How to Go Straight to Voicemail

Ever wanted to skip the awkward phone call and just leave a message? Sometimes we need to reach someone but don’t actually want to talk to them directly. Maybe you’re calling outside business hours or need to share information without interrupting their day. You can go straight to voicemail by using services like Slydial (call 267-slydial) that connect directly to mobile voicemail boxes, or by dialing certain codes depending on your phone system.

There are several ways to bypass a ringing phone. Some older phone systems let you dial # plus the extension to reach voicemail directly. With mobile phones, dedicated services have made this process simple. These tools can be helpful when you need to leave information but don’t have time for a full conversation or when you know someone is busy but need to share important details.

Going straight to voicemail isn’t just about avoiding conversations. It’s a useful skill for efficient communication. For important messages that don’t require immediate response, direct voicemail access helps you share information without disrupting someone’s day while ensuring they receive your message when they’re ready to listen.

There are a few different scenarios where you might want a call to go straight to voicemail, either for incoming calls to your own phone or when you’re trying to reach someone else’s voicemail directly.

1. Sending Incoming Calls to Your Own Voicemail

This is about managing calls you receive.

A. For a Specific Caller (Blocking):

• On iPhone:
  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Go to Recents or Contacts.
  3. Find the number or contact you want to send to voicemail.
  4. Tap the “i” icon (information) next to the number.
  5. Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.”
  • Result: Calls from this number will no longer ring your phone and will go directly to voicemail. You won’t be notified of the call, only if they leave a message.
• On Android (Steps may vary slightly by phone model/OS version):
  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Go to Recents or Contacts.
  3. Tap the number or contact you want to block.
  4. Look for a three-dot menu (⋮) or similar settings icon.
  5. Select “Block number” or “Add to Auto-reject list”.
  • Result: Similar to iPhone, calls from this number will be sent to voicemail without ringing.

B. For All Unknown Callers (iPhone):

• On iPhone:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Phone.
  3. Scroll down and tap “Silence Unknown Callers.”
  4. Toggle the switch On.
  • Result: Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions will be sent directly to voicemail without ringing. You will still see them in your Recents list.

C. For All Calls Temporarily (Do Not Disturb/Focus Mode):

• On iPhone (Focus Mode):
  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (for Face ID iPhones) or swipe up from the bottom (for Home button iPhones) to open Control Center.
  2. Tap the “Focus” button (it usually has a moon icon by default).
  3. Tap “Do Not Disturb” to turn it on immediately, or choose another Focus mode if you’ve set them up.
  • Result: While Do Not Disturb is active, all calls (or only those not allowed by your Focus settings) will go straight to voicemail. You won’t receive sound or vibration alerts. You’ll still see missed calls.
• On Android (Do Not Disturb):
  1. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to expand the Quick Settings panel.
  2. Tap the “Do Not Disturb” icon (often a circle with a line through it, or a moon).
  3. You can often customize Do Not Disturb settings (e.g., allow calls from starred contacts).
  • Result: Similar to iPhone, calls will go to voicemail without ringing your phone.

D. Using Call Forwarding (Advanced/Carrier-Specific): You can usually set up unconditional call forwarding through your carrier to direct all calls to your voicemail number. This is less common for temporary use and more for when you want to use your phone for data/texts but not receive any calls directly.

• Steps:
  1. Find your carrier’s specific voicemail access number. (This is usually different from your own phone number).
  2. Go to your phone’s Phone app settings (often accessible via a three-dot menu in the dialer).
  3. Look for “Call Forwarding” or “Supplementary Services.”
  4. Choose “Always forward” or “Forward all calls” and enter your voicemail number.
  • Result: All incoming calls will be immediately sent to your voicemail.

2. Sending Outgoing Calls Straight to Someone Else’s Voicemail

This is often called “ringless voicemail” or “voicemail drop.” This is generally not a standard feature of consumer phone services and usually requires third-party services.

• Third-Party Services (e.g., Slydial, Drop Cowboy, Slybroadcast): These services allow you to dial a special number, then enter the recipient’s phone number, and it will attempt to connect directly to their voicemail without ringing their phone.
  • General Steps (may vary by service):
    1. Dial the service’s access number (e.g., 267-SLYDIAL for Slydial).
    2. Follow the voice prompts. You might need to listen to an ad (for free versions) or enter account details.
    3. Enter the 10-digit phone number of the person you want to send to voicemail.
    4. Record your message when prompted.
    5. Hang up.
  • Result: Your message is delivered directly to their voicemail inbox without their phone ever ringing.
• Carrier-Specific Voicemail Messaging: Some older or specific carrier features might allow you to send a voice message directly to another customer on the same carrier’s network by dialing into your own voicemail and selecting an option like “send a message.” This is becoming less common with visual voicemail.

