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How to Turn Off Voicemail on iPhone: Silence the Buzz

Written by: Emma Morris

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How to Turn Off Voicemail on iPhone

So, you're done with the "You have 10 unheard messages" spiel? We get it.

Turning off voicemail on your iPhone isn't an everyday task, but it's simpler than you think.

Read on to find out more.

Or, get a new phone altogether! Explore our range of refurbished iPhone at UR.co.uk and see what you can find today.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings Deep Dive: Sometimes, it's hidden in the settings app.
  • Network Code: Know your network's special deactivation codes.
  • WARNING: Do not turn off voicemail if in an emergency.

Voicemail on iPhone: Decoded

Voicemail is two-faced. It's a saviour when you're in a meeting and can't take calls. But it can morph into a monster, filling up with unsolicited sales pitches and robo-calls when you don't answer.

That's why understanding how to turn off voicemail can be a lifesaver.

Get the reins back on your phone's voicemail feature to live a clutter-free digital life with these simple steps.

Audio and Visual Voicemail: The Difference

Voicemail comes in two flavours on your iPhone: Audio and visual voicemail. The choice between the two often boils down to personal needs and preference. Here are the differences:

The traditional audio kind has that old-school charm.

  • Call a number, navigate through the voice prompts, listen, and finally, delete or save.

Visual voicemail, on the other hand, is its modern counterpart.

  • This feature displays your voicemails in a list, right there on your screen. You can skim through, cherry-pick the messages you want to hear, and ignore the rest.

Each type has its pros and cons, but one thing's clear: both can be require a settings app adventure to turn off.

Deactivate Voicemail Through Service Provider

The MMI Way

Disabling voicemail is mainly a network-specific affair.

All you will need is the right MMI code from your service provider, which you can call and use to deactivate your voicemail feature through the following prompts.

Afterwards, a confirmation message will pop up, and then you're voicemail service is disabled.

It's as simple as that.

Giving them a Call

However, if that doesn't tickle your fancy, you can also disable voicemail by directly reaching your mobile service provider.

To disable your voicemail, grab your iPhone and find the customer service number for your specific network. After ringing, your service provider should guide you through the deactivation process.

This step might require verification of your account password or the answer to a security question.

So remember to keep this in hand!

Disable Voicemail Through App

Alright, for those of you who prefer clicking over dialling, the settings app is for you!

Conditional Call Forwarding Settings

To turn off voicemail through Settings, head to your Settings app on your iPhone's home screen—the one that looks like a cogwheel.

  • Scroll down until you find ‘Phone.’

  • Tap it. Inside, look for 'Call Forwarding' and tap that as well.

This is where you can fiddle with forwarding settings, giving you control over where your calls go—or don't go.

If you're more into the Google Pixel realm, remember that we also offer refurbished Google Pixel phones. They have their own set of deactivation rules, which we can delve into another time.

The Importance of Monitoring the Voicemail Feature

So, apart from those annoying voicemail messages, why else should you manage voicemail on your iPhone?

Voicemails and Data Usage

Your voicemail messages aren't just ethereal voices; they occupy data space. Although voice messages take up little storage, it's room that could be used for more fun activities, like photos and videos.

Why not educate yourself on how to save more space with our easy-to-follow article on how to transfer iPhone photos to computer?

The Toll on Battery and CPU

Voice messages consume more than just data.

A cluttered voicemail box can result in slower performance and decreased battery performance.

Especially if you're using features like visual voicemail, which displays your voicemails in a list, akin to emails.

So, disabling voicemail could also save the longevity of your phone altogether!

Cautions When Deleting Voicemail.

However, proceed with caution when disabling voicemail!

Changing your network may reactivate voicemail features by default. You'll have to go through the whole disable rigmarole again. So, keep those deactivation steps handy.


Also, during emergencies, voicemail can serve as a vital link to critical voice messages from family, emergency services, or medical providers.

These messages might contain valuable information that you'd want to revisit, meaning disabling it might not be a good idea when you're facing circumstances where every bit of communication counts.

Remember your safety is a top priority

Final Thoughts: Your Voicemail, Your Rules

So, You now know how to turn off voicemail on iPhone.

Big high-five! Remember, voicemail on your iPhone is not a one-size-fits-all affair. It's customisable, adaptable, and entirely in your hands.

Whether you want to keep your voicemail box a barren wasteland or turn it into a bustling hub of voice memos, you're the boss. Tailor it to fit your lifestyle and needs, and don't forget to check out the FAQs if you hit any snags along the way.

Voila! You’re now a voicemail virtuoso. Keep rocking that iPhone, you tech-savvy trailblazer.

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Emma Morris


Emma crafts insightful and informative articles about refurbished phones for ur.co.uk. Her expertise guides readers in making the smartest choices for their tech needs.