Modern smartphones have become so smart that it is sometimes difficult to believe in the existence of good old functions that save you in critical situations. Answering machine is one such service. Imagine: you are busy at a meeting, are on the subway with no connection, or simply don’t want to respond to spam, and a call from an important client or relative is wasted. This is where “Voicemail” from the operator comes to the rescue Megaphone.
Enabling this function on controlled devices Android often raises questions, since the settings may be scattered across different menus or completely absent from the standard interface. In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate the service: from simple USSD commands to using the phone’s engineering menu. You will learn how to set up a greeting and check for messages without wasting time on long waits at the support service.
It is worth noting that the settings may vary slightly depending on the model of your smartphone - be it Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi or Google Pixel. However, the basic principles of working with the operator's network remain unchanged. We will look at universal methods that work on 99% of devices, and tell you what to do if the standard path does not work.
What is the Voicemail service and why do you need it?
In essence, voicemail is a virtual secretary who takes calls when you cannot answer in person. Instead of beeps, the subscriber will hear your greeting and will be able to leave a message after the beep. This is much more effective than simply dropping the call, since you get the context of the call.
The service from Megafon is integrated directly into the operator's network, so it does not depend on the battery charge of your phone (if it is turned off or out of range) and on installed applications. This is a reliable communication channel that operates at the cell tower level.
⚠️ Attention: The “Voicemail” service is paid. Pricing depends on your current tariff plan. Typically, a fee is charged for connection and for listening to messages, but it is better to check the details in your personal account, as conditions may change.
Why is it worth enabling this function right now? Firstly, it increases your professionalism in the eyes of business partners. Secondly, you will never miss an emergency notification. Thirdly, this is an excellent filter for unwanted calls: spammers rarely leave messages after hearing an answering machine.
Before connecting, make sure that you have a positive amount of funds on your balance, otherwise the activation of the service may not go through or it will turn off immediately after the first use.
The fastest way: activation via USSD commands
If you don’t want to delve into the jungle of phone settings, the most reliable option is to use service codes. They work on any Androidsmartphone, even if you have an old model or custom firmware. You don't need the Internet, just open the dialer.
To manage the Voicemail service on the network Megafon there are several key combinations. Enter them in the dialing field and press the call button. The system will instantly process the request and send SMS confirmation of successful activation.
- 📞 *505# — the main menu for managing the service (allows you to enable, disable or change settings).
- 📞 *505*1# — quickly turn on the answering machine.
- 📞 *505*0# — completely disable the service.
- 📞 *505*2# — check the status of the service (whether it is active or not).
After entering commands *505*1# you can hear the voice menu. Follow the robot's instructions to record your personalized greeting. If you skip this step, callers will hear a standard message from the operator.
Configuration through the hidden Android engineering menu
Sometimes USSD codes do not work correctly due to firmware features or conflicts with VoLTE. In such cases, you can use the hidden call settings menu, which is in the kernel Android. This method is more technical, but gives direct access to forwarding options to the voicemail server.
To get to this menu, open the Phone application and enter a special code. On most devices this is ##4636##. However, on some models (for example Xiaomi or Huawei) this code may be blocked by the manufacturer. If the code does not work, try installing the application Activity Launcher from Google Play to access hidden activities.
In the menu that opens, select "Phone information" or "Phone information". Scroll down to the Set up call forwarding section. Here you will see four types of redirects. We are interested in the item "Forwarding if busy", "Forwarding if not answering" and "Forwarding if unavailable".
Number for forwarding: +79260000505In the number entry field you need to enter your voicemail number Megafon. Usually this is +79260000505 or a short number 0505. After entering the number, the system will send a request to the network. If you see the message “Request completed successfully,” it means that the answering machine is configured at the network level.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when changing settings in the engineering menu. Do not change parameters whose meaning you do not know (for example, the preferred network type) so as not to lose connection with operator towers.
What to do if the code ##4636## does not work?
On some smartphones, manufacturers hide this menu. Try entering the code through the default Phone app (not through third-party dialers like Viber or WhatsApp). If this does not help, use USSD commands or settings in the regular call menu.
Manual setting of forwarding in the phone interface
Most modern shells Android (One UI from Samsung, MIUI from Xiaomi, ColorOS from Oppo) have a built-in, more friendly interface for managing calls. This method is ideal for those who prefer visual management to digital commands.
The algorithm of actions is approximately the same for all brands, although the names of the items may differ slightly. Your task is to find the section responsible for routing incoming calls.
