The situation when instead of a live caller the caller hears only a recorded voice or robot is familiar to many smartphone owners.
If you have a device Samsung Galaxy and you use the services of the MTS operator, the "Secretary" option that is turned on by default or accidentally activated may cause confusion and missed important calls.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for deactivating this service: from using a special application to entering USSD commands and changing the forwarding settings in the menu smartphone.
What is the "Secretary" service and why does it interfere?
Secretary is a paid service of a telecom operator that automatically answers incoming calls if you cannot pick up the phone.
Unlike the standard voice box that all operators have, this the service offers more complex interaction scenarios: recording a conversation, transcribing voice messages into text and sending them to you in the form of SMS or push notification.
Users often discover that the service is activated after the subscription fee has been charged, since it could have been activated when changing the tariff plan or during a promotion.
The main problem is that callers often hang up after hearing the answering machine, thinking that you are busy or do not want to communicate, although in fact you simply did not hear the dial tone due to forwarding.
⚠️ Attention: The “Secretary” service is paid. The cost may vary depending on your current tariff and the availability of connected options. Always check the exact price in your personal account or with the support service.
Disabling this function will return you direct control over incoming calls and allow you to hear standard network beeps.
The fastest way: disabling via USSD codes
The most efficient method of managing MTS services does not require access to the Internet or the installation of an additional software.
Just open the “Phone” application on your Samsung and enter a special combination of numbers.
To deactivate the “Secretary” service, dial the following code and press the call button:
*111*1522#After sending the command, a confirmation SMS message will be sent to the screen about successful deactivation service.
If the code did not work or you received an error, try the universal service control code:
*111#In the menu that opens, select the “Services” section, then find the “Secretary” item and follow the prompts to disable it.
This method works on all phone models, including old push-button devices and modern flagships series Galaxy S or A.
If the USSD code does not work, make sure you have a network signal. In roaming, managing services may be limited or cost additional money.
Using the official My MTS application
For owners of smartphones based on Android the most convenient way to manage the tariff is the operator's proprietary application.
It provides a visual interface where you can not only disable the “Secretary”, but also analyze communication costs.
Download the “My MTS” application from the store Google Play or Galaxy Store, if it is not already installed on your device.
After logging into your personal account (usually happens automatically by phone number), follow these steps:
- 📱 On the main screen, find the “Services” section or the icon in the form of four squares.
- 🔍 In the search for services enter the word “Secretary”.
- ❌ Click on the active service and select the “Disable” button.
- ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window that appears.
The advantage of this method is that you immediately see the status of all connected options and can manage them in one place.
The application also allows you to set up forwarding manually if you need some specific call processing logic other than the standard one.
Setting up forwarding in the Samsung Galaxy menu
Sometimes the "Secretary" service works by setting up conditional forwarding at the level of the phone or network itself.
On smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI the path to these settings may differ slightly depending on the version of Android, but the general algorithm remains the same.
To check and change the forwarding settings, go to the “Phone” application (green handset).
Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select “Settings”.
In the list of options, find the “Additional services” or “Call forwarding” section.
The system will request a network connection to receive the current status from the operator.
After downloading, you will see four main types of forwarding:
- 📞 Always redirect.
- ⏳ If busy.
- 🕒 If there is no answer.
- 🚫 If unavailable (turned off or out of range).
If any of these items has a number other than yours or is empty, but the status is "On", this may be the reason the secretary is working.
Click on each item and select “Disable” or “Voicemail” to reset the settings to standard.
☑️ Checking Samsung settings
Personal account on the website and alternative methods
If you don’t have a smartphone at hand or the application does not work correctly, use the web version of your personal account.
Go to the official MTS website and log in using your phone number, receiving a confirmation code via SMS.
In the “Services” section, find the “Calls” category or use the site search.
On the “Secretary” service management page, a deactivation button will be available.
You can also call the support service at this number 0890 from a mobile or 8 800 250 0890 from any phone.
The operator will check your number and disable the service at your request.
Be prepared to say the code word or answer a security question to confirm your identity.
| Method shutdown | Speed | Internet required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD code *111*1522# | Instant | No | Low |
| My MTS application | 1-2 minutes | Yes | Low |
| Samsung Settings | 2-3 minutes | Yes (GSM) | Average |
| Call support | 5-10 minutes | No | High |
The web interface is useful because it often displays the history of connections and disconnections of services, which helps to understand exactly when the “Secretary” was activated.
Possible problems and reasons for unsuccessful disconnection
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the service seems to be is disabled, but the answering machine still works.
This may be due to the fact that a third-party application is installed on the phone for recording calls or blocking spam, which simulates the work of a secretary.
Check the list of installed apps on your Samsung and remove or disable suspicious ones utilities.
Another reason is the delay in updating information on the operator's side.
After disabling the service through an application or code, it may take from 5 to 30 minutes before the changes take full effect.
During this period of time, calls may still be redirected to the servers recordings.
⚠️ Attention: If you have disabled the service, but money continues to be debited, be sure to save screenshots from your personal account or deactivation receipts to contact support to request a recalculation.
It is also worth checking whether the “Voicemail” service is activated separately from the “Secretary”, since these are different services with different settings.
Why does the secretary turn on itself?
Sometimes the service can be reactivated when changing the tariff plan to a more expensive one, where “Secretary” is included in the package by default. Carefully read the terms of the new tariff before switching.
Differences in settings on different Samsung models
The call settings interface may differ slightly on different models Samsung.
On flagship series Galaxy S23, S24 the menu is simplified and grouped as much as possible.
On budget series Galaxy A or M the path may be a little longer due to the specifics of the One UI Core shell version.
However, the key terms are “Redirection” and “Additional services” remain unchanged in all versions of the firmware.
If you cannot find the item you need, use the search inside the phone settings menu by entering the word “call” or “forwarding.”
This will save time and allow you to immediately go to the desired control screen.
The most reliable way to guarantee shutdown is a combination USSD code and checking forwarding settings in the phone menu. This excludes both network and local reasons for the answering machine.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the recording of the conversation be saved after the secretary is turned off?
No, after the service is turned off, access to the archive of recordings and transcripts will be lost. It is recommended to save important files before deactivating the service through the app or personal account.
Is it possible to disable the secretary only for certain contacts?
No, the “Secretary” service from MTS works globally for all incoming calls. For selective response, you need to use the settings of the smartphone itself or third-party applications.
Does disabling the secretary affect the operation of the Bixby voice assistant?
No, these are completely different systems. The voice assistant works locally on the device or through Samsung servers, and the secretary is a cellular network service.
What to do if the code *111*1522# gives an error?
Try to restart the phone and try again. If the error persists, check your account balance and whether outgoing calls are barred, or use the My MTS application.
How much does it cost to connect the secretary back if I change my mind?
Usually connecting to the service is free, but the subscription fee will begin to be charged immediately after activation. Conditions may change, so check the current tariffs in the application.