5 Simple Steps to Disable Voicemail

Disable voicemail

In this digital age, voicemail has become increasingly obsolete, replaced by the convenience of instant messaging and video calls. Disabling voicemail can free up space on your phone and eliminate the annoyance of having to listen to messages when you’re busy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disable voicemail on various phone platforms, empowering you to streamline your communication.

First, let’s tackle the most prevalent platform: Android. Head over to the Phone app, tap on the voicemail tab, and select “Settings.” From there, toggle off the “Voicemail” option. Alternatively, you can dial your voicemail number and follow the prompts to deactivate the service. However, if your carrier has disabled the voicemail deactivation option through the phone’s settings or voicemail number, you may need to contact your carrier directly to request the deactivation.

For iPhone users, disabling voicemail is equally straightforward. Navigate to the Settings app, tap on “Phone,” and select “Voicemail.” Toggle off the “Voicemail” option and confirm your choice. Keep in mind that if you’re using a carrier-branded iPhone, the process may differ slightly. Refer to your carrier’s support website or contact them directly for specific instructions.

Disabling Voicemail through Phone Settings

This method is applicable to most Android and iOS devices. Follow the steps below to disable voicemail through phone settings:

For Android Devices:

Access Phone Settings: Open the "Phone" app and tap on the overflow menu (three dots) in the top-right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu.
Locate Voicemail Settings: Scroll down and select "Voicemail" or "Voicemail & Call Forwarding" under "Call Settings" or "Network Settings."
Disable Voicemail: Once you’ve accessed the voicemail settings, you may see a toggle switch labeled "Voicemail" or "Enable Voicemail." Tap on it to disable voicemail.
Confirm Deactivation: Some carriers may prompt you to confirm your request to disable voicemail. If this occurs, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deactivation process.

For iOS Devices:

Open Phone App: Launch the "Phone" app and tap on the "Voicemail" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Access Voicemail Settings: In the top-right corner, tap on the "Settings" icon (gear icon).
Disable Voicemail: Under the "Voicemail" section, you will find the option to disable voicemail. Tap on the "Disable Voicemail" option.
Confirm Deactivation: You may be required to enter your voicemail password to confirm the deactivation. Enter the password and follow the remaining prompts to complete the process.

Using the Carrier’s Voicemail Portal

If your carrier provides a voicemail portal, you can disable voicemail through their website. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit the portal

Go to the voicemail portal website for your carrier. This can usually be found by searching for “[carrier name] voicemail portal” on a search engine.

Step 2: Sign in

Once on the portal website, sign in using your phone number and password. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.

Step 3: Disable voicemail

Once signed in, you should see an option to disable voicemail. This may be located in the “Settings” or “Account Management” section of the portal.

Step 4: Save changes

After disabling voicemail, make sure to save the changes and confirm the deactivation process.

Carrier	Voicemail Portal URL
Verizon	https://my.verizon.com/
AT&T	https://www.att.com/my-att/
T-Mobile	https://www.t-mobile.com/

Additional Notes:

The steps may vary slightly depending on your carrier.
If you have multiple lines with your carrier, you may need to disable voicemail separately for each line.
Once voicemail is disabled, you will no longer receive voicemail messages.

Deactivating Voicemail by Contacting Customer Support

If you prefer not to fiddle with technical settings or encounter issues deactivating voicemail through the methods mentioned earlier, contacting your wireless service provider directly is a straightforward and effective solution. Here are the steps involved:

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before reaching out to customer support, ensure you have your account details readily available. This typically includes your account number, phone number, and the associated security PIN or password. Having this information at hand will expedite the process and allow the representative to verify your identity swiftly.

2. Dial the Customer Support Number

Locate the customer support number for your wireless carrier. This can usually be found on your bill, the carrier’s website, or by using an online search engine. Call the number and follow the automated prompts to connect with a customer service representative.

3. Explain Your Request

Once connected with a representative, clearly state that you wish to disable voicemail. Be prepared to provide your account information for verification purposes. To ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, we recommend you follow these additional tips:

Be Polite and Courteous: Remember that the customer service representative is there to assist you. Treating them with respect will foster a positive interaction and expedite the resolution.
Be Clear and Concise: Explain your request to disable voicemail in a direct and straightforward manner. Avoid using technical jargon or ambiguous language that may lead to misunderstandings.
Provide Relevant Details: If you’re encountering any specific issues or error messages related to voicemail, inform the representative about them. This will help them troubleshoot and resolve the problem efficiently.

