Modern smartphones Honor i Huawei are equipped with many useful features, but some of them, such as a voice box or answering machine, can be annoying for users if they do not know how to manage them. Often this option is activated automatically when you first install a SIM card or after a firmware update, causing callers to hear a welcome message instead of a beep. This creates inconvenience, especially if you are expecting an important call and think that the connection is simply lost.
You can disable this function in several ways, ranging from simple settings in the phone menu to using special USSD codes. It is important to understand that an answering machine is not just an application inside your device, but a service provided by your mobile operator. That is why the deactivation process may differ depending on whether you use the services MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2. In some cases, the settings may go wrong on their own, requiring repeated intervention.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods that will help you permanently remove the answering machine. We will look at standard shell tools Magic UI or EMUI, universal reset codes and specific settings for different telecom operators. You will learn to distinguish between the system answering machine and voice mail services, and also learn what to do if standard methods stop working.
Differences between an answering machine and voice mail
Before you take active steps to disable it, you need to clearly understand which service you are encountering. On smartphones Honor running Android two different mechanisms are often confused: the built-in answering machine of the “Phone” application and the “Voicemail” service from the operator. The first option is a software feature that automatically picks up the phone and plays the text or audio you recorded. The second option is a network service, when the call is forwarded to the operator’s server if you do not answer.
If the caller hears the operator’s standard message (“The subscriber cannot answer...”), then we are talking about voice mail. In this case, the settings of the smartphone itself may be powerless, and you will have to use codes or call support. If the phone is answered by itself, and your personal voice or music sounds, then this is the work of the system answering machine. Critical important correctly identify the type of service, since the methods for disabling them are radically different.
- 📱 System answering machine: controlled through the settings of the “Phone” application or “Contacts” on the device itself.
- 📡 Operator’s voicemail: managed through USSD codes, a call to a short number or the operator’s personal account.
- 🔄 Forwarding: sometimes the answering machine is turned on due to the active unconditional forwarding of all calls to the voicemail number.
Users often forget that on different models Honor (for example, Honor 10, Honor 20, Honor Magic) the interface may be slightly different. However, the operating logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android. Understanding this difference will save you time and stress when trying to customize your phone to suit your needs.
Disable through the Phone application settings
The easiest and fastest way to remove the answering machine is to use the built-in call settings menu. In most modern models Honor with a shell Magic UI this path is the main one. You don't need Internet access or account balance, as all changes are applied locally to the device software.
To begin, open the standard Phone application, through which you usually make calls. In the top or bottom right corner of the screen, look for a menu icon, which may look like three dots or four squares. By clicking on it, select “Settings”. In the list that opens, look for the section related to auto answer or voice mail.
☑️ Checking the auto answer settings
Inside the Auto Reply section you will see a switch. If it is active (lit blue or green), simply click on it to deactivate the feature. The “Auto-answer delay” setting may also be available here, which is also better to disable or set to the maximum value if you want to completely exclude automatic handset lifting.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions EMUI or in custom assemblies, the path may differ. If you don't find the "Auto Answer" option in the main settings, try looking for it in the "Accessibility" or "Call Management" sections.
After making changes, it is recommended to restart the device to make sure that the settings are applied correctly. Sometimes the system may cache old settings, and a simple reboot will clear this cache. If, after a reboot, the answering machine turned on again on its own, perhaps the problem lies deeper, in the network settings of the operator.
Using USSD codes to reset settings
If the phone's software settings do not produce results, or if the answering machine is a service of the operator, they come to the rescue USSD codes. These character combinations allow you to send requests directly to the mobile operator's network, bypassing smartphone interfaces. This is a universal method that works on any phone, be it budget Honor 7A or flagship Honor Magic 5.
There is a universal code that resets all types of forwarding, including forwarding to voicemail, which is often the reason why the answering machine works. To use this method, open the Phone application and enter the following combination:
##002#After entering the code, press the call button. A message should appear on the screen indicating that all voice call forwarding has been successfully deleted. This action also disables forwarding when busy and when the subscriber is unavailable. This way, you are guaranteed to disable network mechanisms that could activate the answering machine.
If the code ##002# does not work, try entering the code *#002# to check the forwarding status. If the status is active, repeat the command with bars.
In addition, each operator has its own specific codes for managing the Voicemail or Answering Machine service. For example, to disable codes like *110*001# or *105*00#are often used, but they can change. It is best to use the universal reset method described above, as it covers most scenarios.
- 🔢
##002#— complete reset of all forwardings (the most effective method). - 🔍
*#002#— checking the status of forwardings without changing them. - 📞
*61#— checking the number to which the call goes if there is no answer.
Using these codes are free and do not use up your data plan minutes. However, if you do not have a package of minutes for calls to operator numbers, checking the status via *#... codes may be paid, so be careful. After successfully completing the command, try calling your number from another phone to check the result.
Forwarding settings in the system menu
In the operating system Android there is a deep call settings menu, which duplicates the functions of USSD codes, but is presented in a more convenient graphical form. Through this interface, you can configure in detail the conditions under which the autoresponder or forwarding is triggered. This is especially useful if you want to leave forwarding to another device, but disable voicemail.
