Silence the Calls: How to Turn Off Voicemail on Any Device

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us prefer text messages, emails, or instant messaging over traditional phone calls. For some, the concept of voicemail feels archaic and unnecessary. The constant influx of voicemails, often from unknown numbers or containing automated messages, can be a source of annoyance. If you find yourself increasingly frustrated with voicemail, you’re not alone. Fortunately, turning off voicemail is often a straightforward process, though the specific steps vary depending on your carrier, phone type, and device settings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to disable voicemail on a variety of platforms, helping you reclaim your peace and quiet.

Why Turn Off Voicemail?

Before we dive into the ‘how’, let’s briefly consider why you might want to disable voicemail in the first place:

• Reduced Clutter: Voicemail boxes can quickly fill up with unwanted messages, requiring you to spend time sorting through them.
• Time Saving: Listening to voicemails takes time, and if you consistently receive irrelevant messages, it can become a significant time drain.
• Preference for Other Communication Methods: Many people prefer text messages, emails, or instant messaging. By disabling voicemail, you encourage people to reach out using these preferred methods.
• Privacy Concerns: You may be uncomfortable with leaving a recorded message for anyone to potentially listen to.
• Avoid Missed Messages: Ironically, sometimes you are more likely to miss messages buried deep in a voicemail inbox, compared to a notification on a messaging app.

General Methods for Disabling Voicemail

While specific instructions vary, there are some general approaches you can try across many devices and carriers:

1. Using Carrier-Specific Codes

Mobile carriers often provide specific codes (often called “star codes” or “USSD codes”) that you can dial on your phone to manage voicemail settings. Here are some common codes; keep in mind that these may vary by carrier, so always double-check with your provider’s website or customer service:

• For Conditional Forwarding (When Busy, Unanswered, or Unavailable):
  • To Deactivate: Dial ##002# or ##004# and press Call. This should cancel all call forwarding, including voicemail forwarding.
  • To Specific Forwarding: For specific forward options, you may use codes like ##61#, ##62#, ##67# followed by a call.
• For Unconditional Forwarding (All Calls):
  • To Deactivate: Dial ##21# and press Call.
• Specific Codes for Voicemail (These vary GREATLY by Carrier):
  • Some carriers might use something like *185 or *173 followed by a send (Call) button to disable voicemail. Check with your specific carrier.

Important Note: After entering a code, you’ll typically receive an on-screen message or audible confirmation that the setting has been changed. If you’re unsure if a code worked, try calling your own number from a different phone to see if it goes to voicemail.

2. Contacting Your Carrier Directly

If the star codes don’t work, or if you are uncomfortable trying them, contacting your mobile carrier is the most reliable way to turn off your voicemail. You can typically reach them in one of the following ways:

• Calling Customer Support: Dial your carrier’s customer service number. You can find this on their website or your monthly bill. Explain that you want to disable voicemail. The representative will guide you through the steps or do it for you.
• Using Their Website or App: Most carriers have online portals or mobile apps where you can manage your account settings. Look for options related to call forwarding, voicemail, or supplementary services. You might find an easy toggle to disable voicemail.
• Visiting a Retail Location: If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can visit a physical store operated by your carrier. A staff member can help you disable your voicemail.

Tips for Contacting Your Carrier:

• Have Your Account Information Ready: Be prepared with your account number, phone number, and any PINs or passwords that may be required for verification.
• Be Specific: Clearly state that you want to disable voicemail, not just reset it or change your greeting.
• Record the Confirmation: If possible, record the confirmation from customer service or get the name of the person you spoke with to use as a reference should an issue arise.

Turning off Voicemail on Specific Devices and Platforms

While the above methods can be useful in many cases, here’s a more specific breakdown of how to disable voicemail on various devices and platforms:

iPhone

Unfortunately, Apple does not offer a direct way to disable voicemail from the phone’s settings alone. Instead, you’ll need to use carrier-specific methods or codes (mentioned above). Here’s what you can do:

• Try the Star Codes: Refer to the section above on using carrier-specific codes. Codes like ##002# or similar might disable voicemail.
• Contact your Carrier: Calling, using their website/app, or visiting a store will usually yield positive results.
• Visual Voicemail Alternatives: Consider using apps that support text transcription of voicemails or using other messaging options (e.g., WhatsApp, iMessage) to discourage calls. You cannot turn OFF the core voicemail functionality via iOS settings.