Additional Information

Here is a table summarizing the customer support numbers for some major wireless carriers in the United States:

Carrier	Customer Support Number
AT&T	611
Verizon	611
T-Mobile	611
Sprint	611

Disabling Voicemail via USSD Codes

Deactivating voicemail using USSD codes is a convenient method to disable call forwarding and retrieval services. USSD, short for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, is a protocol that allows users to interact with their mobile service providers using short codes. Here are the steps on how to disable voicemail using USSD codes:

1. Open the phone’s dialer application.

2. Enter the USSD code specific to your mobile service provider. Consult the table below for a list of common USSD codes for voicemail.

3. Press the call button to initiate the USSD request.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to disable voicemail. The exact steps may vary depending on the service provider, but typically, you will be prompted to enter a confirmation code or select an option from a menu.

Mobile Service Provider	USSD Code for Voicemail Deactivation
AT&T	*228
Verizon	*86
T-Mobile	*88
Sprint	*867
MetroPCS	*86
Cricket	*611

Using the voicemail De-Registration Code

Contact your mobile operator for the unique voicemail de-registration code. Dial this code to deactivate voicemail. Here is a step-by-step guide to deactivate voicemail using the de-registration code:

Step 1: Call the De-Registration Number

Locate the voicemail de-registration number for your mobile operator. This can be found on the operator’s website or by contacting customer service.

Step 2: Enter the Number

Dial the de-registration number from your mobile phone. You will hear a series of instructions guiding you through the process.

Step 3: Press the De-Registration Option

Listen carefully to the instructions and follow the prompts to select the option to deactivate voicemail. Depending on the operator, you may need to press a specific key or say a command.

Step 4: Confirm Deactivation

After selecting the deactivation option, you may be asked to confirm your choice. Press the appropriate key or follow the instructions to confirm and complete the deactivation process.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while deactivating voicemail using the code, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Troubleshooting Tips
Ensure that you are using the correct de-registration code for your carrier and that you are entering it accurately.
If you are having trouble following the automated instructions, you can contact your mobile operator’s customer service for assistance.
In some cases, you may need to restart your phone after deactivating voicemail for the changes to take effect.
If the voicemail service is still active after following these steps, there may be an underlying issue with your account or subscription. Contact your mobile operator for further assistance.

Deactivating Voicemail for Specific Contacts

If you prefer to only disable voicemail for certain contacts, you can create a contact group and assign it to the “No Voicemail” ringtone. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open your Contacts app and tap on the “New Group” button.
Enter a name for the group, such as “No Voicemail Contacts.”
Add the contacts you want to disable voicemail for to the group.
Once you’ve created the group, go to the Phone app and tap on the “Settings” icon.
Select “Sounds and vibration” and then “Ringtone.”
Scroll down to the “No Voicemail” ringtone and tap on it.
In the “Contact group” section, select the “No Voicemail Contacts” group you created.

Additional Tips:

You can also disable voicemail for specific contacts by changing their individual ringtones to “No Voicemail.”
If you’re using a dual-SIM phone, you’ll need to disable voicemail for each SIM card separately.
Some voicemail providers may charge you for disabling voicemail. Check with your carrier to confirm.

Managing Voicemail Settings in the Carrier’s App

Accessing and customizing your voicemail settings through your carrier’s app provides a convenient and user-friendly experience. Most carrier apps offer comprehensive features to manage your voicemail, including the ability to:

Enable or disable voicemail
Set up a personalized greeting
Customize your voicemail storage
Manage blocked numbers
Transcribe voicemail messages
Share voicemail messages

Disabling Voicemail

Follow these detailed steps to disable your voicemail through your carrier’s app:

Open the carrier app on your mobile device.
Navigate to the voicemail section. This may be labeled as “Voicemail,” “Messages,” or similar.
Locate the settings or options menu. This is usually indicated by an icon with gears or three dots.
Tap on the “Disable Voicemail” option.
Confirm your choice by tapping on “OK” or “Disable.”
Your voicemail will now be deactivated, and callers will no longer be able to leave voicemails.
Please note that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on your carrier and device model.

Carrier	Disable Voicemail Instructions
Verizon	Open the Verizon app → Tap on “Voicemail” → Scroll down and tap “Disable Voicemail”
AT&T	Open the myAT&T app → Tap on “Voicemail” → Tap on the “Settings” icon → Toggle off “Enable Voicemail”
T-Mobile	Open the T-Mobile app → Tap on “Voicemail” → Tap on the “More” tab → Tap on “Settings” → Toggle off “Enable Voicemail”
Sprint	Open the Sprint app → Tap on “Voicemail” → Tap on the “Settings” icon → Scroll down and tap “Disable Voicemail”

Disabling Visual Voicemail

If you’re using an iPhone, you can disable visual voicemail by following these steps:
1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the Voicemail tab.
3. Tap the Settings icon.
4. Turn off the Visual Voicemail toggle switch.

