Many users are faced with a situation where it is impossible to answer an important call due to busyness, lack of network or a switched off smartphone. In such cases, the function answering machinecomes to the rescue, redirecting calls to the operator's voicemail. However, the process of setting up this service on devices running Android often raises questions due to the variety of interfaces and conditions of telecom operators.
In this article we will analyze in detail, how to put a number on an answering machine on Android, using both built-in system tools and special USSD commands. You will learn about the differences in settings between different OS versions and phone models, as well as how to avoid being charged extra money for a service that you do not use.
The correct forwarding configuration allows you not to miss important messages even in an inaccessible area. We will look at the technical nuances of work Call Forwarding (call forwarding) and give recommendations on optimizing settings for specific operators so that your smartphone works as efficiently as possible in any conditions.
The principle of operation of voice mail and forwarding
The answering machine function in mobile networks is a service voicemail, which is activated on the telecom operator’s side. When an incoming call cannot be processed by your device, the network automatically redirects it to a special server where the subscriber can leave a voice message. On Android, this function is controlled through the call settings menu or using USSD codes.
There are several conditions under which forwarding works. You can set the system to react to a busy line, no answer after a certain number of rings, or turn off the phone completely. It is important to understand that the device itself only sends a command to the operator, and further processing is taken over by the cellular network.
Technically, the process is regulated by signaling protocols, and in the phone settings this is displayed as a change in the forwarding status. If you use two SIM cards, you need to configure the settings for each of them separately, since Android does not combine these settings into a single profile.
⚠️ Attention: The voicemail service is often paid. Before activation, check the tariff conditions of your operator to avoid unexpected charges for incoming messages to the answering machine.
Before setting up the answering machine, check your personal account balance. Some operators block the activation of the service if there is a negative balance or insufficient funds in the main account.
Standard setup via the Android menu
Most modern smartphones allow you to control call forwarding directly through the system menu. This method is the most visual and does not require memorizing complex combinations of numbers. The path to the settings may differ slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, One UI or ColorOS).
First, open the standard "Phone" application, which is used to dial a number. Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen or the menu button to go to the settings section. Here you need to find an item related to accounts or settings directly calls.
In the menu that opens, select the section Call settings or Advanced. Next, the system will prompt you to select a SIM card if the device has more than one installed. After selecting the card, find the item Call forwarding. The system will make a request to the network and display the current status of all types of forwarding.
☑️ Checking forwarding settings
If you want to activate an answering machine when busy or there is no answer, select the appropriate item and enter voicemail number. Usually it is already preset by the operator, but if necessary, you can change it manually. After entering the number, click “Enable” or “Activate.”
Using USSD commands to activate
An alternative and often faster way to configure is to use USSD requests. when the Android settings menu shows an error connecting to the operator's server. Commands are entered into the dialing field as a normal call.
Each telecom operator has its own set of codes for managing services. For example, to activate call forwarding when busy, a code starting with 67is often used, followed by the voicemail number and. symbol #. To disable the service, use the code #67#. The exact combinations depend on the specific provider.
To find out the current commands for your operator, you can use the official application of the operator or visit its website. Commands are entered in the following format: you enter the code, press the call button and wait for a pop-up notification of success. operations.
*61*voicemail_number#This command usually activates forwarding if there is no answer. After entering, the system will confirm the activation of the service with a message on the screen. If the command does not work, check that you entered the voicemail number correctly, which may differ from your main number.
Setting features for different operators
The procedure for activating an answering machine has its own nuances for different mobile operators. The service can be called differently: “Voicemail”, “Answering machine”, “Auto-informer”. In addition, the connection number can be either the same for all subscribers or individual.
For some operators, the service is disabled by default, and it must be activated through your personal account or service. support before setting up forwarding on your phone. Other providers enable it automatically when registering a SIM card, requiring only setting the trigger conditions on the device.
Below is a table with basic settings for popular telecom operators. Please note that numbers and commands may change, so always check the latest information on the official resource of your operator.
| Operator | Service name | Voicemail number | Activation command |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Voicemail | 0880 | *196# |
| MegaFon | Answering machine | 0500 | *105*00# |
| Beeline | Voicemail | 0643 | *110*181# |
| Tele2 | Answering machine | 611 | *155*00# |
⚠️ Attention: Tariff plans and terms of communication services are regularly updated. and the numbers indicated in the table can be changed by the operator without prior notice.
For virtual operator operators (MVNO) subscribers working on the networks of large providers, the settings often coincide with the settings of the base operator. However, in some cases, separate activation of the service through the virtual operator application is required before using USSD codes.
What to do if the command doesn't work?
If the USSD code gives an error, try rebooting your smartphone and checking the balance. Also make sure that the SIM card does not have a PIN code, which can block requests from being processed in the background.
Solving problems with activating the answering machine
Sometimes users encounter the fact that the forwarding setting is not saved or the system displays the error “The request could not be completed.” This may be due to technical problems with the network, blocking of the service by the operator, or a software malfunction Android.
The first step when problems arise is to check the status of the service in the operator’s personal account. Perhaps the limit for the service has been reached or it is not connected by the tariff. plan. You should also make sure that there are enough funds in your account to activate and continue using the answering machine.
If the problem is of a software nature, try clearing the cache of the “Phone” application. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Memory and click the “Clear cache” button. This action will not delete your contacts or call history, but it may eliminate errors in the settings menu.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings will help. This operation will return the mobile communication, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings to factory settings. To perform a reset, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset. Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
If standard methods do not help, contact your operator's support service. The problem may be on the network equipment side, which cannot be solved by the phone settings.
How to disable and change forwarding settings
The ability to not only enable, but also correctly disable or change autoresponder settings is just as important. You may want to temporarily suspend the service or change the number to which calls are forwarded, for example, to another phone.
To completely disable forwarding, use the universal code ##002#. This command will cancel all unconditional and conditional forwarding, returning call processing to standard mode. Confirmation of disconnection will come in the form of an SMS or a pop-up notification.
If you want to change the wait time before forwarding if there is no answer, it is difficult to do this using standard Android tools, since this parameter is often regulated by the operator. In such cases, you must use special USSD commands specific to your provider, or call support.
Regularly check the forwarding status, especially after changing your tariff plan or visiting other regions. Roaming may affect the operation of forwarding services, causing additional charges or technical restrictions on the side of partner networks.
Is it possible to put another person's number on the answering machine?
Technically, this is possible if you manually enter someone else's number in the forwarding field. However, this may be regarded as a violation of the rules for using communications if the subscriber did not give consent. In addition, the caller will pay for connecting to this number according to his tariff.
Why does the answering machine not work when the phone is turned off?
Most often the problem is that the “When unavailable” forwarding type is not activated. Check in the settings whether this option is enabled. Also make sure that the voice mail service is active on the operator's side.
Do you charge for listening to answering machine messages?
Incoming calls to voice mail are usually free for the owner of the number, but listening to left messages may be charged as an outgoing call to the answering machine server. Check the cost of a minute of connection in your tariff.
How to learn how many messages are recorded on the answering machine?
Usually, when there are new messages, the voicemail icon appears in the Android status bar. You can also call the voicemail number - the system will inform you of the number of new entries at the beginning of the conversation.
Does answering machine affect the speed of the mobile data?
No, setting up call forwarding does not affect the data transfer speed or quality of the mobile data. These are independent communication channels in the GSM/LTE network.