, then dial the destination number. Some systems use *73 to cancel a transfer in progress.

The exact method depends on your specific business phone model and Verizon's configuration for your account. Check your phone's manual or contact Verizon Business support to confirm which method applies to your system.

What happens during a call transfer

When you initiate a transfer, the original caller is placed on hold. They typically hear hold music or silence, depending on your Verizon service settings. You can usually hear both the person on hold and the person you're dialing, so you can brief the second person before completing the transfer.

Once you complete the transfer, you are no longer part of the call. The two parties are now connected directly. If the transfer fails — for example, if the second person doesn't answer or hangs up — you may hear a busy signal or be reconnected to the original caller, depending on your phone system.

Transferring calls to voicemail

You can transfer a call directly to someone's voicemail on Verizon by dialing their number and hanging up after one ring, or by using the voicemail transfer feature if your phone system supports it. On a smartphone, dial the person's number, wait for voicemail to pick up, and hang up. The caller will then be transferred to that person's voicemail box.

On a business phone system, some Verizon configurations allow you to dial a code like *99 followed by an extension to send a call directly to that extension's voicemail without ringing their phone. Check your system documentation or ask your Verizon Business account manager whether this feature is active on your line.

Troubleshooting transfer problems

If you cannot transfer a call, first check whether your phone is in airplane mode or has call waiting disabled. On a smartphone, call waiting must be on for the merge feature to work. Go to your phone settings and confirm call waiting is enabled.

If the merge button doesn't appear on your call screen, your phone may not support conference calling, or the feature may be disabled on your Verizon account. Contact Verizon support to confirm conference calling is active on your line. Some older phone plans or prepaid accounts may not include this feature by default.

On a landline, if flash hook doesn't work, try pressing and holding the hook button for a full second instead of a quick tap. If that fails, your phone may not support flash hook, or the feature may need to be activated on your account. Verizon can enable this remotely if it's not already active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a call if I'm on a Verizon prepaid plan?

Most Verizon prepaid plans include call transfer through the merge feature on smartphones. However, some older prepaid plans may not have conference calling. Check your plan details in the My Verizon app or contact Verizon support to confirm whether call transfer is included in your service.

What's the difference between transferring and merging calls?

Merging creates a three-way conference call where you stay on the line with both parties. Transferring connects the two parties directly and removes you from the call. On Verizon phones, you merge first, then hang up to transfer.

Can I transfer a call to an international number?

Yes, you can transfer to an international number on Verizon, but international calling rates explore. The cost depends on the destination country and your plan. Check your Verizon plan to see whether international calling is included or what per-minute rates explore.

Does Verizon charge extra for call transfer?

Call transfer is included with standard Verizon service at no additional charge. You pay only for the calls themselves — if you transfer to a long-distance or international number, those rates explore, but the transfer feature itself is free.

What if the person I'm transferring to doesn't answer?

If the second person doesn't answer, you'll hear their voicemail or a busy signal. You can then hang up or press flash hook again to reconnect to the original caller. The original caller remains on hold until you complete the transfer or reconnect them.