Where to disable the answering machine in Android: complete guide

Many smartphone users are faced with a situation where, instead of the usual call tone, they hear a voice message or an automatic answer. This phenomenon is often called answering machine, although technically most often we are talking about forwarding to the operator's voicemail. There can be many reasons for disabling this function: from the desire to hear clear beeps to solving problems with unnecessary charges for listening to messages.

In the operating system Android there is no single universal button “Turn off answering machine”, since this service is controlled directly on the side of the cellular operator or through specific settings your tariff plan. However, there are proven deactivation methods that work in most cases. In this article, we will look at all possible methods, from using USSD codes to deep settings in the phone menu.

Before making changes, it is important to understand the difference between system auto-answer (a rare feature found in some shells) and operator voicemail. In 99% of cases, users are looking for a way to disable the operator’s service. Incorrect settings can lead to the fact that people calling you will not be able to be heard or will be immediately recorded, which creates inconvenience in business communications.

Differences between an answering machine and voicemail

There is often confusion in terminology, which makes it difficult to find the desired setting in the phone menu. Voicemail is a telecom operator service that allows you to record messages from subscribers when you cannot answer the call. It is activated automatically when a SIM card is connected or upon request.

At the same time, answering machine in its pure form is a function of the smartphone itself or a third-party application that automatically resets the call and sends a pre-prepared SMS message or plays an audio recording. On most stock versions Android there is no such function by default; it is typical for some models Samsung or Xiaomi in specific modes.

⚠️ Attention: If you turn off voicemail via phone settings, but the service will remain active on the operator’s side, callers will still hear the greeting. To completely disable it, you must use operator codes.

Understanding this difference is critical to choosing the correct method to resolve the problem. If your goal is simply to remove the welcome message for missed calls, you need to work with the forwarding settings. If automatic SMS sending bothers you, you should look for settings in the calls section of a specific manufacturer.

Universal method of deactivation via USSD codes

The most reliable and fastest way to deactivate voicemail is to use special combinations of characters known as USSD codes. These commands are sent directly to the operator's server and instantly change the settings of your SIM card, regardless of the phone model or operating system version.

To disable all types of forwarding, including redirection to an answering machine when busy or no answer, a single code is used. You need to open the Phone application, go to the dial pad and enter the following sequence:

##002#

After entering, press the call button. A notification will appear on the screen indicating that the forwarding data has been successfully erased. This method works for all major Big Four operators in Russia and many other countries. It completely clears the call forwarding settings, returning them to their original state.

• 📞 Code ##002# cancels all types of forwarding (when busy, unavailable and unanswered).
• 📱 Code #21# allows you to check the status of unconditional forwarding (when all calls go to answering machine).
• 🔒 Code ##61# cancels forwarding only if you do not pick up.

Using these codes is safe and free. However, it is worth remembering that after using them, you will not be able to receive voice messages until you activate the service again. This can be useful if you are in an area of poor reception and do not want callers to hear beeps that are cut off.

Setting through the Android smartphone menu

In addition to operator codes, modern smartphones allow you to control some call parameters through the system menu. The path to these settings may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the general logic remains similar. You will need to go to the Phone application, which is used for making calls by default.

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen (or the "More" button) and select Settings. Next, find a section that may be called “Calls,” “Advanced settings,” or “Call accounts.” This is where the parameters that control the behavior of the phone during an incoming connection are located.

Inside this menu, look for the item Voicemail or Call forwarding. If you select forwarding, the phone will request data from the operator's network and show four options: always, when busy, when unavailable and when there is no answer. Disabling the number in the “When there is no answer” field often solves the problem with automatic switching to answering machine.

It is worth noting that on some devices with custom firmware, for example, from Xiaomi or Huawei, these items may be hidden or have a different name. In such cases, the system may redirect you to the operator's page in the browser to change the settings. This is normal behavior, since the final decision is made on the network equipment.

Disconnection specifics on different telecom operators

Although the code ##002# is universal, each operator has its own specific commands and features of providing voice mail services. Knowing these nuances will help you more accurately control the settings if standard methods for some reason do not work or a partial shutdown is required.

Operator	Shutdown command	Check command	Features
MTS	*111*920#	*111*921#	The Voicemail service may be paid
MegaFon	*105*0051#	*105*0050#	Often included by default on tariffs
Beeline	*110*090#	*110*091#	Can be called “Answering machine”
Tele2	*155*00#	*155*01#	Free listening in the application

Using operator-specific commands sometimes gives more control than a general forwarding reset. For example, you can disable the message recording service, while leaving the option of forwarding to another number if necessary. This is convenient for users who often travel abroad or in areas without coverage.

In addition, many operators provide the ability to manage these services through mobile applications or personal accounts on the website. There you can not only turn off the answering machine, but also listen to the accumulated messages if they were recorded before the service was turned off.

What to do if the codes do not work?

If entering USSD codes does not produce results or produces an error, the service may be administratively blocked on your tariff or confirmation is required through a call to support. The problem may also be the lack of a network signal at the time the request is sent.

Auto-responder in applications and third-party services

In some cases, the automatic response function is implemented not by the operator, but by third-party software. These could be call recording applications, task managers, or special business utilities that answer calls with text messages.

To check for the presence of such apps, carefully review the list of installed applications. Look for names that contain the words "Auto Reply", "Call Answer", "SMS Responder" or similar. Often such utilities work in the background and do not have a bright icon on the desktop.

If you find such an application, go to its settings and find the switch to activate the auto-reply function. It is usually located on the main screen of the application or in the General Settingssection. Disable it and, to be safe, delete the application if you no longer need it.

• 📂 Check your accessibility settings in the section Settings → Accessibility.
• 🚫 Some antiviruses may block answering machines, considering them suspicious activity.
• ⚙️ In the “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving” modes, the phone can automatically reject calls, simulating the operation of an answering machine.

Particular attention should be paid to the “Driving Mode”, which is in the standard settings Android. When activated, the phone can automatically send SMS notifications to callers that you are driving. This is not voice mail, but the effect for the subscriber is similar - he does not call and receives an automatic answer.

Solving problems and common errors

Even after following all the instructions, users sometimes encounter the fact that the answering machine continues to work. This may be due to caching of settings on the operator's side or network synchronization errors. In such cases, a more in-depth diagnostic approach is required.

Try rebooting the device after sending the shutdown codes. This action forces the phone to re-register on the network and download the current service profile from the operator’s server. Often, a simple reboot solves the problem when a software glitch prevents the application of new settings.

⚠️ Attention: If you use two SIM cards, make sure that you disable the service on the exact slot from which the problems are coming. Settings for SIM 1 and SIM 2 are managed independently.

It is also worth checking if the Detailed Account service or other paid options are activated, which may include voicemail as a bonus. In rare cases, a tariff plan may force the answering machine settings to return after each communication session.

If all else fails, the only correct solution is to call your operator’s technical support service. Tell the operator that you have already tried to use the code ##002#, but the service is not disabled. This will let the specialist know that the problem is technical in nature and requires intervention in the settings of your number at the database level.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

Why do callers still hear beeps after turning off the answering machine?

Rather In total, you have disabled only message recording, but not the forwarding itself. Make sure to use a code ##002#that resets all types of call forwarding. Also check if your phone settings allow forwarding to another number.

Do they charge money for disabling the answering machine?

The procedure itself for disabling the service via USSD codes or phone settings is free. However, if you had paid voice messages recorded on your balance, they can be saved until they are listened to or the storage period expires, depending on the operator’s rules.

Is it possible to disable the answering machine only for certain contacts?

This cannot be done using the operator’s standard means - the service applies to all incoming calls. However, you can set the Do Not Disturb mode on your smartphone so that calls from selected contacts go through, and the rest are dropped or sent to voicemail if it is active.

What happens if I go abroad with the answering machine on?

When roaming, incoming calls to voicemail may be charged as outgoing calls to your home region, which will result in to significant expenses. It is recommended that you always turn off your voicemail before traveling abroad using the code ##002#.

How do I know if I have recorded messages in my account?

Usually all you need to do is call the voicemail number (often your own number or a short code such as 0500). The system will automatically dictate the number of new and old messages. It is better to check the exact number on your operator’s website.