You can disable voicemail on iPhone through your carrier's settings, but the process depends on which carrier you use

Voicemail on iPhone is managed by your phone carrier — AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another provider — not by Apple. This means you cannot turn it off directly in the iPhone Settings app. Instead, you dial a code specific to your carrier, or log into your carrier's website or app. The exact steps change based on who provides your service.

If you want callers to reach you but not leave messages, disabling voicemail is the way to do it. When voicemail is off, callers will hear a message saying your voicemail is not set up, and the call will end. This is different from silencing notifications or blocking people — the voicemail service itself stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • Voicemail is controlled by your carrier, not by iPhone settings, so you must contact your carrier to turn it off.
  • AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile each have different codes to disable voicemail: dial #004# for AT&T, #004# for Verizon, or #004# for T-Mobile.
  • You can also disable voicemail through your carrier's website or mobile app if you prefer not to use a code.
  • Disabling voicemail means callers will not be able to leave messages, but they can still call you and reach you if you answer.

Disable voicemail on AT&T

On AT&T, open the Phone app and dial #004#, then press the call button. You will see a message confirming that voicemail has been deactivated. This code works on any iPhone on the AT&T network.

If you prefer to use AT&T's website instead, log into your account at att.com, go to your phone number, and look for voicemail settings. You can disable it there without dialing a code. The AT&T mobile app also has a voicemail section where you can turn it off.

Disable voicemail on Verizon

Verizon uses the same code as AT&T. Open the Phone app, dial #004#, and press call. You will receive confirmation that your voicemail service is now off.

You can also manage voicemail through the My Verizon app or at verizon.com. Sign in to your account, find the voicemail or phone settings section, and select the option to turn off voicemail. This method takes a few minutes but does not require you to remember a code.

Disable voicemail on T-Mobile

T-Mobile also responds to #004#. Dial this code in the Phone app and press call to deactivate voicemail immediately.

T-Mobile customers can also log into their account at t-mobile.com or use the T-Mobile app to manage voicemail settings. Look for phone or voicemail options in your account menu. Some T-Mobile accounts may also allow you to dial 611 from your iPhone to reach customer service and ask them to disable voicemail for you.

Disable voicemail on other carriers

If you use a smaller carrier like US Cellular, Cricket, or a regional provider, the code or process may be different. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service number to find out how to disable voicemail on your account.

Many smaller carriers use the #004# code, but some do not. Your carrier's support page will have the exact steps. You can usually find this information by searching "[Your Carrier Name] disable voicemail" or by calling the customer service number on the back of your SIM card or on your bill.

What happens after you disable voicemail

Once voicemail is off, callers will hear a message saying your voicemail is not available or not set up. They cannot leave a message. If you do not answer the phone, the call will end after a few rings.

Disabling voicemail does not affect your ability to receive calls or text messages. People can still call you, and if you answer, the call goes through normally. It only prevents people from leaving recorded messages when you do not pick up. You can turn voicemail back on at any time by dialing the same code again or using your carrier's website.

Troubleshooting if the code does not work

If you dial the code and nothing happens, make sure you are using the Phone app and pressing the call button after typing the code. Some iPhone users accidentally type the code into a text message or email instead. Also check that you have a strong cellular signal — the code will not work on Wi-Fi calling.

If the code still does not work, your carrier may have changed it or your account may have a restriction. Call your carrier's customer service number and ask them to disable voicemail for you directly. This is the fastest way to resolve the problem if the code fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will people know that voicemail is turned off when they call me?

Yes. Instead of hearing a greeting and being asked to leave a message, callers will hear a message saying your voicemail is not available. They will know that voicemail is not set up on your account.

Can I turn voicemail back on after I disable it?

Yes. Dial the same code again — #004# for most carriers — and your voicemail will be reactivated. You can turn it on and off as many times as you want.

Does disabling voicemail stop text messages or calls from coming through?

No. Disabling voicemail only stops people from leaving recorded messages. Calls and text messages work normally. If you answer a call, it connects just like it always does.

What if I do not know which carrier I use?

Check your phone bill, look at the back of your SIM card, or go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone. The carrier name appears there. You can also call the number on the back of your SIM card and ask which carrier you are on.

Can I disable voicemail from the iPhone Settings app?

No. Apple does not provide a voicemail on/off switch in Settings because voicemail is managed by your carrier, not by iPhone. You must contact your carrier using the code, website, or app to disable it.