The fastest way to disable voicemail

You can disable voicemail on Android by calling your carrier's voicemail system and turning it off through their menu, or by going into your Phone app settings and disabling voicemail there. The exact steps depend on which carrier you use — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others each have slightly different systems. Most people find the Phone app method faster because you do not have to call anyone.

Before you disable voicemail, understand that callers will hear a message saying your voicemail is not set up, rather than being able to leave a message. Some people turn off voicemail because they miss messages, do not want the notification, or simply prefer not to use it. If you change your mind later, you can turn it back on using the same steps.

Key Takeaways

  • The Phone app on your Android device usually has a voicemail settings option where you can disable voicemail without calling your carrier.
  • If the Phone app method does not work, you can call your carrier's voicemail number (usually *86 or *71) and navigate their menu to disable the service.
  • Disabling voicemail means callers will hear a message that voicemail is unavailable instead of being able to leave a message.
  • You can turn voicemail back on at any time using the same method you used to turn it off.

Disable voicemail through the Phone app

Open the Phone app on your Android device. Look for the three dots or menu icon (usually in the top right corner) and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Settings" or "Voicemail" — the exact wording varies by phone model and carrier.

Tap "Voicemail" or "Voicemail Settings". You should see an option that says "Voicemail Service", "Voicemail Status", or something similar. Tap that option and look for a toggle or button that says "Off", "Disable", or "Turn Off Voicemail". Tap it. Some phones will ask you to confirm — if so, tap "Yes" or "Confirm".

Close the Phone app. Voicemail is now disabled. If you do not see a voicemail option in your Phone app settings, move to the carrier method below — not all Android phones or carriers offer this feature in the app.

Disable voicemail by calling your carrier

Open the Phone app and dial *86 (this is the standard voicemail access code for most carriers). If that does not work, try *71 or 1-800-MY-VMAIL. Wait for the voicemail system to answer — you will hear an automated voice.

Listen to the menu options. Most systems will say something like "Press 1 for messages, Press 2 for settings, Press 3 to turn off voicemail." Press the number for settings or to turn off voicemail. Follow the prompts — the system will usually ask you to confirm that you want to disable voicemail. Press the number it tells you to press (usually 1 for yes).

Hang up when the system confirms that voicemail is disabled. You may hear a message like "Voicemail has been turned off" or "Your voicemail service is now inactive." This method works on any Android phone because you are calling your carrier directly, not using your phone's settings.

What happens after you disable voicemail

When someone calls you and you do not answer, they will hear a message saying that voicemail is not available or that your mailbox is not set up. They will not be able to leave a message. Some callers may hang up, while others might text you instead.

You will not receive voicemail notifications anymore. Your phone will not show a voicemail icon or badge, and you will not get text messages or notifications about missed calls with voicemail. If you miss a call, you will only know about it if the person texts you or calls back.

Turn voicemail back on if you change your mind

If you decide you want voicemail again, follow the same steps you used to turn it off. In the Phone app, go back to Voicemail Settings and toggle it back "On". If you used the carrier method, call the same number (*86, *71, or 1-800-MY-VMAIL) and select the option to turn voicemail back on.

Your voicemail will be active again within a few minutes. You may need to set up a new greeting if your carrier deleted your old one, but this varies by carrier. Most carriers keep your greeting on file for several months after you disable voicemail.

Troubleshooting if voicemail won't disable

If you tried the Phone app method and the voicemail option is missing, your carrier may not support disabling voicemail through the app. Try the carrier phone method instead — call *86 or *71 and navigate the menu. This works on every carrier.

If you called your carrier and the system did not give you an option to disable voicemail, you may need to contact customer service directly. Call your carrier's main customer service number (usually on your bill or on their website) and ask them to disable voicemail on your account. They can do this without you having to call the voicemail system.

If voicemail is still active after you disabled it, wait 24 hours — some carriers take time to process the change. If it is still active after a full day, call customer service again and confirm that the request went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling voicemail stop people from calling me?

No. Disabling voicemail only means people cannot leave a message if you do not answer. They can still call you, and your phone will ring normally. If you do not answer, they will hear a message that voicemail is unavailable instead of being able to leave a message.

Can I disable voicemail for just one contact?

No. Voicemail is a carrier service that applies to your entire phone number. You cannot turn it off for one person and keep it on for others. If you want to avoid messages from a specific contact, you can block their number instead — this prevents them from calling or texting you at all.

Does disabling voicemail cost anything?

No. Disabling voicemail is free. Some carriers charge a monthly fee for voicemail service, so disabling it may actually lower your bill slightly, but the change itself costs nothing.

What if my carrier is not Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile?

The steps are the same. Call *86 or *71 to reach your carrier's voicemail system, or check your Phone app settings for a voicemail option. If neither works, contact your carrier's customer service line — the number is usually on your bill or their website.

Can I disable voicemail temporarily?

Yes. You can turn voicemail off and back on as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you can change this setting. Some people disable it when they are on vacation and turn it back on when they return.