Missed calls are not just an annoying little thing, but often a missed opportunity or a potential problem, especially if you are waiting for an important call from an employer, courier or partner. When the smartphone is in silent mode, is dead, or is simply out of network coverage, the standard “subscriber unavailable” signal does not give the caller any information about when and why you cannot answer.
This is where voice answering machinecomes to the rescue. This feature allows you to record a personal greeting or use a standard operator message that is played to the caller after a few rings. On devices running Android setting up this service may vary significantly depending on the smartphone manufacturer and your mobile operator.
In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods for activating an answering machine: from built-in system functions Google Phone to USSD codes mobile operators. You will learn how to record your own voice message and how to avoid common mistakes when configuring forwarding.
Built-in capabilities of Android and applications from Google
In modern versions of the operating system Android, especially on smartphones with a “clean” interface or shells close to stock (for example, Pixel, Moto, Nokia), the answering machine feature is often integrated directly into Google's Phone app. This is the most convenient method that does not require the activation of paid operator services.
To activate this option, you need to open the application Phone and go to the settings menu, which is usually hidden under three dots in the upper right corner of the screen. In the list of parameters you should find the item Answering Machine or Voicemail. If this section is missing, your smartphone manufacturer may have disabled this feature or replaced it with its own solution.
After entering the answering machine menu, the system will prompt you to enable the function and record a greeting. You can choose standard text or record your own voice. It is important to note that for this feature to work, the phone must be turned on and connected to the Internet or cellular network at the time of the incoming call, since the call is processed on the device or through Google servers.
⚠️ Attention: Google's built-in answering machine may not work if you have custom firmware installed or if your telecom operator blocks forwarding to third-party voicemail numbers.
If you often change SIM cards, check your answering machine settings after each change, as the Phone application may reset the profile for the new operator.
Some users are faced with the fact that the activation button is inactive. This is often due to the fact that the system is not configured with basic forwarding. In this case, you must first activate the service with your telecom operator, and then link it to the system application.
Setup via USSD codes of mobile operators
The most reliable and universal way to set up voicemail is to use the services of your cellular operator. In this case, redirection occurs at the network level, and your smartphone may be turned off or in airplane mode - the call will still be redirected to the operator’s server.
Each major operator has its own unique code for activating the Voicemail service. Entering these combinations into the dialing field instantly sends a request to the server. Below is a table with current commands for the main operators of the Russian Federation.
| Operator | Activation code | Disconnect code | Voicemail number |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*157# |
*111*157*0# |
0880 |
| Beeline | *110*181# |
*110*181*0# |
0649 |
| MegaFon | *105*790# |
*105*791# |
0500 |
| Tele2 | *125# |
*125*0# |
666 |
After sending the USSD request, you will receive an SMS confirmation of service activation. The next step is to set up forwarding. This is usually done automatically, but sometimes you need to manually enter the voicemail number in the call settings.
Hidden tariffs for voicemail
For many operators, listening to messages is free, but the service connection or forwarding itself may be charged according to your plan. For example, a minute of forwarding may cost the same as a regular minute of conversation.
To record a personal greeting, you need to call the voicemail number (listed in the table above). The system will ask you to enter a PIN code (often by default this is the last 4 digits of the phone number or 0000) and will offer a menu for recording a message.
⚠️ Attention: Tariffs for voice mail and call forwarding services can be changed unilaterally by the operator. We recommend checking the current conditions in your personal account or mobile application of your operator before activation.
Manually setting up forwarding in the smartphone menu
If automatic setting up via USSD did not work or you want to forward calls to another number (for example, to your home phone or colleague's number), you can use manually setting up forwarding in the menu Android. This method gives complete control over where and under what conditions calls go.
Go to the application Phone, click on the three dots and select Settings. Next, find the section Call accounts or Additional settings. In this menu there will be an item Call forwarding. The system may prompt you to select a SIM card if you have two.
You will see a list of forwarding conditions:
- 📞 Always forward - all calls go away immediately, your phone does not ring.
- 📵 If unavailable - calls are forwarded when the phone is turned off or offline.
- 🔕 If busy - forward when active conversation.
