Disabling voicemail depends on your phone type and carrier

You can turn off voicemail on most phones by calling your carrier's customer service line, texting a code to a specific number, or using your phone's built-in settings. The exact method changes based on whether you have an iPhone, Android phone, or a basic phone, and which carrier you use — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider. Some carriers let you disable it yourself in seconds; others require a phone call.

The fastest route is usually a text message or a call to your carrier's automated system. If that does not work, calling customer service directly will get it done, though you may wait on hold. Once voicemail is off, callers will hear a message saying your voicemail is not set up instead of reaching a greeting.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users can disable voicemail through Settings > Phone > Voicemail, or by calling their carrier's customer service line.
  • Android users typically cannot disable voicemail through settings alone and must contact their carrier by phone or text.
  • Most carriers accept text commands to turn off voicemail — AT&T uses #004#, Verizon uses *71, and T-Mobile uses #004#.
  • Disabling voicemail does not stop calls from coming in; it only prevents callers from leaving recorded messages.
  • If you change your mind later, you can re-enable voicemail using the same method you used to turn it off.

How to disable voicemail on iPhone

On iPhone, you have two options: use the Phone app settings or call your carrier. The settings method works on most carriers and takes about one minute.

Open the Phone app, tap the Voicemail tab at the bottom right, then tap Voicemail Greeting. Select "None" instead of a custom greeting or default greeting. This disables your voicemail greeting, which prevents most callers from leaving messages. If this does not fully disable voicemail on your carrier, move to the phone call method.

To disable it completely, call your carrier's customer service number (found on your bill or the carrier's website). Tell them you want voicemail turned off. They will do it on their end within a few minutes. You do not need to do anything else on your phone after that.

How to disable voicemail on Android

Android phones do not have a built-in setting to disable voicemail the way iPhones do. You must contact your carrier directly by phone or text message.

Call your carrier's customer service line and say you want voicemail disabled. Have your phone number and account PIN ready if you have one. The representative will turn it off on their system. Alternatively, text a code to your carrier's automated system: AT&T and T-Mobile both use #004#, while Verizon uses *71. Send the text to the number listed on your carrier's website for voicemail commands.

After you send the text or make the call, wait a few minutes for the change to take effect. You may receive a confirmation text from your carrier.

Disabling voicemail by carrier

Each major carrier has its own process, though most now offer a text-based option alongside phone support.

Verizon: Text *71 to 121 (or call 1-908-559-4899 and follow the prompts). You can also call Verizon customer service at the number on your bill.

AT&T: Text #004# to 121 (or call 611 from your AT&T phone). Some AT&T customers can also disable it through the myAT&T app under Settings > Voicemail.

T-Mobile: Text #004# to 121 (or call 611 from your T-Mobile phone). T-Mobile also allows you to disable voicemail through the T-Mobile app under Account > Voicemail.

Other carriers: Check your carrier's website or call the customer service number on your bill. Regional carriers and MVNOs (carriers that use another company's network) may have different codes or require a phone call.

What happens when voicemail is disabled

When you turn off voicemail, incoming calls still ring your phone normally. The difference is what happens when you do not answer. Instead of hearing your voicemail greeting and being able to leave a message, callers will hear a message from your carrier saying voicemail is not set up. The call ends, and no message is recorded.

Disabling voicemail does not affect text messages, email, or any other way people can reach you. It only stops the voicemail system itself. If you want people to reach you another way, you may want to set up a Google Voice number or another forwarding service that lets you control how calls are handled.

Re-enabling voicemail if you change your mind

If you decide you want voicemail back, use the same method you used to turn it off. On iPhone, go back to Phone > Voicemail and set up a greeting again. On Android or any phone, text the reverse code to your carrier or call customer service and ask them to turn voicemail back on.

When you re-enable voicemail, you will need to record a new greeting or use your carrier's default greeting. This usually takes less than a minute. Your carrier will confirm the change by text or during the phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will people still be able to call me if I disable voicemail?

Yes. Disabling voicemail only stops people from leaving recorded messages. Calls will still ring your phone, and you can answer them normally. People just cannot leave a voicemail if you do not pick up.

Do I have to pay to turn off voicemail?

No. Disabling voicemail is free on all major carriers. Some carriers charge for voicemail as part of your plan, but turning it off does not cost anything.

Can I disable voicemail for just certain contacts?

No. Voicemail is an all-or-nothing setting controlled by your carrier. You cannot turn it off for one person and keep it on for another. If you want to block specific people from calling, use your phone's built-in blocking feature instead.

What if the text code does not work?

If texting the code does not disable voicemail, call your carrier's customer service line directly. Some older phones or plans may not support text-based commands. A representative can disable it over the phone in a few minutes.

Does disabling voicemail affect my phone bill?

It depends on your plan. Some carriers charge for voicemail as a separate line item, so disabling it may lower your bill slightly. Others include it in your base plan, so turning it off does not change your cost. Check your bill or ask your carrier.