If you’re using an Android phone, the steps to disable visual voicemail may vary depending on your device and carrier. Here are the general steps:
1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the Voicemail tab.
3. Tap the Menu button.
4. Select Settings.
5. Turn off the Visual Voicemail toggle switch.

How to Turn Off Voicemail Temporarily

To turn off voicemail temporarily, you can use the *71 code. This code will forward all incoming calls to your voicemail, and will not allow callers to leave a message. To turn off temporary call forwarding, dial *73. This will allow calls to ring through to your phone as normal.

Table of Temporary Call Forwarding Codes
Code	Function
*71	Forwards all calls to voicemail
*72	Forwards all calls to a specified number
*73	Turns off call forwarding

Note that these codes may not work with all carriers. If you are having trouble turning off voicemail temporarily, contact your carrier for assistance.

9. Troubleshooting Issues with Voicemail Deactivation

If you encounter difficulties deactivating your voicemail, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Verify the Call Forwarding Settings: Ensure that call forwarding is disabled by dialing **#21#** and pressing the call button. If call forwarding is active, deactivate it by dialing **##21#** or contacting your service provider.
Check the Voicemail Password: When changing the voicemail password, ensure you enter the correct password. If you have forgotten your password, contact your service provider for assistance.
Reset the Voicemail System: Dial **##002#** or **##004#** to reset the voicemail system. This will delete all voicemail messages and restore the default voicemail settings.
Temporarily Suspend Voicemail: You can temporarily disable voicemail by dialing **##004#** or **##002#**. If voicemail is active, deactivate it by pressing 1. To reactivate voicemail, dial **##002#** or **##004#** and press 2.
Contact Your Service Provider: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your service provider for further assistance. They can troubleshoot the problem and fix any underlying issues.

Troubleshooting Step	Description
Dial **#21#	Verify call forwarding is disabled
Dial **##21#	Deactivate call forwarding
Dial **##002#	Reset the voicemail system
Dial **##004#	Temporarily suspend voicemail
Contact Service Provider	Professional assistance for unresolved issues

Disable Voicemail

To disable voicemail, follow these steps:

Dial your voicemail number.
Enter your password.
Listen to the menu options and select the one to disable voicemail.

Alternative Solutions for Handling Voicemails

If you don’t want to disable voicemail entirely, there are other options you can consider:

Customizing Voicemail Settings

You can adjust the settings of your voicemail to make it more convenient for you, such as:

Setting a custom greeting
Adjusting the number of rings before voicemail picks up
Enabling or disabling call screening

Call Forwarding

You can set up call forwarding to have your calls go directly to another phone number, such as your mobile phone or a landline.

Visual Voicemail

Visual voicemail allows you to view voicemails as text messages on your smartphone. This can be convenient if you don’t want to listen to voicemails over the phone.

Transcription Services

There are services that can transcribe voicemails into text, which can be helpful if you need to access the contents of a voicemail in a written format.

Using a Third-Party App

There are third-party apps available that can enhance your voicemail experience. Some apps offer features such as:

Customizable voicemail greetings
Advanced call screening
Integration with other messaging apps

To choose the best solution for you, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you want to completely avoid using voicemail, disabling it is the best option. However, if you still want to receive voicemail messages but want more control over them, customizing your settings or using alternative solutions can be helpful.

Solution	Description
Customizing Voicemail Settings	Adjust voicemail settings for convenience, such as changing the greeting or adjusting the ring time.
Call Forwarding	Divert incoming calls to another phone number, such as a mobile phone or landline.
Visual Voicemail	View voicemail messages as text messages on a smartphone for easy access.
Transcription Services	Convert voicemails into text format for accessibility and easy reading.
Third-Party Apps	Enhance voicemail experience with customizable features and integrations with other messaging apps.

How To Disable Voicemail

Voicemail can be a convenient way to receive messages when you’re unable to answer your phone. However, if you find that you’re not using voicemail or if you’d prefer to receive messages as text, you can disable voicemail on your phone.

To disable voicemail, you’ll need to contact your mobile carrier. They will be able to provide you with instructions on how to disable voicemail on your specific phone.