Verizon star codes (like *86) and pound codes (like #BAL) are quick shortcuts you dial on your phone to instantly manage your account, check usage, and control calling features like call forwarding and caller ID blocking. They are your direct line to Verizon’s network services without needing an app or website.
This is more than just a list. This definitive guide will provide a complete “cheat sheet” for every essential Verizon code across Mobile, Home, and Business services. You will learn the difference between various code types, discover powerful features you didn’t know you had, receive a critical warning about a common scam, and, most importantly, get a step-by-step solution for fixing the frustrating issue of codes not working.
The Core Explanation: What Exactly Are Verizon Codes?
To fully leverage the power of your Verizon service, it’s essential to understand the language your phone’s keypad uses to communicate with the network. While many terms are used interchangeably online, they refer to distinct technologies with different purposes. Clarifying these terms is the first step to becoming a power user and an effective troubleshooter.
Star and Pound Codes: Your Direct Line to Verizon Services
At their core, the star (*) and pound (#) codes you dial are commands. Known formally as Feature Access Codes (FACs), they are not phone numbers but rather direct instructions sent to the Verizon network to activate, deactivate, or query a specific service. When you dial #BAL (#225) to check your account balance or *72 followed by a phone number to activate call forwarding, you are using one of these verizon dial codes to manage your account or configure a feature in real-time. These star pound codes are the original “shortcuts” for phone services, predating smartphone apps and websites, and they remain a fast and reliable way to interact with your plan.
The Technology Behind the Codes: What is USSD?
The magic that makes most of these verizoncodes work almost instantly is a protocol called Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). Often called “quick codes” or “feature codes,” ussd codes Verizon use a communication protocol that creates a live, real-time connection between your phone and Verizon’s computers.
This is fundamentally different from how a standard text message (SMS) works. SMS operates on a “store-and-forward” basis; a message is sent to a central server, stored, and then forwarded to the recipient, which can introduce a slight delay. A ussd code Verizon opens a direct, session-based channel for the duration of your request. This two-way communication allows for the instantaneous responses you see when checking your data usage or the immediate confirmation tones you hear when changing a call feature. Because USSD is session-based and doesn’t store messages, there is no history of your code usage in your messaging app, and it doesn’t require a data connection or incur data charges.
Not to Be Confused: Star Codes vs. SMS Short Codes
A common and critical point of confusion is the difference between star codes for Verizon and SMS short codes. While both are “short,” they are entirely different technologies used for different purposes.
- Star/Pound Codes (USSD/FACs): These are commands you dial, like *86 or #DATA. These verizon call codes interact directly with the carrier’s network features.
- SMS Short Codes: These are 5 or 6-digit numbers you send a text message to, such as 20222 or 77277. These verizon text codes are used by businesses, banks, and other organizations for services like marketing, alerts, and two-factor authentication (2FA).
This distinction is vital because the methods for troubleshooting them are completely different. If a verizon * code like *72 fails, the problem likely lies with the call feature settings on your account. However, if you stop receiving verification texts from your bank’s 5-digit short code, the issue is related to your account’s provisioning for “short code messaging” on the SMS network.
The Deep Dive: The Complete Verizon Codes Cheat Sheet
This section serves as the definitive reference for Verizon’s star, pound, and feature access codes. To ensure accuracy and prevent confusion, the codes are organized by the specific Verizon service they apply to: Wireless (for mobile phones), Home Phone/Fios, and Business/One Talk. Using a code from one verizon codes list on a different service type will likely result in an error.
Essential Verizon Wireless Codes for Your Mobile Phone (iPhone & Android)
These verizon wireless codes are universal for Verizon’s mobile service and function identically on any handset, including both iPhone and Android devices. They provide the quickest way to manage your account and control calls directly from your phone’s dialer. This is the ultimate verizon star codes list for mobile users.
Table 1: Verizon Mobile Account & Service Codes This table provides at-a-glance access to the most frequently used codes for managing a mobile account, saving you a trip to the My Verizon app or website.
| Code to Call | Mnemonic | What It Does |
| #BAL | #225 | Checks your current account balance and last payment received. |
| #DATA | #3282 | Checks your data usage for the current billing cycle. |
| #MIN | #646 | Checks your minute usage (for plans with limited minutes). |
| #PMT | #768 | Allows you to make a payment on your account over the phone. |
| #UPG | #874 | Checks your device upgrade eligibility date. |
| #ROAD | #7623 | Connects you to Verizon’s Roadside Assistance service (if subscribed). |
| *611 | This 3 digit number for Verizon dials Customer Service for free. | |
| #832 | Places a free test call to confirm your phone’s service is active and working. |
Table 2: Verizon Mobile Call Management Codes This table consolidates the key verizon phone codes for controlling privacy and call routing on a mobile device. Note that some verizon pound codes require you to dial the 10-digit phone number immediately after the code.