Follow this path in the settings of your device:
- Open the application "Phone" (green handset).
- Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen or the “More” button to open the menu.
- Select the item
Settings(Settings). - Find the section
CallsorAdditional settings. - Click on the item
Call forwarding.
The system can search for settings on the network for a few seconds. After downloading, you will see a list of redirection conditions. Select all three options: “When busy”, “When not responding”, “When unavailable”. In the number input field, enter 0505 or the full number +79260000505. Click “Enable” or “Activate”.
☑️ Checklist for correct settings
Management through the Megafon application and personal account
If you are uncomfortable remember codes or search for items in the phone menu, use the official digital service of the operator. The application Megafon provides the most visual way to manage services. This is especially convenient if you want not only to turn on the answering machine, but also to customize its behavior.
Go to the application, log in (usually this happens automatically by phone number). On the main screen, find the section “Services” or use the service store search. Enter “Voicemail” into the search.
In the service card you will see the “Connect” button. After clicking, the service is activated instantly. Moreover, through the app you can record your own greeting, listen to left messages and even receive their transcript in the form of text (if an additional option is connected).
| Control method | Activation speed | Ease of setting up greetings | Requires Internet |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD code (*505*1#) | Instantly | Voice menu | No |
| Android settings | 1-2 minutes | No (on/off only) | No |
| Megaphone application | Instantly | High (record/text) | Yes |
| Personal account (website) | Instantly | Average | Yes |
⚠️ Attention: Tariff conditions and service availability may depend on your region and specific tariff plan. If the connection button in the application is inactive, the service may already be enabled or not available for your tariff.
The Megafon application is the most functional tool that allows you not only to enable the service, but also to flexibly manage the answering machine content without calling the service number.
How to record a personal greeting and listen to messages
After you have figured it out how to turn on the answering machine, you should take care of its contents. The standard phrase “Subscriber is unavailable” sounds dry and uninformative. A personal greeting shows your status and gives the caller instructions.
To record your message, dial the number 0505. Once connected, follow the voice prompts. Usually the robot will offer to press a certain key (often it 3 or 5) to record a new greeting. Speak clearly and concisely: state your name, reason for absence and ask to leave a message after the signal.
To listen to new messages, you can also dial 0505. The system will report the number of new recordings and play them in order. An alternative way is to set up new message notification forwarding via SMS so you can be aware of calls even when your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode.
Don't forget to periodically update your greeting if you go on a long vacation or change your working hours. Updated materials in the answering machine saves time for both you and your interlocutors.
Record your greeting in a quiet room without an echo. The announcer should speak calmly and kindly - this creates a positive impression of you, even when you do not answer the phone.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter difficulties. The most common problem is an error when sending a redirection request. This may be due to the fact that another forwarding is already active on the phone (for example, to another number), and the network does not allow you to prioritize voice mail.
In this case, you must first cancel all existing forwardings. This can be done using a universal code ##002#. Enter it and press call. After successfully resetting all settings, try activating the answering machine again via *505*1#.
Another difficulty arises when using two SIM cards. Make sure that you set up forwarding for exactly the card Megafonthat you need. In the Android call settings menu you can often choose which SIM card the rules apply to. If you select “Always ask”, the system may get confused with automatic forwarding.
If nothing helps and messages do not arrive, check your balance. The service may be blocked if there is a negative balance or debt. It is also worth rebooting your smartphone - this will update the registration in the operator’s network and apply the new call routing settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much does the Voicemail service cost on Megafon?
The cost depends on your tariff. At many modern tariffs, the service can be included in a package or cost a fixed amount per day/month. You can find out the exact price by typing the command *105# or by looking in the application.
Will the answering machine work if the phone is turned off?
Yes, it will. Since the service operates on the operator’s network side, the state of your phone (switched off, discharged, out of coverage area) does not affect the subscriber’s ability to leave a message.
Is it possible to change the voicemail number to your own?
No, the voicemail number is assigned to the operator service (0505). You cannot forward calls to your second number using the Voicemail feature; to do this, you need to use regular call forwarding.
How can I turn off the answering machine if I no longer need it?
To turn it off, dial the USSD command *505*0# and press call. Or go to the call forwarding settings on your phone and disable all items where the number 0505 is indicated.
Why do I not hear beeps, but immediately get an answering machine when I call myself?
This is normal behavior when the service is enabled. If you call from your number to your own number, the network can immediately redirect the call to the voicemail server, since the line is busy with the very fact of the outgoing call (depending on the network settings).