To get to this menu, go to the “Settings” of your smartphone, then select the “Mobile network” or “Network and Internet” section. Find the “Call Settings” item (sometimes it is hidden in the “Advanced” or “SIM cards and mobile networks” submenu). Here you will see four main types of forwarding: always, when busy, when unavailable and when not answered.
| Forwarding type | Description | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Always | All calls at once go to answering machine | Disconnect |
| If busy | When talking to another subscriber | Disconnect or change number |
| If does not answer | If you did not pick up the phone 15-30 sec | Disable to delete auto answer |
| If unavailable | When the phone is turned off or offline | Leave on (optional) |
Click on each of these points. If a voicemail number is listed there (usually a short code for your operator), click the “Disconnect” or “Voice” button. The system may ask for confirmation or wait for a while for a response from the network. Important: disabling “If no answer” forwarding most often solves the problem with the answering machine, since this is the trigger that is used by default.
⚠️ Attention: The network settings interface may differ depending on the version of Android and the Honor model. If you cannot find these items, use the USSD codes described in the previous section, as they are a more reliable tool.
After changing the settings in this menu, the phone can automatically send a USSD request to the operator. Wait for a pop-up notification indicating the success of the operation. If a runtime error or network timeout occurs, check the signal strength. In areas of poor reception, setting up forwarding may not work the first time.
Disconnection specifics for different operators
Answering and voicemail services are provided by telecom operators, and each of them has its own nuances of activation and deactivation. Even if you reset the settings on your phone, the service may remain active on the operator’s side. Let's consider the features for the main Russian operators that are relevant for users Honor.
For subscribers MegaFon the service may be called “Secretary” or “Voicemail”. You can disable it through the MegaFon application, in your personal account on the website, or by dialing a short number. Often the answering machine is turned on when the “Eternal Charge” service or other bonus options are activated. Be careful when connecting new tariffs.
Operator MTS provides an “Answering Machine” service. To disable it, you can use the USSD command *111*1672# (the code may change, it is better to check in your personal account). You can also call the number 0890 and follow the instructions in the voice menu. In the “My MTS” application, this option is located in the “Services” -> “Basic” section.
Secrets of telecom operators
Some operators automatically connect an answering machine if you miss three calls in a row within 10 minutes. This is a protective mechanism that can only be disabled through the operator.
The Beeline service is called “Answering Machine”. Deactivation is carried out through the command *110*0010# or through the “My Beeline” application. Beeline also has the “Call me back” function, which users sometimes confuse with an answering machine. Make sure that you are disabling exactly the right option.
Subscribers Tele2 should use the command *138# to manage the answering machine. Also, all settings are available in your personal account on the website or in the mobile application. If none of the methods helps, the only correct solution is to call the support service at number 611.
- 📞 MegaFon: Check the "Services" section in your personal account, the service may be called "Secretary".
- 📶 MTS: Carefully study the connected packages, an answering machine is often included “Tariffs.”
- 🟡 Beeline: Use the mobile application to quickly switch the service toggle switch.
Remember that the tariffs for answering machine services may vary. In some tariffs, this service is free, in others, a subscription fee is charged daily or monthly. Disabling the answering machine will not only help avoid missed calls, but also save money if the service was paid.
Solving problems and common errors
Even following the instructions, users may encounter situations where the answering machine does not turn off or turns on again. One common reason is conflicts with third-party applications. If you have installed call recording applications, caller ID or smart dialers, they can intercept call control and impose their own auto-answer rules.
Try to analyze which applications have access to the microphone and phone. Go to Settings → Applications → Access → Phone and view the list. If you find suspicious apps, try temporarily disabling their access or removing them. Often, after removing such “helpers”, the standard settings Honor begin to work correctly.
Another problem is time and date desynchronization. If the time on your smartphone is wrong, security certificates may not work correctly, which leads to errors when sending requests to disable network services. Make sure your settings are set to automatically detect time and time zone.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a corporate SIM card, your answering machine settings can be managed by your company network administrator. In this case, self-disabling may be blocked by the organization's security policy.
It is also worth mentioning resetting the network settings. If all else fails, you can try resetting your network settings to factory settings. This won't delete your contacts or photos, but it will reset your Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. Path to this function: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the answering machine turn on itself after turning off?
This may be due to synchronization with the operator's cloud profile or a malfunction of the Phone application. Try clearing the cache of the Phone application through the app settings or perform a complete reset of the forwarding code ##002#.
Does the operator charge a fee for disabling the answering machine?
In most cases, disabling the service is free. However, if disconnection requires a call to a hotline, the cost may vary depending on your service plan. Using USSD codes is usually free.
Can the answering machine work without the Internet?
Yes, the classic answering machine and voicemail work via voice communication channels (GSM/3G/4G Voice) and do not require an active Internet connection (Mobile Data or Wi-Fi).
Does the “No” mode affect disturb" to voicemail?
Do not disturb mode can block audio signals, but does not always cancel forwarding to voicemail. The settings of these functions are independent, so the answering machine can work even if the phone is in silent mode.
How to check if the answering machine is turned off?
The best way is to call your number from another phone and not pick up the phone. If there are long beeps and then a reset or a standard operator message about unavailability (without recording a greeting), then the answering machine is disabled.