| Feature | How to Use It | How to Deactivate |
| Block Caller ID (Per Call) | Dial *67 + 10-digit phone number. | Not applicable (single-use code). |
| Unblock Caller ID (Per Call) | Dial *82 + 10-digit phone number. | Not applicable (single-use code). |
| Call Forwarding (All Calls) | Dial *72 + 10-digit phone number. | Dial *73. |
| Call Forwarding (Unanswered Calls) | Dial *71 + 10-digit phone number. | Dial *73. |
| Access Voicemail | Dial *86. | Not applicable. |
Verizon Home Phone & Fios Digital Voice Star Codes
Verizon’s home phone services, including Fios Digital Voice, offer a much more extensive list of traditional star codes that provide granular control over calling features. These verizon shortcuts are designed for landline-style functionality and are generally not applicable to mobile lines.
Table 3: Comprehensive Fios Digital Voice Feature Codes
| Feature | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
| Call Return | *69 | *89 |
| Anonymous Call Rejection | *77 | *87 |
| Busy Redial | *66 | *86 |
| Call Block | *60 | *80 |
| Call Forwarding (All Calls) | *72 | *73 |
| Call Forwarding Busy Line | *90 | *91 |
| Call Forwarding No Answer | *92 | *93 |
| Call Trace | *57 | Not applicable |
| Cancel Call Waiting (Per Call) | *70 | Hang up |
| Do Not Disturb | *64 | *64 (Toggles on/off) |
| Per-Call Blocking (Hide Caller ID) | *67 | Hang up |
| Per-Line Unblocking (Show Caller ID) | *82 | Not applicable |
| Priority Call | *61 | *61 (or *81 in some areas) |
| Selective Call Forwarding | *63 | *63 (or *83 in some areas) |
| Speed Dialing (8 numbers) | *74 | Not applicable |
| Speed Dialing (30 numbers) | *75 | Not applicable |
Verizon Business & One Talk Feature Access Codes (FACs)
Verizon’s business-focused services like One Talk utilize a distinct set of Feature Access Codes to manage advanced call-handling functions essential for a professional environment. A key differentiator for many of these star codes Verizon is the use of a double-asterisk (**) prefix, which signals to the network that it is a business-specific command.
Table 4: Key One Talk Codes for Business Users
| Feature | Access Code | Description |
| Call Forwarding Always | **72 | Forwards all incoming calls. You will be prompted for the destination number. |
| Deactivate Call Forwarding | **73 | Turns off the Call Forwarding Always feature. |
| Direct Voicemail Transfer | **55 | During a call, this code allows you to transfer the other party directly to a specific user’s voicemail box. |
| Call Park | **25 | Parks a live call, allowing it to be picked up from any other phone or extension in the group. |
| Call Retrieve | **88 | Retrieves a parked call. You will be prompted to enter the extension where the call is parked. |
| Call Return | **69 | Calls back the last number that called your line, whether the call was answered or not. |
| Anonymous Call Rejection | **77 | Activates rejection of calls from numbers with blocked Caller ID. Use **87 to deactivate. |
| Last Number Redial | **66 | Dials the last number you called. |
Separating Fact from Fiction and Staying Safe
While verizon star codes are powerful tools, they are also surrounded by misconceptions and can even be exploited by scammers. Understanding the reality of how these codes work and being aware of potential risks is crucial for using them safely and effectively.
Myth: All Star Codes Are Universal
It is a common belief that a star code that works for one carrier will work for all of them. While a few star codes for verizon phones, such as *67 for per-call blocking, are standardized across many providers, the vast majority are carrier-specific. For example, the code to check your data usage on Verizon is #DATA (#3282), whereas T-Mobile uses #WEB# (#932#). Always rely on a Verizon-specific list, like this verizon star codes cheat sheet, to ensure you are using the correct commands for your service.
Myth: These Are “Secret” or “Hacker” Codes
Online articles sometimes refer to verizon secret codes that unlock hidden phone menus. It is important to differentiate between carrier-provided service codes and device-specific diagnostic codes. The verizon # codes and star codes listed in this guide are not secret; they are well-documented features provided for customer convenience.
Device-specific codes, such as *3001#12345#* for an iPhone’s Field Test Mode, are part of the phone’s operating system, not the Verizon network. These verizon iphone codes open menus displaying highly technical data, which is useful for technicians but not for the average user.
