The modern rhythm of life dictates its own rules, and often we find ourselves in situations where it is physically impossible to answer an incoming call. You are at an important meeting, driving a car, or simply in an area where signal reception leaves much to be desired. It is at such moments that the autoresponder function comes to the rescue, allowing you not to miss a single important message. For operator subscribers Tele2 this service is a standard communication tool, available on almost all tariff plans.
Setting up this service on smartphones running an operating system Android may seem complicated only at first glance. There are several activation methods, ranging from simple USSD commands to detailed settings through the operator’s official application. Understanding how redirection works and where exactly your call is redirected will help you avoid unnecessary costs and effectively manage incoming calls. In this article we will analyze all the available methods so that you can choose the most convenient option for you.
It is worth noting that the functionality may vary slightly depending on your model smartphone and the installed firmware version. However, the basic principles of voicemail remain the same throughout the entire ecosystem. We will consider both standard system settings and specialized solutions from the telecom operator itself. This will allow you to gain complete control over what callers hear when you cannot pick up the phone.
What is an answering machine and how it works on Tele2
An answering machine, or voice mail, is a virtual secretary that takes incoming calls in your absence. When you cannot answer a call, the system automatically redirects the call to a special operator server. There, the subscriber hears a greeting and can leave a voice message, which will be saved for you. This is especially true for those who do not want to miss business calls or important information from loved ones.
The operating principle is based on forwarding technology. When an incoming call arrives, the operator's network checks the status of your line. If the line is busy, the phone is switched off, or the call simply has not been answered within a certain time, a trigger is triggered. The call is redirected to the voicemail server number Tele2. It is important to understand that the recording process itself does not take place on your device, but in the operator’s cloud network, which guarantees the safety of data even when changing the SIM card or phone.
For the service to work correctly, it is necessary that forwarding is correctly configured in the settings of your Androidsmartphone. Often it is installed automatically when the service is first activated, but in some cases manual installation is required. The user can set up various scenarios: for example, turn on the answering machine only when the phone is turned off, or forward absolutely all calls without exception.
Service activation via USSD commands and application
The fastest and most reliable way to connect an answering machine to Tele2 is to use USSD requests. This method does not require Internet access and works even in weak signal conditions. You just need to open the standard Phone application and enter a special code. To activate the basic Voicemail service, the command *138#is usually used. After dialing, press the call button, and after a few seconds you will receive an SMS confirmation of activation.
An alternative and more functional way is to use the official application My Tele2. This tool provides a user-friendly graphical interface to manage all services. In the “Services” or “More” section, you can find the “Voicemail” option and activate it with one click. The advantage of the application is the ability to listen to messages directly in the interface, without having to call the server.
If you prefer classic methods, you can call the toll-free service number 679. The automatic voice assistant will guide you through all the setup steps. However, using USSD codes or an application is considered a more modern and faster solution. After activating the service, it is recommended to immediately check its functionality by calling your number from another phone.
☑️ Checking the activation of the answering machine
Setting up forwarding in the Android menu
After activating the service on the operator’s side, it is critically important to correctly configure the smartphone itself. The operating system Android allows you to flexibly manage redirection conditions. To do this, go to the “Phone” application, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen (or the “More” button) and select “Settings”. Next, look for the “Call Accounts” or “Advanced Settings” section, where the “Call Forwarding” item is located.
In the forwarding menu, you will see four main options, each of which requires special attention. You can set up forwarding if the line is busy, if the subscriber does not answer, if the phone is turned off or unavailable, as well as forwarding of all incoming calls. For the answering machine to work Tele2 the destination number must indicate a special service number, usually it is +79229806790 or simply 679, depending on the region and type of SIM card.
Often users are faced with a situation where the status redirects "Can't connect" or "Network error". This may be due to temporary failures in the operator's network or incorrect VoLTE settings. In this case, try disabling and re-enabling Airplane mode to reset the communication module. If the problem persists, it makes sense to reset the forwarding settings to standard ones through the settings menu.
