Getting rid of voicemail is a priority for many smartphone users today. Whether it is to avoid a mounting pile of spam messages, save on roaming fees, or simply because you prefer text-based communication, disabling this legacy service can feel surprisingly difficult. Because voicemail is a carrier-level service rather than a simple phone setting, the process involves more than just toggling a switch.

This guide provides the specific steps required to deactivate voicemail on iPhone and Android devices, across major global carriers, and through manual override codes.

The Fastest Way to Disable Voicemail

If you need an immediate solution, the most effective method is to contact your mobile carrier directly. Dial 611 from your mobile device to reach customer service. Once connected, ask the representative to "remove the voicemail feature from my account." This deletes the mailbox on their servers, ensuring callers never hear a prompt to leave a message.

For those who prefer a self-service approach, you can try dialing ##004# on your phone’s keypad and pressing the call button. This is a universal MMI code intended to deactivate all call forwarding—including the forwarding that sends calls to your voicemail.

Why Voicemail Is Controlled by Your Carrier

To understand why you cannot simply "delete" the voicemail app to stop the service, you must understand how cellular calls work. When someone calls your number, the request goes to your carrier's Mobile Switching Center (MSC). If your phone does not respond (because it is busy, out of range, or you decline the call), the MSC looks at your "Call Forwarding" rules.

By default, every carrier sets these rules to redirect unanswered calls to their own voicemail server. Your phone app is merely a portal to view those recorded messages; the actual recording happens on the carrier’s hardware. Therefore, to truly turn off voicemail, you must break the link between your phone and the carrier’s recording server.

How to Turn Off Voicemail on iPhone

Apple has introduced features that complicate the definition of "voicemail." On an iPhone, you may be dealing with two different systems: Carrier Voicemail and Live Voicemail.

Disabling Live Voicemail (iOS 17 and Later)

Live Voicemail is an on-device feature where your iPhone answers the call and provides a real-time transcript while the caller is speaking. This is not the same as your carrier’s voicemail.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Apps, then select Phone.
  3. Tap on Live Voicemail.
  4. Toggle the switch to Off.

By turning this off, your iPhone will stop "answering" calls locally to transcribe them. However, if you do not also disable your carrier's voicemail, the call will simply revert to the carrier’s old-fashioned recording system.

Disabling Carrier Forwarding on iPhone

You can attempt to disable the redirection through the iPhone’s internal menus, though some carriers hide these options.

  1. Go to Settings > Phone.
  2. Tap on Call Forwarding.
  3. Ensure the toggle is Off.
  4. Check Call Waiting as well; sometimes disabling this helps prevent calls from jumping to the secondary line (voicemail).

If these toggles are grayed out or missing, your carrier has "locked" the settings, and you will need to use the dialer codes listed later in this guide.

How to Turn Off Voicemail on Android

Android devices offer various paths to voicemail settings depending on the manufacturer (Samsung, Google, OnePlus, etc.) and the version of Android you are running.

Using the Phone App Settings

  1. Open the Phone app (the dialer).
  2. Tap the three dots (Menu) in the top right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Tap on Supplementary Services (common on Samsung) or Calling Accounts (common on Pixel/OnePlus).
  5. Select Call Forwarding.
  6. You will see four options:
    • Always forward
    • Forward when busy
    • Forward when unanswered
    • Forward when unreachable
  7. Tap each of the bottom three and select Disable or Turn Off.

Deactivating Through Voicemail Settings

Some Android builds have a specific "Voicemail" tab within the Phone settings.

  1. In the Phone app settings, tap Voicemail.
  2. Look for a "Service" or "Setup" option.
  3. If it allows you to change the voicemail number, changing it to a non-existent number sometimes breaks the connection, effectively disabling the service. Warning: This may cause errors for callers; contacting the carrier is safer.

Universal Dialer Codes (MMI and USSD)

For decades, telecom engineers have used "Short Codes" to manage network features without needing a GUI. These codes work on almost any GSM phone. To use them, open your dialer, type the code, and press "Call."

Action Code Notes
Deactivate All Forwarding ##004# The most common "Kill Switch" for voicemail.
Disable Unanswered Forwarding ##61# Stops calls from going to voicemail if you don't pick up.
Disable Unreachable Forwarding ##62# Stops voicemail when your phone is off or has no signal.
Disable Busy Forwarding ##67# Stops voicemail when you are on another call.
Status Check *#61# Shows you the current number your calls are forwarding to.

Note for CDMA Users: If you are on an older network (like certain legacy Verizon or Sprint lines in the US), these codes starting with # may not work. You may need to use codes starting with *.

Carrier-Specific Instructions for the United States

Each major US carrier has its own protocol for handling voicemail deactivation.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon is notoriously strict about voicemail. They often require you to use their "Account" portal or call them.

  • The Code: Dial *73 and press call. You should hear a series of beeps and the call will disconnect. This disables call forwarding.
  • The App: Use the "My Verizon" app. Navigate to Account > Manage Device > Add-ons and look for voicemail settings.
  • Customer Support: Dial (800) 922-0204.

AT&T

AT&T allows more flexibility with MMI codes.