A Critical Warning: The Call Forwarding Scam (*72)
The utility of a feature can also create a risk if it is misused, and the *72 call forwarding code is a prime example. Scammers have developed a dangerous social engineering tactic that exploits this feature to hijack a victim’s phone line and gain access to sensitive accounts.
The scam works like this: a fraudster will call you, posing as a representative from your bank or even Verizon. They will create a sense of urgency and instruct you to hang up and immediately dial *72 followed by a 10-digit phone number that they provide.
The moment you do this, you have unknowingly forwarded all of your incoming calls to the scammer’s phone. You will not receive any notification that this has happened. The scammer now controls your incoming calls and can initiate password resets and intercept verification codes sent via automated voice calls.
How to Protect Yourself and What to Do If You’ve Been Tricked:
- NEVER dial *72 or any other call forwarding code at the instruction of someone you do not know and trust.
- If you suspect you have been tricked, act immediately. Dial *73 from your Verizon phone. You should hear a confirmation tone that call forwarding has been deactivated. This single step will sever the scammer’s connection.
Practical & Actionable Advice: Troubleshooting When Codes Don’t Work
One of the most common frustrations is dialing a code and having it fail. This section provides a clear, step-by-step path to diagnosing and fixing these issues.
Initial Checks: The Simple Fixes to Try First
- Check for Typos: Double-check that you are dialing the exact code.
- Verify the Format: Many codes, like *67 and *72, require you to immediately dial the 10-digit phone number.
- Confirm Your Service Type: Ensure you are not trying to use a Fios code on a mobile line.
- Restart Your Device: A simple power cycle can resolve many temporary glitches.
- Check Network Signal: USSD codes require a cellular connection to function.
The Most Common Culprit: Not Receiving Verification (SMS Short Code) Texts
If your issue is not with verizon wireless star codes but with receiving texts from 5-6 digit verizon short codes—like two-factor authentication (2FA) codes—you are likely experiencing a common problem. This issue is frequently triggered after a user upgrades their phone or changes their plan. This is a primary reason people search for verizon wireless codes to update phone. The symptom is always the same: verification texts that used to arrive instantly now never show up.
This problem is almost never caused by your phone’s settings. It is typically a network-side provisioning issue where “short code messaging” has been inadvertently disabled on your account.
The Ultimate Solution: How to Contact Verizon’s Escalation Team
Once you have confirmed the issue is not on your device, the only effective solution is to contact the specific Verizon support team that can fix account provisioning.
- Phone Number: Call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204.
- Menu Prompts: When prompted, press #1 for English, then #2 for technical support, and finally #6 to be routed directly to the escalation team.
- Key Phrases to Use: When you speak to the agent, state the problem clearly: “I am not receiving any texts from short codes, including two-factor authentication messages. I believe my account is not properly provisioned for short code messaging. I’ve been advised that this requires a technician to use the ‘short code CA Tool’.”
Using these specific technical terms signals that you need a higher-level fix and is the proven path to restoring this essential service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Verizon star code *86?
*86 is the direct-dial code to access your basic voicemail service from your Verizon phone. Dialing this verizon quick code connects you to the automated voicemail system, where you can listen to your messages and manage your settings. It is the primary answer to the question “what is star 86.”
How do I find a complete list of Verizon star codes?
This article provides the most comprehensive, consolidated verizon star codes list available. For official but separate lists, you can visit Verizon’s support website, which has different pages for mobile and Fios home phone services.
Are Verizon’s star codes different for iPhone and Android?
No. The verizon ussd codes android and iPhone users need are identical. The network codes are tied to your Verizon service, not your phone’s operating system. They function the same on all devices.
Why am I not receiving verification texts on Verizon?
The most common reason for not receiving verification texts from a verizon short codes list is a network provisioning error. This often happens after a phone upgrade or plan change. The most effective solution is to call Verizon’s escalation team at 1-800-922-0204 (press #1, #2, #6) and specifically ask them to re-enable the feature using their internal “short code CA Tool.”
Conclusion
Verizon’s system of star, pound, and feature access codes offers a powerful and immediate way to manage your account. These verizon shortcuts, built on the real-time USSD protocol, provide a direct line to network services that often surpasses the convenience of apps or websites.
The most critical takeaways from this guide are threefold. First, understanding the distinction between service-specific codes is essential; verizon star codes for mobile, Fios, and business are not interchangeable. Second, recognizing the difference between USSD commands and SMS short codes is the key to effective troubleshooting. Finally, security awareness is paramount. The *72 call forwarding scam is a real threat, and knowing how to identify and disable it by dialing *73 is a crucial piece of personal security. By leveraging the comprehensive cheat sheets and actionable troubleshooting steps provided here, you can take full control of your Verizon services.
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