If an automatic greeting sounds instead of beeps when you receive an incoming call, then your Android smartphone has an answering machine or voicemail function activated, which often occurs due to default settings from the operator or accidental activation in the Google Phone application.
Disabling this service requires understanding the difference between the system answering machine of the smartphone itself and the voicemail service provided by the cellular operator. Depending on the device model and operating system version Android, the paths to the settings may differ significantly. Below we will analyze in detail all possible deactivation methods, from universal USSD codes to deep interface settings.
Differences between answering machine and voice mail
Before you start changing the settings, you need to clearly understand what kind of service you want disable. In the world of mobile communications, these concepts are often confused, although technically they are implemented differently. Voicemail is a carrier service that works on the network side and records messages when you are unable to answer a call.
At the same time, the built-in answering machine on Android is a function of the phone itself. It can automatically hang up the call and send a pre-recorded SMS or play an audio file. Some manufacturers, for example Samsung or Xiaomi, add their own implementations of this function to the system shell.
If you hear the operator’s standard message (“the subscriber cannot answer..”), then the network service is activated. If the call is dropped immediately after the beep or your personal voice is played, this is an application on the device. To completely disable it, you may need to perform actions in both directions.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling voicemail from an operator may result in the loss of all previously saved messages. Make sure you listen to important information before deactivating the service.
Universal method of deactivation via USSD codes
The fastest and most reliable way to manage operator services is to use special commands. These codes work on any phone, regardless of Android version or device brand. You do not need to search for items in the menu, just open the application Phone and enter a sequence of characters.
To disable forwarding to voicemail, which imitates the operation of an answering machine, use a standard code ##002#. This command resets all conditional forwarding types installed on your SIM card. After entering, press the call button and you should see a message indicating the successful completion of the operation.
There are also more specific codes, depending on the type of forwarding. For example, the command #67# disables call forwarding if the line is busy, and command #61# if you do not answer the phone. Using these commands allows you to fine-tune the behavior of the network under different incoming call scenarios.
If the USSD code does not work or gives an error, your operator may be blocking manual control of services. In this case, the only solution is to call the support service.
If there is no response, check your account balance and network coverage. While roaming, some service commands may not be available or may be charged separately.
Settings in the Google Phone app
On most modern smartphones with “pure” Android or shells close to stock, the answering machine is controlled through a standard application Google Phone. The interface may change depending on updates, but the logic remains the same.
To find the options you need, open the application and click on the three dots in the upper right corner. In the drop-down menu, select Settings. Next, find the section Voicemail or Advanced settings. This is where the switches responsible for automatic answering are hidden.
- 📱 Check the "Advanced settings" item - the "Auto answer" option is often hidden there.
- 🔊 Make sure that in the "Voicemail" section you do not select a provider other than your operator.
- ⚙️ If there is a "Short Call" option, check whether a voicemail number is assigned to the hold button.
In new versions of the software, Google has introduced the "Call Screen" feature and automatic answers for business accounts. If you have your organization profile enabled, the system can answer calls automatically. Disable this feature in the Spam and number identificationsection if you do not need it.
Specific settings on Samsung smartphones
The Korean giant’s devices have their own implementation of telephony, which differs from stock Android. Here the function is called “Answering machine” and is located in the deep system settings, and not just in the dialer application. This allows the phone to answer automatically even when the screen is locked.
To access settings, go to the menu Phone, click on the three dots and select Settings. Scroll down the list to Answer and end calls. Inside you will find a switch Answering machine. If it is active, the system will automatically answer calls after a specified period of time.
In addition, in smartphones Samsung Galaxy there is a “Driving Mode” function. When activated, the phone can automatically send messages when you're driving or not miss calls at all. Check the settings in the Driving mode section and make sure that automatic answers are disabled there.
⚠️ Attention: On some Samsung models, the auto-answer option may be grayed out (inactive) if the power saving mode or certain sound profiles are enabled. Try disabling these modes to gain access to the settings.