If an error occurs when setting up forwarding, try temporarily disabling Wi-Fi and using the mobile network to make changes to the call settings.
Tariffing and terms of use of the service
It is important to understand the financial side of the issue, since conditions may vary depending on your tariff plan. In most modern tariffs Tele2 the Voicemail service is included in the basic package or costs a symbolic amount per day. However, it is worth remembering that incoming calls to an answering machine may be charged as regular incoming calls if you are in roaming or in a region other than home.
Storing messages also has its limits. Typically, voice messages are stored on the server for a certain period, such as 14 or 30 days. After this period, old entries may be automatically deleted to free up space. There is also a limit on the duration of one message, which is most often 2-3 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Tariff plans and terms of service may change. Always check the current cost of the Voicemail service and the conditions for its connection in your personal account or the operator’s official application to avoid unexpected charges.
Below is a table with indicative conditions that may be relevant for different categories of subscribers:
| Parameter | Standard tariff | Archive tariffs | Corporate tariffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection cost | Free | According to the terms of the tariff | Included in the package |
| Subscription fee | 3-5 rubles/day | May vary | Often free |
| Storage period | 14 days | 7-14 days | Up to 30 days |
| Max. duration | 3 minutes | 2 minutes | 5 minutes |
Greeting personalization and message management
One of the most useful features of the answering machine is the ability to record your own greeting. Instead of the standard operator voice, your callers will hear exactly what you want to tell them. This could be a brief explanation of the reason for absence or simply a personal greeting. To record your own message, you usually need to call the voicemail number and follow the instructions of the autoinformer.
Management of already recorded messages also occurs through a call to the service number or through the app. You can listen to the message, save it, delete it, or forward it. The application My Tele2 often has a transcription function available, when the voice message is automatically translated into text, which is very convenient if you do not have the opportunity to listen to the audio right now.
How to record your greeting?
Dial your voicemail number. After the greeting, press the control key (usually 5 or 9, depending on the version of the service). Select the "Record your greeting" option. After the beep, say the text and press the confirmation key.
Do not neglect setting up the greeting, especially if you use your phone for work. A professional message creates a positive impression and lets the other person know when they can expect a call back. Standard phrases often sound impersonal and do not carry any useful information for the caller.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter various technical problems. One of the most common is that the answering machine does not turn on or the caller is immediately hung up. First of all, check whether the service itself is active in your personal account. Sometimes, after changing a SIM card or tariff plan, services fail and require re-activation via USSD code *138#.
Another common problem is that callers do not hear the greeting or are cut off in silence. This may be due to poor voice quality in your area. Try switching the network type in the phone settings from 5G/LTE to 3G or 2G to check. Also make sure that the forwarding number is not blocked or restricted.
If all else fails, it makes sense to perform a complete reset of call settings. To do this, in the forwarding menu, select the “Voice” option and click “Disable” for all types, and then reactivate them. As a last resort, contact the operator's support service, where specialists can check the settings on the network side.
Most problems with the answering machine can be solved by simply re-registering the USSD activation code or rebooting the smartphone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will money be debited for listening to messages?
Listening to messages left on an answering machine is usually charged as a regular outgoing call to a voicemail number. If you have a package of free minutes in your tariff, they will be consumed. In some tariffs, listening may be free.
Is it possible to use the Tele2 answering machine on the phone of another operator?
No, the Voicemail service is tied to the SIM card of a specific operator. If you insert a Tele2 SIM card into a phone configured for another operator, the answering machine will not work, since the forwarding settings depend on the network in which the SIM is registered.
How to disable the answering machine if I no longer need it?
To disable the service, you can use the USSD code *138*0# or disable function in the My Tele2 application. You can also contact the operator via support chat. Don't forget to also cancel forwarding in your phone settings so that calls can be received directly again.
What happens if I run out of money in my account?
If the balance is negative or the balance is insufficient to pay for the service, the answering machine may stop accepting new messages. Old messages, as a rule, are saved during their lifetime, but the functionality may be limited until the account is topped up.