Deactivating Voicemail: Guide for All Carriers

Voicemail, once a pillar of remote communication, is often perceived today as a superfluous service. In the era of WhatsApp, Telegram, and missed call notifications via SMS, receiving a voice message can seem like a legacy from another era. Many users choose to deactivate it to avoid unexpected costs, to simplify call management, or simply because they never use it. This service, in fact, represents a bridge between the tradition of asynchronous voice communication and the innovation of instant messaging that dominates our daily lives. The choice to keep it active or disable it reflects a cultural shift in how we manage our personal and professional interactions.

Disabling this service is a simple and quick operation that allows you to regain full control over your phone line. The procedure is almost always free and reversible, guaranteeing the user maximum flexibility. In this complete guide, we will see step by step how to deactivate voicemail with the main Italian carriers, both through specific codes and via alternative methods, offering a clear solution for every need.

Why Deactivate Voicemail

The reasons why a user might want to give up voicemail are diverse and all valid. One of the main motivations is economic. Although many carriers offer the basic service for free, listening to recorded messages can have a cost, especially with certain rate plans or when abroad. For example, with Vodafone, the standard cost for accessing voicemail is 1.50 euros per day, charged only in case of use. Another factor is practicality: today most people prefer to communicate via instant messaging apps, which offer voice messages, texts, and calls on a single platform. Receiving an SMS notifying of a missed call is often more than enough to call back whoever looked for us, making voicemail an inefficient intermediate step.

MMI Codes for Voicemail Management

The quickest method to control voicemail is using MMI (Man-Machine Interface) codes, also known as USSD codes. These are short strings of symbols and numbers, such as ##002#, which are typed directly on the phone keypad, followed by pressing the call button. These codes communicate directly with the carrier’s network to activate, deactivate, or check the status of various services, including call forwarding to voicemail. There are specific codes to deactivate the service in certain circumstances: when the phone is busy (##67#), when you do not answer (##61#), or when it is unreachable (##62#). The universal code ##002# is often the most effective solution, as it deactivates all active call forwarding on the line, including voicemail.

Deactivation Guide by Carrier

Every mobile carrier offers specific procedures for deactivating voicemail. Although the universal code ##002# works in most cases, knowing the options dedicated to your provider can be useful. Sometimes, in fact, it is necessary to use alternative methods such as the online customer area, the official app, or telephone customer service. Let’s look in detail at the procedures for the main Italian carriers.

Deactivate TIM Voicemail

For TIM customers, the most immediate way to completely deactivate voicemail is to type the code ##002# and press the call button. Alternatively, you can call the toll-free number 40920 and follow the voice prompts to disable the service. Another option is to access the MyTIM customer area, via website or app, enter the “Services” section, and manage the configurations related to voicemail and call management. TIM also allows selective deactivation, using codes like ##61# (for no answer) or ##67# (for busy line).

Deactivate Vodafone Voicemail

Vodafone customers can disable voicemail in several ways. The quickest is to dial the universal code ##002# on the keypad and start the call. Alternatively, you can access the “DIY” area on the official Vodafone website and manage active offers, deactivating the service from there. It is important to remember that, even after deactivating call forwarding, manual access to the number 42020 could still incur costs. For those who prefer direct contact, it is always possible to call customer service at 190 to request manual deactivation by an operator.

Deactivate WindTre Voicemail

To deactivate voicemail with WindTre, the recommended code is ##004#, followed by the call button. This code disables all call forwarding to voicemail. Alternatively, you can use specific codes for different situations: ##62# when the phone is off or unreachable, ##61# in case of no answer, and ##67# if the line is busy. Upon completion of the operation, a message on the display will confirm the deactivation. Unlike other carriers, WindTre does not seem to offer an option to deactivate the service via a customer service phone number, making MMI codes the main method.