- ⏳ If there is no answer - forwarding if you have not answered the phone within a certain time.
Select the desired item and enter the voicemail number of your operator (for example, 0880 for MTS). After entering the number, press the power button. The system will send a request to the network, and after a few seconds the setting will be applied.
☑️ Checking the forwarding settings
Please note that when setting up manually, it is important to specify the number correctly. Some operators require you to enter the number in international format (for example, +79990000000), while others accept short service numbers.
Using third-party applications for automatic answering
If the standard system and operator tools do not suit you, the store Google Play offers many third-party applications for automatically answering calls. apps such as Truecaller, Call Auto Answer or Should I Answer?provide advanced functionality.
These applications allow you not only to forward a call, but also to automatically reset it by sending an SMS message or play a pre-recorded audio file directly through the phone speaker. This is useful when you're in a noisy place or in a meeting where you can't talk, but you want to make it clear that you're busy.
For these apps to work, you'll need to grant them advanced permissions, including access to your microphone, phone, and contacts. Without these rights, the app will not be able to intercept an incoming call and play the answer.
When choosing an application, pay attention to ratings and reviews. Some free versions may contain intrusive advertising that will play instead of your greeting, which looks unprofessional.
Recording and editing a personal greeting
The standard message “The subscriber is temporarily unavailable, leave a message after the signal” sounds dry and formal. It is much more effective to write down your own greeting. This creates a sense of personal contact and allows the caller to understand the specifics of your situation.
The recording process usually occurs through a call to a voicemail number. After entering the answering machine menu, select the “Record greeting” option. Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and be sure to indicate when you can call back.
An example of a good greeting script: “Hello, this is Alexey. I can't answer the call right now because I'm in a meeting. Leave your message after the signal and I will call you back after 18:00.” This message is informative and polite.
Do not forget to periodically update the greeting. If you are going on vacation for two weeks, please update your message to include your new contact time frame. Outdated information (“I’ll call you back in an hour” when you’re on vacation for a week) can irritate callers.
⚠️ Attention: When recording your greeting, be aware of background noise. Wind, music or the voices of colleagues in the background can make the message illegible and create a negative impression of your professionalism.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Even with proper settings, users sometimes encounter the fact that the answering machine does not work. Most often, the problem lies in a conflict in the forwarding settings or insufficient funds on the balance.
If the caller hears beeps, but forwarding does not occur, check the status of the service in the operator’s personal account. Make sure that the Voicemail service is active and there are funds in your account to pay for forwarding (if it is paid).
Another common mistake is having two SIM cards. In the settings Android you need to clearly indicate for which SIM card forwarding is configured. Often, users set up the first card, and calls come to the second, where the service is not activated.
The main reason for a non-working answering machine is a disabled forwarding service at the network level, even if everything is configured correctly on the phone.
In rare cases, the problem may be on the side of the caller. Some operators block connections to voicemail numbers when roaming or when calling from certain tariff plans. In such a situation, the only solution is to set up forwarding to another valid phone number.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do they charge money for listening to voicemail?
Most Russian operators listen to voicemail messages for free if you call the service number from your number. However, entering the menu and navigating through the voice menu may be charged as a regular minute of conversation if the call is not to a short number.
Is it possible to set up an answering machine if the phone is turned off?
Yes, this is the main advantage of setting up through an operator (USSD). Forwarding occurs on the cell tower equipment, so your phone may be turned off, discharged, or in airplane mode - the call will still go to answering machine.
How to disable the answering machine completely?
To completely disable it, it is best to use the USSD service deactivation code (for example, *111*157*0# for MTS). You can also go to your phone's call settings and select the "Disable forwarding" option for all types of calls.
Why does the answering machine work too quickly?
The time before the answering machine works (the number of beeps) is adjusted by the operator settings. Usually this is 15-20 seconds. This interval cannot be changed through the phone settings; you must contact the support service of your telecom operator.
Does the answering machine work in roaming?
In international roaming, voicemail services may not work correctly or be very expensive. Call forwarding in roaming is often charged as an incoming call from the host country plus an outgoing call to the mail number. It is recommended to check the conditions with the operator before the trip.