Android Phones

Similar to iPhones, Android devices don’t have a general “disable voicemail” switch in their settings. The process typically involves carrier-specific settings or codes. Here’s how you can approach it:

• Carrier Codes: Attempt the carrier-specific codes described earlier. Start with ##002# or ##004# and see if that disables forwarding.
• Check Your Phone App Settings: In some rare cases, your phone manufacturer may offer a voicemail setting in the Phone app. Go to the Phone app -> Settings and see if anything related to voicemail is present. However, these settings usually do NOT disable the voicemail feature, but may let you manage access or notifications.
• Contact Your Carrier: Reaching out to your carrier remains the best option if the star codes fail.

Landline Phones

Disabling voicemail on a landline can vary depending on your service provider. Here are a couple of approaches:

• Check Your User Manual: Your landline phone manual may have detailed instructions on how to manage voicemail features, including turning it off. Look for terms like “voicemail”, “message waiting”, or “call answering.”
• Call Your Landline Provider: Similar to mobile carriers, calling your landline company is the most effective option. They will be able to turn off or modify your voicemail service.
• Voicemail from External Device: Some home phones have a built-in digital answering machine. If this is the case, simply disable the recording or answering functions in your phone’s setup menu.

Google Voice

Google Voice is a cloud-based phone service that offers its own voicemail system. Here’s how you can disable it:

1. Open Google Voice: Access Google Voice through the website (voice.google.com) or the app.
2. Go to Settings: In the top right corner (website) or through the menu (app), find the Settings gear icon.
3. Disable Voicemail: Look for a “Voicemail” or “Call Forwarding” section.
• You have a couple of options:
  • Disable Voicemail: Some older versions have a true disable option. If you have it, toggle it off.
  • Forwarding to a Different Number: In most cases, the best option is to forward all calls to an invalid number, e.g. 1-800-000-0000. As it’s invalid, the calls will essentially drop without going to voicemail. Be careful not to forward it to a real number where someone else will get the voicemails.

Skype

Skype also offers voicemail services, which can be deactivated as follows:

1. Open Skype: Log in to your Skype account on the application (desktop or mobile).
2. Access Settings: Click on your profile picture, and then find the settings/options button.
3. Navigate to Calling: In the settings, there will be a call settings option.
4. Disable Voicemail: Under “Calling” options, you should find settings related to voicemail. The settings options here vary across platform and versions, but usually, you can choose how Skype handles unanswered calls. You will want to choose to drop the call rather than record a voicemail.

Troubleshooting Voicemail Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, voicemail may stubbornly persist. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Double-Check Your Codes: Ensure you’re using the correct codes provided by your carrier. Sometimes a single typo can cause the command to fail.
• Restart Your Device: A simple restart of your phone or device can sometimes resolve connectivity issues and allow changes to take effect.
• Test with a Different Phone: Have someone call you from a different phone to verify if voicemail is truly disabled.
• Check for Updates: Ensure your phone’s operating system and carrier apps are up to date. Software updates may include bug fixes or changes that affect voicemail functionality.
• Clear Call Forwarding Settings: Some call forwarding options can interfere with voicemail. Make sure you’ve deactivated all types of call forwarding, using codes like ##002# or ##004#.
• Be Patient: Sometimes, changes to voicemail settings take some time to propagate through your carrier’s network. Wait a few hours and recheck, or ask the carrier how long the process will take.
• Contact Your Carrier Again: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps, your carrier may need to manually intervene or reset your account.

Alternatives to Disabling Voicemail

If you’re not completely sure about disabling voicemail altogether, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Change Your Voicemail Greeting: If your goal is to discourage people from leaving voicemails, you can record a greeting that states you prefer text messages or other means of communication. For example, you could say, “Please send me a text message if this is urgent” or “I do not check voicemails regularly, send an email or text instead.”
• Forward Voicemail to Email: Some carriers offer the option to forward voicemails to your email inbox. This allows you to easily scan them and decide if they need attention.
• Visual Voicemail: Visual voicemail transcribes messages into text, allowing you to read them instead of listening. This can be a faster and more efficient way to manage messages.
• Use a Second Number: Consider using a second phone number (e.g., Google Voice) for specific purposes. This way, you can manage its voicemail independently.
• Silence Notifications: If you do not want to hear notifications, you can always silence or turn off notifications for voicemails.

Conclusion

Turning off voicemail can be a simple process if you have the correct codes and procedures. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can gain greater control over how you receive communication, and reduce unwanted clutter. Whether you choose to completely disable your voicemail or simply adjust your settings, this is your phone, your choice. If you are unsure of the settings or codes to use, contact your carrier to ensure the correct action is taken. Take the time to choose the communications method that suits your lifestyle and preferences best.