Voicemail disconnection depends on your phone type and carrier
Disconnecting voicemail means telling your phone system to stop recording messages when you don't answer. The steps change depending on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or a landline, and which carrier provides your service. Most people can turn it off in their phone's settings or by calling their carrier's customer service line.
Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for voicemail service, so turning it off may lower your bill. Others include it free and let you disable it without penalty. If you turn voicemail off and later want it back, you can usually reactivate it the same way.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users can disable voicemail through Settings > Phone > Change Voicemail Password, then selecting "Delete Account".
- Android users typically disable voicemail in the Phone app settings or by contacting their carrier directly.
- Landline users must call their phone company's customer service number to request voicemail disconnection.
- Disabling voicemail does not delete existing messages — you may need to save important ones before turning it off.
- Some carriers allow you to disable voicemail online through your account portal instead of calling.
How to disable voicemail on iPhone
Open the Settings app and tap Phone. Scroll down and tap Change Voicemail Password. When prompted, tap Delete Account instead of entering a new password. Confirm the deletion when the system asks. This removes your voicemail greeting and stops the system from recording new messages.
If you see a message that says you cannot delete your account through Settings, your carrier requires you to call them directly. Write down your phone number and account number before calling — the representative will ask for both. The call usually takes fewer than five minutes.
After you disable voicemail, callers will hear a message saying your voicemail is not set up. Some will hang up; others may leave a message anyway, which you won't receive. If you change your mind later, go back to Settings > Phone > Change Voicemail Password and set up a new greeting.
How to disable voicemail on Android
Open the Phone app and tap the three-line menu icon (called a hamburger menu) in the upper left or right corner. Look for Settings or Voicemail Settings. Tap Voicemail and look for an option that says Disable, Turn Off, or Delete Account. The exact wording depends on your phone manufacturer and carrier.
If you don't see a voicemail option in the Phone app settings, open your carrier's app instead — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others have their own apps where you can manage voicemail. Search your phone's app store for your carrier's name and install the official app. Log in with your phone number and account password, then look for Voicemail or Account Settings.
Some Android phones don't offer a settings option at all. In that case, call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or on their website) and ask them to disable voicemail on your account. Have your phone number and account PIN ready.
How to disable voicemail on a landline
Call your phone company's customer service number. This number is usually on your monthly bill or on the company's website. Tell the representative you want to disconnect voicemail service. They will confirm your account and process the request when ready.
Some phone companies charge a small monthly fee for voicemail — usually between $2 and $5. Disconnecting it removes that charge from your next bill. Ask the representative whether you will see a credit or whether the charge straightforward stops appearing.
If you have a landline through a bundle (internet, TV, and phone together), the voicemail may be managed through your online account portal instead. Log in to your account, find the phone or services section, and look for Voicemail or Call Management. You may be able to disable it without calling.
What happens to your existing voicemail messages
Disabling voicemail does not automatically delete messages you have already saved. However, once you turn off voicemail, you cannot access those messages through your voicemail system anymore. If you have important messages, listen to them and write down the information before you disable the service.
Some carriers let you read or export your voicemail messages as audio files before disconnecting. Call your carrier's customer service and ask whether this option is available. If it is, they can walk you through the process or email you instructions.
Reactivating voicemail if you change your mind
Turning off voicemail is not permanent. If you decide you want it back, you can reactivate it using the same method you used to disable it. On iPhone, go back to Settings > Phone > Change Voicemail Password and set up a new greeting. On Android, open the Phone app or your carrier's app and look for an option to enable or set up voicemail.
For landlines, call your phone company and ask them to turn voicemail back on. They can usually do this in one call. If your carrier charges a monthly fee, the charge will appear on your next bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will callers know that I have voicemail turned off?
Yes. When someone calls and you don't answer, they will hear a message saying your voicemail is not set up or not available. Some callers will hang up when ready; others may try calling back later or send you a text instead.
Can I disable voicemail without calling my carrier?
It depends on your phone type and carrier. iPhone and Android users can often disable it through their phone's settings. Landline users almost always have to call. Check your carrier's website or app first to see if you can manage it online.
Will disabling voicemail lower my phone bill?
Only if your carrier charges a separate monthly fee for voicemail. Many carriers include it free with your plan, so turning it off won't change your bill. Check your current bill to see if there is a line item for voicemail service.
What if I need to keep voicemail but want to change my greeting?
You don't need to disable voicemail to change your greeting. On iPhone, go to Phone app > Voicemail > Greeting and tap Custom to record a new message. On Android, open the Phone app, tap Voicemail, and look for Greeting or Record Greeting. For landlines, call your phone company.
Can I disable voicemail for only certain contacts?
No. Voicemail is an all-or-nothing service — you either have it turned on for everyone or turned off for everyone. If you want some calls to go to voicemail and others not to, you would need to use a different feature like Do Not Disturb or call screening, which your phone may offer.