It is also worth paying attention to the application Bixby. The voice assistant can intercept calls if the appropriate scenario is configured. Check your Bixby Routines settings for automation related to incoming calls.
Management of services through a telecom operator
Sometimes the problem lies not in the phone, but in the tariff plan. Telecom operators such as MTS, Beeline, Megafon or Tele2provide voicemail services as a paid or freemium option. Deleting settings on the phone will not disable this service on the network side.
The most effective way to manage it is to use the operator’s personal account or a proprietary application. Go to the "Services" or "Tariff Options" section. Find a service called "Voicemail", "Answering Machine" or "Virtual Secretary" and click the "Disable" button.
| Operator | Service name | Disable command | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Voicemail | *111*1522# |
May be paid |
| Beeline | Answering machine | *110*10# |
Check the tariff |
| Megafon | Voicemail | *505*0# |
Basic tariff free |
| Tele2 | Black list/Mail | *155*00# |
Depends on region |
If you cannot find the service in the application, call support. The operator will check your number and forcefully disable all types of forwarding to voicemail. This is guaranteed to solve the problem if it is caused by network settings.
☑️ Checking service deactivation
Third-party applications and possible conflicts
Users often install third-party apps to record conversations, identify numbers, or block spam. Applications like Truecaller, Calls Blacklist or various "Call Improvers" may have their own auto-answer functions.
Go to the settings of each installed telephony-related application. Look for sections titled "Auto reply", "Blacklist response" or "Auto reply". These features are often enabled by default for numbers not saved in contacts.
A conflict between the system answering machine and a third-party application may cause your phone to behave strangely. For example, the call may be dropped twice or the caller may hear two voice messages overlapping. In such cases, it is recommended to remove unnecessary applications or completely deny them access to the microphone and phone.
How to find hidden permissions?
Go to Android Settings → Applications → Special Access → Notification Access or Phone Access. Check which applications have these rights and revoke them from suspicious utilities.
It is also worth checking the access rights in the section Settings → Applications → Rights Manager. If an unknown application has the “Answer calls” right, this is a clear sign that it is the application that controls the answering machine.
Diagnostics and solutions to common problems
It happens that all settings are checked, codes entered, but the answering machine continues to work. In this case, the problem may be deeper. Try hard rebooting your device. Sometimes the network profile freezes and the phone continues to broadcast the old forwarding settings.
If rebooting does not help, try removing the SIM card and inserting it into another phone. If the answering machine works on another device, it means that the service is definitely activated on the operator’s side, and you need to insist on disabling it through support.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps. This won't delete your personal data, but it will reset your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular settings to factory defaults. The path to this function is usually located in the menu Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting the network settings, write down the passwords for your Wi-Fi networks, as they will be deleted from the phone's memory.
If none of the software methods helped, the problem may be due to a physical defect in the SIM card. Contact the communication store to replace the SIM card with a new one with the same number.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the answering machine turn on itself after rebooting the phone?
This may happen due to synchronization with a cloud account or restoring a backup copy of the settings. Also, some operators automatically reactivate the service when registering a SIM card on the network, if it has not been officially disabled through your personal account.
Is it possible to disable the answering machine only for certain contacts?
This is difficult to do using standard Android tools. Usually the answering machine works globally. However, in applications like Samsung Phone or third-party blockers, you can set up rules under which certain numbers from the "white list" will go through without an automatic response.
Does the operator charge a fee for disabling the answering machine?
The disabling procedure itself via a USSD code or application is usually free. However, if you have a paid subscription to extended voicemail, you may be charged a subscription fee for the current period of use until disconnection.
What should you do if the code #002# says "Connection error"?
This means that the command is not supported by your operator at the moment or you are in roaming. Try using the operator's application or call support. Also make sure that you enter the code in the calling application, and not in the search bar of the browser.
Does Do Not Disturb mode affect the operation of the answering machine?
Yes, Do Not Disturb mode can block incoming calls, sending them directly to voicemail, which is perceived by the caller as an answering machine. Check the settings of this mode in the section Sound and vibration and add the necessary contacts to exceptions.