Deactivate Iliad Voicemail

For Iliad as well, the deactivation procedure is very simple. The most effective code is ##002#, which deactivates every type of call transfer, including voicemail services. Alternatively, if you wish to deactivate only voicemail while keeping other call transfers active, you can use the code ##21#. As with other providers, there are codes to deactivate the service only in specific cases, such as when the number is busy (##67#) or unreachable (##62#). For iPhone users, it is possible to manage call forwarding also from the phone settings, in the “Phone” section and then “Call Forwarding”, by turning off the appropriate switch. For further details, you can consult our guide on how to deactivate Iliad voicemail.

Deactivate Voicemail for Other Carriers (MVNOs)

Virtual operators (MVNOs) also allow you to disable voicemail with ease.

• PosteMobile: You can use the universal code ##002# for total deactivation. Alternatively, you can use codes ##62# (off/unreachable), ##67# (busy), and ##61# (no answer).
• Fastweb Mobile: To completely deactivate voicemail, you can use codes ##21# (unconditional), ##67# (busy), or ##61# (no answer). Listening to messages is free by calling 4141.
• Kena Mobile: You can use codes ##61#, ##67#, or ##62# depending on your needs. It is also possible to call number 181 or access the online customer area to manage the service.
• ho. Mobile: This carrier does not offer a traditional voicemail service. If calls are being diverted, it is likely that call forwarding is active, which can be deactivated with the code ##002#.

For optimal communication management, it can also be useful to know how to block spam calls, thus integrating control over your line.

• PosteMobile: You can use the universal code ##002# for total deactivation. Alternatively, you can use codes ##62# (off/unreachable), ##67# (busy), and ##61# (no answer).
• Fastweb Mobile: To completely deactivate voicemail, you can use codes ##21# (unconditional), ##67# (busy), or ##61# (no answer). Listening to messages is free by calling 4141.
• Kena Mobile: You can use codes ##61#, ##67#, or ##62# depending on your needs. It is also possible to call number 181 or access the online customer area to manage the service.
• ho. Mobile: This carrier does not offer a traditional voicemail service. If calls are being diverted, it is likely that call forwarding is active, which can be deactivated with the code ##002#.

For optimal communication management, it can also be useful to know how to block spam calls, thus integrating control over your line.

• PosteMobile: You can use the universal code ##002# for total deactivation. Alternatively, you can use codes ##62# (off/unreachable), ##67# (busy), and ##61# (no answer).
• Fastweb Mobile: To completely deactivate voicemail, you can use codes ##21# (unconditional), ##67# (busy), or ##61# (no answer). Listening to messages is free by calling 4141.
• Kena Mobile: You can use codes ##61#, ##67#, or ##62# depending on your needs. It is also possible to call number 181 or access the online customer area to manage the service.
• ho. Mobile: This carrier does not offer a traditional voicemail service. If calls are being diverted, it is likely that call forwarding is active, which can be deactivated with the code ##002#.

For optimal communication management, it can also be useful to know how to block spam calls, thus integrating control over your line.

What to Do if Codes Don’t Work

In rare cases, MMI codes might not work correctly or may return an error message. The causes can be various: a temporary network block, an incorrect setting on the device, or a specific procedure required by the carrier. If you find yourself in this situation, do not worry. The first thing to do is try restarting your smartphone and repeating the operation. If the problem persists, the most effective solution is to contact your carrier’s customer service directly. An agent will be able to verify the status of your line and perform the deactivation manually. Alternatively, you can try using the provider’s official app or access your personal area on the website, where there is often a section dedicated to call and message management.

Conclusions

Deactivating voicemail is an operation that allows you to customize your mobile communication experience, adapting it to the needs of the digital age. Whether it is a question of cost, practicality, or simple personal preference, giving up this service is a user’s right, made simple and accessible by all carriers. Thanks to universal MMI codes and specific procedures for each provider, it is possible to regain control of your calls in a few moments. Flexibility is maximum, as the service can be reactivated at any time with the same ease. In a world where communication is increasingly immediate, choosing how to be reached is a small but significant step towards a more conscious and serene management of your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions