How to Block a Number From Leaving Voicemails

Whether it’s a promotional message trying to sell you the latest product you don’t need, an ex who won’t accept your time together is done, or a well-known frenemy wishing you the best of luck, we can all agree that time is not to be spent listening to annoying messages.

Since voicemails are stored on your carrier’s server and not on your phone, blocking someone’s number does not stop them from leaving one annoying message after another.

If you want to learn how to block a number from leaving voicemails on your mobile phone, you are on the right page. This article will show you how to do it in a few steps, covering the procedure for most popular phones.

How to Block a Number From Leaving Voicemails – iPhone

Since the iPhone 4, iOS deals with blocked contacts and numbers by routing them automatically to the voicemail’s inbox. As a result, you aren’t notified nor disturbed by alerts, rings, or vibrations. That solution fails to address the central concern of iPhone users on this matter, for unwanted callers are still able to leave voicemails. They will be kept in the “Blocked Messages” section and found at the bottom of the voicemail’s log, occupying valuable space that’s intended for actually wanted messages.

If you want to block voicemails from certain callers completely, it can only happen through your carrier. Some providers offer this service for a fee or include it in higher-cost plans, others do it for free, and the rest don’t at all. Do check availability with your mobile company and be sure to fully understand the terms agreed when signing up for advanced services. You can also use the official page of the Federal Communications Commission for more information.

Here is one of the examples for carriers, but you will get the best results from contacting your carrier directly to resolve your issue.

Carrier App Example: Google Project Fi

Google Fi uses an app to provide a streamlined user experience. Here’s how to block a number using the Google Fi app:

1. Open the Google Fi app.
   
2. Head to Account.
   
3. Scroll down to Spam & blocked numbers and select Blocked Numbers.
   
4. Enter the number you want to block.
   
5. Tap Save.

Block Voicemail With Carrier Special Codes

A decisive yet effective solution for coping with unsolicited callers is to completely eliminate the possibility of having new messages on your iPhone. Bear in mind that this method will prevent voicemails from any kind of callers, both wanted and unwanted. They could not work for your device, since not every phone and not every carrier allows the working of this method.

Here’s how to stop blocked numbers from leaving a voicemail on iPhones by blocking them entirely:

1. Open the Phone app.
   
2. In the Keypad, dial *#62#. As soon as you’ve entered the last digit, the code should be executed. If not, tap Call.
   
3. Write down the numbers displayed on your screen or take a screenshot. Those numbers represent your Mailbox Number.
   
4. Open the Settings app.
   
5. Tap on Phone.
   
6. Select Call Forwarding.
   
7. Enable the Call Forwarding by tapping on the toggle option.
   
8. Copy your Mailbox Number into the displayed field.
   
9. Open the Phone app again.
   
10. In the Keypad, dial #404 to disable voicemail service and press Call.
    
11. An emerging window will appear with all the voicemail features that have been deactivated, such as Voice Call Forwarding, Data Call Forwarding, and Fax Call Forwarding.
    
12. Tap on Dismiss to leave the window.
    

Note that you can re-enable the voicemail feature whenever you feel like it. You’ll just have to dial the corresponding code provided by your mobile carrier.

Additionally, the codes shown above might not work for your carrier. Consult your carrier’s website for MMI code information to get the process started.

Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps are another resource when it comes to accessing the promised land of no-unsolicited voicemail. Before you decide to install any of them, do your due diligence, and evaluate the reviews available from actual users. Also, check how the app collects, shares, and handles your data.

Some of the apps are listed under the “Third-Party Analytics Resources” section of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission webpage mentioned above.

One of them is YouMail Voicemail & Spam Block, which claims that Spam callers should hear an “out of service” greeting when they reach your number. Another one to consider from the aforementioned list is Hiya, offering a premium paid version with voicemail protection which supposedly allows blocked calls to be ‘truly’ blocked, skipping the voicemail inbox entirely.

How to Block a Number From Leaving Voicemails on an Android Device

With Android, things tend to look easier when it comes to conquering the land where avoidance from unwanted messages is possible. Google Voice usually comes pre-installed in your standard device, and you can use it to block unwanted numbers more effectively. Many users report satisfaction with the filtering provided by this service, especially with spam callers. Additionally, the Call Screening feature is highly praised for the protection provided against sales calls.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the Google Voice app or download it from the Google Play Store and set it up.
   
2. Inside the Recent calls log, find the number or contact you want to block and press over it.
   
3. Press the More options button, which appears as three horizontal dots.
   
4. Tap the Block number option.
   

The Google Play Store also contains a lot of third-party services that promote being able to block voicemail. Prior to downloading any of them, check if your system supports it and if it is reputable. For the purpose of this article and due to its popularity and good reviews, “Call Control” deserves a mention.

You can also contact your mobile carrier to request disabling the voicemail feature on your line. This method prevents anyone from leaving a message, no matter if the caller is known or unknown, wanted or unsolicited.

How to Block a Number From Leaving Voicemails on Samsung

Since Samsung devices usually come with the Google Voice app pre-installed, using it should work for most of their users. Although the most recent Samsung OS allows number blocking directly from its Phone app, voicemails are still kept, taking up space meant for desired messages. Therefore, Google Voice is the way to go. Here’s how to block a number from leaving voicemails:

1. Look for the Google Voice app and tap its icon.
   
2. Press the Voicemail option.
   
3. Search through your Recent Calls and press over the number or contact you’d like to block.
   
4. Tap the horizontal dots shown on the right-hand side of the screen. They will give you access to the More options menu.
   
5. Select Block number.
   
6. Tap Block to finalize.

Voicemail blocking is also attainable through third-party apps. Since there are plenty to choose from at the Google Play Store, assess their reputation before downloading one. Read the reviews and don’t forget to check if they can run on your device. For its highly-rated user approval, “Call Control” is the one that stands out. Allegedly, it gives no chance for blocked callers to leave a voicemail since it answers and hangs up on calls immediately.

To have the voicemail feature entirely disabled, contact your line’s carrier and request them to do so. Bear in mind that this method won’t allow anyone to leave a message.

No More Voicemail

We hope this article provides useful information about blocking a number from leaving voicemails on your device and helping you find ways to cope with unsolicited voicemails. Ultimately, the best way to solve your issue is to consult your carrier for assistance.

Do you have another method? Have you found the ultimate solution when dealing with this utterly frustrating issue? Let us know in the comments section below.