Skipping Verizon voicemail can be a real time-saver, and if you're like many users, you might have found yourself frustrated by the extra steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to bypass the voicemail system, offering detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Let's dive in!
Master the Art of Voicemail Freedom: A Comprehensive Guide to Skipping Verizon Voicemail
Are you tired of the endless prompts when all you want to do is check your messages or, even better, avoid voicemail altogether? We've all been there – the ring, the "please enter your password," the main menu… it can feel like a labyrinth! Well, fret no more. This in-depth guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to navigate Verizon's voicemail system with unprecedented efficiency, even allowing you to skip it entirely in many scenarios.
Ready to reclaim your time and sanity? Let's begin our journey to voicemail liberation!
Step 1: Identify Your Voicemail Goal – What Do You Really Want to Achieve?
Before we jump into technicalities, let's take a moment to consider your ultimate objective. Do you want to:
Quickly access your voicemail messages without password prompts?
Completely disable voicemail so callers can't leave messages?
Forward calls directly to another number without hitting voicemail?
Silence voicemail notifications?
Understanding your goal will help us choose the most effective strategy. Let's make sure we're on the same page. Think about it – what's your biggest voicemail pain point?
Step 2: The "Bypass Password" Method: Streamlined Voicemail Access
If your primary aim is to get to your messages faster without repeatedly entering your password, this is the first crucial step.
2.1: Initial Setup for Password Bypass
Verizon's visual voicemail or basic voicemail setup usually involves a password for security. To bypass it for quicker access, you'll need to enable a feature within your voicemail settings.
From your Verizon Phone:
Dial *86 (or just hold down the '1' key on your phone's dial pad for a few seconds). This will connect you to your voicemail.
Listen carefully to the prompts. You'll likely be asked for your password initially. Enter it.
Once in the main menu, look for an option related to "Personal Options," "Security Options," or "Voicemail Settings." This is often by pressing '4' or '9'. Listen closely as these options can vary slightly.
Within these settings, you should find an option to "Turn off password protection" or "Disable password for calls from your own phone." Select this option.
Confirm your selection when prompted.
2.2: The Impact of Disabling Password
Once this setting is changed, when you dial voicemail from your Verizon phone, it should automatically connect you to your messages without asking for a password.
Important Note: This only applies when you access voicemail from your own Verizon phone. If you call your voicemail from a different phone or landline, you will still be prompted for your password for security reasons. Remember your password for those scenarios!
Step 3: Disabling Voicemail Entirely: For the True Voicemail Averse
Sometimes, the best way to skip voicemail is to not have it at all. If you prefer callers to hear a busy signal, a message that the number is unavailable, or simply disconnect, you can request Verizon to remove the voicemail feature from your line.
3.1: Contacting Verizon Customer Service
This is typically a feature that needs to be provisioned or de-provisioned by Verizon directly.
Call Verizon Customer Service:
Dial 611 from your Verizon wireless phone.
Alternatively, call 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
When you connect, explain clearly that you wish to "remove the voicemail feature" from your line.
Be prepared to verify your account information for security purposes (account PIN, last four digits of SSN, etc.).
The representative will guide you through the process. It may take a few minutes for the change to take effect on their system.
3.2: What Happens When Voicemail is Disabled?
Once voicemail is successfully removed:
Callers will no longer be able to leave you messages.
Depending on how Verizon's system is configured for your specific line after removal, callers might hear a fast busy signal, a message indicating the subscriber is unavailable, or the call may simply disconnect after a few rings.
You will no longer receive voicemail notifications.
Step 4: Call Forwarding: Divert Calls Before Voicemail Intervenes
If your goal is for calls to never even reach your voicemail but instead go to another number (perhaps a landline, another mobile, or even a call answering service), call forwarding is your solution.
4.1: Setting Up Unconditional Call Forwarding
This method forwards all incoming calls to the specified number, without ringing your Verizon phone first.
Dial Codes from your Verizon Phone:
To activate: Dial 72 followed immediately by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to (e.g., *725551234567).
Press the Call/Send button.
You should hear a confirmation tone or message indicating that call forwarding is active.
To deactivate: Dial *73 and press the Call/Send button.
4.2: Setting Up Conditional Call Forwarding
This is more nuanced. Calls are only forwarded if certain conditions are met (e.g., you don't answer, your phone is busy, or it's out of service). This can be a way to send calls to another number instead of voicemail.
Common Conditional Forwarding Codes (May vary slightly):
Forward when busy: 90 followed by the 10-digit number. To deactivate: *900.
Forward when no answer: 92 followed by the 10-digit number. To deactivate: *920.
Forward when unreachable (out of service/off): 71 followed by the 10-digit number. To deactivate: *710.
Remember to press the Call/Send button after dialing these codes. You'll hear a confirmation.
4.3: Important Considerations for Call Forwarding
Charges: Call forwarding uses your plan's minutes or is part of unlimited plans. Ensure you understand any potential charges, especially if forwarding to international or premium numbers.