  • The Code: Dial ##004# to disable all conditional forwarding.
  • Online Portal: Log into your AT&T account, go to Wireless Support, select your device, and look for "Reset Voicemail Password" or "Manage Voicemail." Sometimes the option to disable is hidden under "Feature management."
  • Customer Support: Dial 611 or (800) 331-0500.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile provides specific codes for their "Visual Voicemail" and standard services.

  • The Code: Dial ##004#. T-Mobile also supports ##21# to turn off all diverting.
  • The App: The T-Mobile app has a "Scam Shield" section that occasionally interferes with call routing; check there if calls are still being blocked.
  • Customer Support: Dial 611 or (800) 937-8997.

Carrier-Specific Instructions for the UK and Europe

European carriers often have very standardized codes due to regulatory history.

Vodafone

  • The Code: Dial ##002# and press call. This is the global "Cancel all diverts" command for Vodafone.
  • Alternative: To turn it off but keep the ability to use it later, dial 1210. To turn it back on, dial 1211.

O2

  • The Code: Dial 1760 to turn off voicemail.
  • To Reactivate: Dial 1750.

EE (Everything Everywhere)

  • The Process: Text VM OFF to 150.
  • Alternative: Dial ##004#.

Three (3)

  • The Process: Three typically requires you to use their automated phone menu. Dial 333 from your mobile, select "Account Settings," and follow the prompts for voicemail.

Troubleshooting: Why the Code Failed

You might see an error message like "MMI Code Started" followed by "Connection problem or invalid MMI code." This happens for several reasons:

  1. Carrier Lock: Some "Value" or "Prepaid" carriers (MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Cricket, or Tracfone) do not allow users to change forwarding settings via codes. They want you to use their proprietary apps.
  2. Wi-Fi Calling: MMI codes often fail if Wi-Fi Calling is enabled. Turn off Wi-Fi in your settings, ensure you have at least two bars of cellular signal, and try the code again.
  3. LTE/5G Configuration: On modern "VoLTE" (Voice over LTE) networks, some older codes are deprecated. If ##004# fails, try ##61#, ##62#, and ##67# individually.

Creative Workarounds (The "Full Inbox" Trick)

If your carrier refuses to turn off your voicemail (which occasionally happens with specific business contracts), you can use "The Full Inbox Strategy."

Voicemail boxes have a storage limit—usually 20 to 30 messages.

  1. Call your own number from a different phone.
  2. Let it go to voicemail.
  3. Record a long, silent message (or play music) until the time limit is reached.
  4. Repeat this process until you hear the system say, "This mailbox is full and cannot accept new messages."

This effectively "turns off" the ability for anyone to leave a message without actually deactivating the service. Just remember that some carriers automatically purge messages after 30 days, so you may need to "refill" your inbox monthly.

Why You Might Want to Keep Voicemail (and Alternatives)

Before you pull the plug, consider the risks. Missing a call from a doctor, a legal representative, or a potential employer can have consequences if they have no way to leave a callback number.

If your problem is Spam, consider these alternatives instead of a total shutdown:

  • Visual Voicemail: Instead of calling a number to listen to audio, Visual Voicemail allows you to see a list of messages and delete them with one tap—much like an email inbox.
  • Google Voice: You can port your voicemail to Google Voice. It provides superior spam filtering and sends transcripts to your email.
  • Auto-Reply Apps: Some Android apps can automatically send a text message to anyone whose call you miss, saying: "I don't use voicemail. Please text me at this number."

Summary of Actions

Target Primary Action
All Users Dial ##004# and press Call.
iPhone Users Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail > Off.
Verizon Users Dial *73.
UK O2 Users Dial 1760.
Persistent Service Call 611 and ask for "Feature Removal."

Conclusion

Turning off voicemail is not as simple as it was in the days of physical answering machines, but it is entirely possible with the right codes or a quick call to your provider. For most users, the universal ##004# code will solve the problem instantly. If that fails, a direct request to your carrier's customer support to "remove the voicemail provision" is the only foolproof method. Once disabled, remember to test the result by calling your phone from another device and ensuring the line simply rings out or disconnects rather than prompting for a message.

FAQ

Will turning off voicemail delete my existing messages?

Yes, in most cases. When a carrier deactivates the voicemail feature on your account, they usually wipe the associated storage. If you have sentimental or important messages, save them to your phone's internal storage or voice memos before proceeding.

Can I turn voicemail back on later?

Absolutely. You can call your carrier or use reactivation codes (like *61# for some GSM networks) to restore the service. However, your old messages will not be recovered.

Does turning off voicemail stop robocalls?

It won't stop the phone from ringing, but it will stop robocallers from leaving 30-second silent messages or automated "Press 1" recordings in your inbox. To stop the ringing, use a "Silence Unknown Callers" feature in your phone settings.

Will I still get "Missed Call" notifications?

Yes. Disabling the recording service does not prevent your phone from logging the fact that a call was made to your number. You will still see the red badge or notification on your Phone app.

Is there a fee for disabling voicemail?

No. Carriers do not charge to remove the service. In fact, on some international roaming plans, disabling voicemail can save you money, as some carriers charge you for the international data used when a caller is redirected to the voicemail server abroad.