Are you tired of receiving unwanted calls or dealing with pesky telemarketers? Do you want to know how to make calls go straight to voicemail without having to answer them? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with managing their phone calls, especially in today’s world where technology has made it easier for others to reach us. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to make calls go straight to voicemail, including using built-in phone features, third-party apps, and carrier services.
Understanding Voicemail and Call Forwarding
Before we dive into the methods, it’s essential to understand how voicemail and call forwarding work. Voicemail is a service that allows callers to leave a message when you’re not available to answer the phone. Call forwarding, on the other hand, is a feature that redirects incoming calls to another phone number or voicemail.
There are two types of call forwarding:
- Unconditional call forwarding: This type of forwarding sends all incoming calls to another phone number or voicemail, regardless of whether your phone is busy, unanswered, or out of range.
- Conditional call forwarding: This type of forwarding sends incoming calls to another phone number or voicemail only when your phone is busy, unanswered, or out of range.
Method 1: Using Built-in Phone Features
Most smartphones come with built-in features that allow you to forward calls to voicemail. Here’s how to do it on different types of phones:
For Android Phones
- Go to your phone’s settings app.
- Scroll down and select “Call settings” or “Calls.”
- Look for “Call forwarding” or “Forward calls” and select it.
- Choose the type of forwarding you want to use (unconditional or conditional).
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Save your changes.
For iPhones
- Go to your phone’s settings app.
- Scroll down and select “Phone.”
- Look for “Call Forwarding” and select it.
- Toggle the switch next to “Call Forwarding” to the right.
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Save your changes.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps
If your phone doesn’t have a built-in call forwarding feature or if you want more advanced features, you can use third-party apps. Here are some popular options:
Truecaller
Truecaller is a popular app that allows you to block unwanted calls and forward calls to voicemail. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Truecaller on your phone.
- Open the app and create an account.
- Go to the app’s settings and select “Call settings.”
- Look for “Call forwarding” and select it.
- Choose the type of forwarding you want to use (unconditional or conditional).
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Save your changes.
Hiya
Hiya is another popular app that allows you to block unwanted calls and forward calls to voicemail. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Hiya on your phone.
- Open the app and create an account.
- Go to the app’s settings and select “Call settings.”
- Look for “Call forwarding” and select it.
- Choose the type of forwarding you want to use (unconditional or conditional).
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Save your changes.
Method 3: Using Carrier Services
Your carrier may also offer call forwarding services that allow you to forward calls to voicemail. Here’s how to use them:
Verizon
- Dial *72 on your phone.
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Press the “Send” button.
- Wait for the confirmation message.
AT&T
- Dial *72 on your phone.
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Press the “Send” button.
- Wait for the confirmation message.
T-Mobile
- Dial *72 on your phone.
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Press the “Send” button.
- Wait for the confirmation message.
Method 4: Using Google Voice
Google Voice is a free service that allows you to forward calls to voicemail. Here’s how to use it:
- Create a Google Voice account.
- Set up your Google Voice number.
- Go to the Google Voice settings and select “Calls.”
- Look for “Call forwarding” and select it.
- Choose the type of forwarding you want to use (unconditional or conditional).
- Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number).
- Save your changes.
Conclusion
Making calls go straight to voicemail can be a convenient way to manage your phone calls, especially if you’re receiving unwanted calls or want to avoid distractions. By using built-in phone features, third-party apps, carrier services, or Google Voice, you can forward calls to voicemail and take control of your phone calls. Remember to always check with your carrier for any additional fees or restrictions on call forwarding services.
Additional Tips
- Use a voicemail greeting: Make sure to set up a voicemail greeting to let callers know that you’re not available to answer the phone.
- Check your voicemail regularly: Don’t forget to check your voicemail regularly to respond to important messages.
- Use call blocking features: Consider using call blocking features to block unwanted calls and prevent them from going to voicemail.
By following these tips and using the methods outlined in this article, you can make calls go straight to voicemail and take control of your phone calls.
What are the benefits of making calls go straight to voicemail?