Voice Messages: If you forward calls, the new number is responsible for handling any voicemail. Your Verizon voicemail will effectively be bypassed.
Limitations: Some services or features may not work as expected when call forwarding is active (e.g., visual voicemail).
Step 5: Managing Voicemail Notifications: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Even if you still have voicemail, the constant notifications can be annoying. You can often manage these through your phone's settings or the My Verizon app.
5.1: Adjusting Notifications on Your Smartphone
This process varies slightly between Android and iOS.
For Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Apps or Applications.
Find and tap on Phone or Voicemail (sometimes it's a separate app).
Tap on Notifications.
Here you can toggle off various notification types, such as sound, vibration, lock screen notifications, or even completely disable notifications for voicemail.
For iOS (iPhone):
Go to Settings.
Scroll down and tap on Phone.
Tap on Notifications.
Scroll down to the "Phone" app's notification settings (which includes voicemail).
You can customize alerts (Lock Screen, Notification Center, Banners), sounds, and badges. To effectively silence them, you can uncheck all alert types and turn off sounds.
5.2: Using the My Verizon App or Website
The My Verizon app or website offers some control over account features, though direct notification management is usually on the device itself. You can however, often manage visual voicemail features here, or even disable visual voicemail entirely if you prefer basic voicemail.
My Verizon App:
Open the My Verizon App and log in.
Navigate to Account or Features.
Look for options related to "Voicemail," "Add-ons," or "Features." You might find settings to manage your voicemail type (e.g., switch from Visual Voicemail to Basic Voicemail) or troubleshoot issues.
Step 6: Voicemail Alternatives and Best Practices
If you're constantly looking to skip voicemail, perhaps it's time to consider alternatives or implement best practices to minimize its impact.
6.1: Using Text Messages or Alternative Communication
Encourage callers to text you instead of leaving a voicemail. In today's world, a quick text message is often more efficient and less intrusive.
Explore apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram for direct messaging or even voice calls that bypass the traditional cellular network and voicemail.
6.2: Setting Up a Professional Auto-Reply
If you're unable to answer, consider using a personalized text auto-reply (if your phone has this feature) to inform callers you're unavailable and will get back to them. This can reduce the need for them to leave a voicemail.
6.3: Regularly Clear Voicemail
If you must have voicemail, get into the habit of clearing your messages regularly. A full voicemail box can prevent new messages from being left, which can be just as frustrating as having to check it.
This comprehensive guide should give you all the tools and knowledge you need to effectively manage, access, and even skip Verizon voicemail to suit your preferences. Remember to always listen carefully to prompts when navigating phone menus, as options can sometimes change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Skip Verizon Voicemail
Here are 10 common questions related to skipping Verizon voicemail, with quick answers:
How to skip Verizon voicemail password from my own phone?
You can usually disable the password prompt for calls from your own Verizon phone by calling your voicemail (*86 or hold 1), navigating to "Personal Options" or "Security Settings," and selecting the option to turn off password protection for calls from your number.
How to completely disable Verizon voicemail so callers can't leave messages?
Contact Verizon Customer Service by dialing 611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone and request to have the voicemail feature removed from your line.
How to forward all incoming calls to another number instead of Verizon voicemail?
To forward all calls unconditionally, dial 72 followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward to (e.g., ***725551234567) and press send. To deactivate, dial ***73.
How to make calls go to another number only when I don't answer, instead of Verizon voicemail?
You can set up conditional call forwarding for "no answer" by dialing 92 followed by the 10-digit number you want calls forwarded to. To deactivate, dial ***920.
How to stop getting voicemail notifications on my Verizon phone?
On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Phone (or Voicemail app) > Notifications and customize or disable voicemail notifications. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Notifications and adjust the alerts and sounds for the Phone app.
How to access Verizon voicemail quickly without listening to menu options?
Once you've disabled the password prompt for your own phone, simply dialing *86 (or holding 1) should take you directly to your messages. Listen for prompts to jump directly to new messages (often '1').
How to know if Verizon voicemail is disabled on my account?
If callers hear a busy signal, a message saying the subscriber is unavailable, or the call disconnects without going to a voicemail prompt, it's likely disabled. You can also confirm by trying to call your own number from another phone.
How to temporarily bypass Verizon voicemail for a specific call?
There's no direct "bypass for a specific call" feature within Verizon's standard voicemail system. Your options are to disable it entirely, use call forwarding, or simply not answer the call.
How to revert to having Verizon voicemail after disabling it?
You will need to contact Verizon Customer Service again (611 or 1-800-922-0204) and request them to re-add the voicemail feature to your line.
How to use Visual Voicemail to avoid dialing into Verizon voicemail?
If you have a smartphone, Verizon offers Visual Voicemail which displays your messages as a list, allowing you to listen to them in any order without dialing in or entering a password. Ensure the Visual Voicemail feature is enabled on your account and the app is installed on your phone.