How To Disable Voicemail On iPhone

Voicemail can be incredibly convenient, but for many iPhone users, it has become a magnet for spam calls and robocalls. If you prefer to handle all missed communications via text or email, or if you are traveling internationally and want to avoid high roaming fees, disabling your voicemail inbox is a smart move.

Since Apple's iOS does not offer a direct menu toggle to deactivate voicemail, you must use carrier network codes, call forwarding rules, or contact your cellular provider directly. In our laboratory, our diagnostic experts tested these methods across various carriers to compile this definitive guide.

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Disable Voicemail

Follow these step-by-step instructions to disable voicemail on your iPhone:

Method 1: Using GSM MMI Shortcodes

For GSM carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T, you can use shortcodes directly from your Phone app to disable voicemail routing.

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Keypad tab.
3. Dial ##004# (this is the universal code to deactivate all conditional call forwarding, which disables voicemail).
4. Tap the green Call button.
5. You should see a system message saying "Setting Erasure Succeeded." Tap Dismiss.
6. To test, call your iPhone from another line; the phone will ring continuously without routing to voicemail.

Note: If you ever want to check if forwarding is still active, dial *#61#, *#62#, or *#67# to query individual voicemail status.

Method 2: System Call Forwarding to a Dead Number

If the dial codes do not work on your network (common with CDMA carriers like Verizon), you can redirect missed calls to an inactive number.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding and toggle it ON.
4. Tap Forward To and enter a dead or inactive number (e.g., an old phone number or a specific non-working area code number).
5. Exit Settings. Any incoming calls you do not answer will be sent to that number rather than your voicemail.

If you are dealing with persistent spam, check our articles on /blogs/how-to/how-to-block-spam-calls-on-iphone and /blogs/how-to/how-to-see-blocked-numbers-on-iphone.

Method 3: Calling the Carrier Support Desk

For a complete, permanent block, contacting your carrier to disable the feature on the backend is the most reliable option.

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Carrier Support Details

Carrier	Dial Code	Customer Support Number	Backend Action Required
AT&T	##004#	1-800-331-0500 or 611	Remove voicemail feature
T-Mobile	##004#	1-877-746-0909 or 611	Turn off voicemail routing
Verizon	N/A (Contact Support)	1-800-922-0204 or *611	Disable voicemail mailbox

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling voicemail delete my saved messages?

Yes. Our testing team confirmed that having a carrier disable your voicemail on the backend deletes all setup data, custom greetings, and saved messages. Back up important voicemails before calling support. For instructions on exporting voicemail audio, consult Apple Support.

Can I re-enable my voicemail later?

Yes. If you used the ##004# shortcode, you can re-enable voicemail by dialing the activation code (usually **004* [voicemail number] #). If you had your carrier disable it, you must call them to add the feature back to your account.

Does Apple Support or iFixit provide help for cellular features?

No. Cell service and voicemail are handled entirely by cellular carriers, not Apple or hardware repair shops like iFixit. However, if your Phone app crashes or you experience software issues, you can check troubleshooting guides on Apple Support.