Making calls go straight to voicemail can be beneficial in various situations. For instance, if you’re in a meeting, driving, or in a noisy environment, it’s not always possible to answer calls. By sending calls directly to voicemail, you can avoid distractions and respond to messages at a more convenient time. Additionally, this feature can help you avoid unwanted calls from telemarketers or unknown numbers.
Another advantage of making calls go straight to voicemail is that it allows you to prioritize your calls. You can set specific numbers to ring through while sending others to voicemail. This feature is particularly useful for people who receive a high volume of calls, as it enables them to focus on important conversations while ignoring less pressing ones.
How do I make calls go straight to voicemail on an Android device?
To make calls go straight to voicemail on an Android device, you can use the built-in “Do Not Disturb” mode or download a third-party app. To enable “Do Not Disturb” mode, go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb. From there, you can customize the settings to allow calls from specific contacts or during certain times. Alternatively, you can download an app like “Call Blacklist” or “Truecaller” that allows you to block unwanted calls and send them directly to voicemail.
Another method is to use the “Call Forwarding” feature. To do this, dial *72 followed by the phone number you want to forward calls to (in this case, your voicemail number). Once you’ve set up call forwarding, all incoming calls will be sent directly to voicemail. However, this method may not work on all Android devices or networks, so it’s essential to check with your carrier for compatibility.
Can I make calls go straight to voicemail on an iPhone?
Yes, you can make calls go straight to voicemail on an iPhone using the built-in “Do Not Disturb” mode. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb. From there, you can customize the settings to allow calls from specific contacts or during certain times. You can also schedule “Do Not Disturb” mode to turn on automatically during certain hours or events.
Alternatively, you can use the “Call Forwarding” feature on your iPhone. To do this, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. Turn on “Call Forwarding” and enter your voicemail number. Once you’ve set up call forwarding, all incoming calls will be sent directly to voicemail. However, this method may not work on all iPhone models or networks, so it’s essential to check with your carrier for compatibility.
How do I set up call forwarding to voicemail on my landline phone?
To set up call forwarding to voicemail on your landline phone, you’ll need to contact your phone service provider. They can guide you through the process of setting up call forwarding, which typically involves dialing a specific code followed by your voicemail number. The exact steps may vary depending on your provider and the type of phone service you have.
Once you’ve set up call forwarding, all incoming calls will be sent directly to voicemail. You can usually customize the settings to allow calls from specific numbers or during certain times. Some phone service providers also offer additional features, such as the ability to forward calls to a different number or play a custom greeting.
Will making calls go straight to voicemail affect my phone’s battery life?
Making calls go straight to voicemail is unlikely to have a significant impact on your phone’s battery life. When a call is sent directly to voicemail, your phone doesn’t ring or vibrate, which means it doesn’t consume as much power. However, if you’re using a third-party app to block calls or forward them to voicemail, it may consume some additional power.
That being said, the impact on battery life will depend on various factors, such as the type of phone you have, the app you’re using, and your overall phone usage. If you’re concerned about battery life, you can always check your phone’s settings to see which apps are consuming the most power and adjust your settings accordingly.
Can I make calls go straight to voicemail for specific contacts only?
Yes, you can make calls go straight to voicemail for specific contacts only. On Android devices, you can use the built-in “Do Not Disturb” mode or download a third-party app that allows you to block calls from specific numbers. On iPhones, you can use the “Do Not Disturb” mode or the “Call Forwarding” feature to send calls from specific contacts to voicemail.
To set up call forwarding for specific contacts, you’ll typically need to create a contact group or list and then set up call forwarding rules for that group. This can be done through your phone’s settings or through a third-party app. Some phone service providers also offer additional features, such as the ability to block calls from specific numbers or area codes.
Will making calls go straight to voicemail affect my voicemail notifications?
Making calls go straight to voicemail may affect your voicemail notifications, depending on your phone’s settings and the type of voicemail service you have. If you’re using a traditional voicemail service, you may receive a notification when a new message is left in your voicemail inbox.
However, if you’re using a visual voicemail service or a third-party voicemail app, you may receive notifications for each new message, even if the call was sent directly to voicemail. You can usually customize your voicemail notifications through your phone’s settings or through the voicemail app itself. Some phone service providers also offer additional features, such as the ability to receive email notifications for new voicemail messages.