How to Stop Blocked Numbers Leaving Voicemail on Android

Your carrier probably has an app for this. If not, use the free app Call Control

This article explains how to stop blocked numbers from leaving a voicemail on Android. The instructions apply to all Android phones no matter who made your device (Google, Samsung, etc.).

When you block a number on your Android phone, your phone won't ring when the person calls you, but the caller can still leave voicemails. The only way to stop people from leaving voicemails is to use an app that labels blocked numbers as spam. Your options depend on your phone carrier.

If you're an AT&T customer, you can use the AT&T ActiveArmor app (formerly called Call Protect) for free. This service automatically blocks known spam numbers, and you can block specific numbers from leaving voicemails.

This app works on phones purchased through AT&T that are running at least Android 7.

Verizon users can temporarily block up to five numbers for free. The block must be reapplied after 90 days. Log in to My Verizon to do that.

To permanently block calls and voicemails from up to 20 numbers, sign up for the Verizon Smart Family plan. This is a paid service that also lets you block numbers and put limits on data, calls, and texts during specific hours of the day. Download the Verizon Smart Family Parent app to get started.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of the Scam Shield app to block scam calls. While the app is free, you must pay for the premium version to block voicemails from specific numbers.

There are other call blocker apps that can stop blocked numbers from leaving a voicemail on Android. Most such apps only block calls, but Call Control can block voicemails too. In addition to your own block list, this app has a community list of spoof and spam numbers.

To turn this on, open Settings > Call Blocking Modes, then choose Disconnect as the method.

You can get Call Control for free, but you must subscribe for a fee to take full advantage of the service like blocking as many numbers as you want and auto-blocking tens of thousands of unwanted callers.

If you have a Google Voice number, you can block numbers and send voicemails to the spam folder. It's possible to forward Voice calls to the number from your carrier, but this method is only helpful if you use Voice as your primary number since people can still leave voicemails if they call you directly.

Open the app to the Calls or Messages tab, and tap the number you wish to block.

Tap the three-dot menu.

Tap Mark as spam.

To make sure voicemails from blocked numbers go to spam instead of your inbox, tap the three-line menu next to the search field, and then choose Settings > Filter spam.

To listen to voicemails from blocked numbers, tap Menu > Spam.

You can tell if someone blocked your number on Android if you get an unusual message when you call or text such as “The person you are calling is unavailable.” If you hear only one ring, no ring at all, or a busy signal, it’s possible your number is blocked through their wireless carrier.

To see your blocked numbers on Android, open the Phone app and tap the three dot menu > Settings > Blocked Numbers. Tap the X next to a number to unblock it.

When you block a number, you still might get notifications when they try to call you. Calls from blocked numbers are listed as Blocked in your call logs.

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