Important Note: The availability and exact steps for some of these options can vary based on your phone’s operating system (iOS vs. Android), your phone model, and your mobile carrier.

Key Takeaways

• Services like Slydial let you connect directly to mobile voicemail without making the recipient’s phone ring.
• Most phone systems have shortcuts to reach voicemail directly, often involving special codes or number sequences.
• Going straight to voicemail can be a respectful, efficient way to leave important information without interrupting someone.

Understanding Voicemail

Voicemail systems have become an essential part of modern communication, allowing callers to leave messages when the recipient can’t answer. These systems have evolved significantly over time and now come in various forms to meet different needs.

History of Voicemail

Voicemail technology first emerged in the 1970s as an alternative to answering machines. Gordon Matthews is often credited with inventing the first true voicemail system in 1979, which he called “Voice Message Exchange.”

Early systems were expensive and mainly used by large businesses. They required special equipment and dedicated phone lines. By the 1980s, voicemail began to spread to smaller businesses as costs decreased.

The 1990s saw voicemail become available to regular consumers through their phone companies. Cell phones further popularized voicemail in the early 2000s, making it a standard feature most people expected.

Today’s voicemail systems are mostly digital and can be accessed from anywhere. Many modern systems convert voice messages to text, making them easier to check quickly.

Types of Voicemail Systems

Carrier-based voicemail is provided by phone companies like Verizon or AT&T. These systems store messages on the carrier’s servers. Users typically dial a specific number to check messages or receive notifications.

Business PBX voicemail systems are built into office phone networks. They often include features like message forwarding, distribution lists, and auto-attendants. Many businesses use these systems to direct callers and take messages after hours.

Visual voicemail displays messages in a list on smartphones. Users can see who called and when, without dialing in. This type lets people pick which messages to listen to first.

Internet-based voicemail services like Google Voice store messages online. They typically convert voice to text and can send messages to email. These services work across devices and often offer more features than traditional systems.

Preparing Your Phone for Voicemail

Before you can use voicemail features, you need to set up your phone correctly. This includes setting up your basic voicemail and creating a greeting that callers will hear when they reach your voicemail.

Setting Up Your Voicemail

Most phones come with voicemail capabilities that need to be activated first. To set up voicemail on an iPhone, go to the Phone app, tap the Voicemail icon, and follow the setup instructions. For Android users, open the Phone app, press and hold the “1” key, then follow the voice prompts.

If your phone doesn’t have visual voicemail, you’ll need to call your voicemail system directly. The number varies by carrier but is often your own phone number or a special short code like *86.

During setup, you’ll create a PIN to protect your messages. Choose something you’ll remember but others can’t guess. Most carriers offer options like message forwarding to email and message saving settings.

Voicemail Greetings

Your voicemail greeting is what callers hear when you don’t answer. Most systems let you record two types: a standard greeting for everyone and an alternative greeting for specific situations.

When recording your greeting, find a quiet place with no background noise. Speak clearly and keep it brief but friendly. Include your name and a simple message asking callers to leave their name, number, and reason for calling.

Some sample wording might be: “Hi, you’ve reached [your name]. I can’t take your call right now, but please leave a message and I’ll get back to you soon.”

Many carriers also offer professional greeting options or the ability to use the system’s default greeting if you prefer not to record your own.

Directing Calls to Voicemail

When you need a call to go straight to voicemail, there are several simple methods you can use on your phone. These techniques help you avoid answering unwanted calls while still allowing callers to leave messages.

Using Do Not Disturb

Do Not Disturb mode is a quick way to send calls straight to voicemail without having to turn off your phone. Most smartphones have this feature built in.

On iPhones, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to access Control Center, then tap the crescent moon icon. For Android phones, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Do Not Disturb icon.

You can customize Do Not Disturb settings to allow calls from specific contacts. This is helpful when you want to avoid most calls but still need to be available for important people.

Many phones also let you schedule Do Not Disturb to activate automatically during certain hours. This works great for meetings or bedtime when you don’t want to be disturbed.

Activating Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode offers another quick solution for sending calls directly to voicemail. This method completely disconnects your phone from cellular networks.

To turn on Airplane Mode, look for the airplane icon in your quick settings menu. On iPhones, access Control Center and tap the airplane icon. On Android devices, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the airplane symbol.

Be aware that Airplane Mode disconnects all communications—calls, texts, and internet. Your callers will reach your voicemail, but you won’t receive any notifications until you turn Airplane Mode off.

This method works best for short periods when you need complete focus or during situations where phone use isn’t allowed, like during flights or important meetings.

Enabling Call Forwarding

Call forwarding lets you direct incoming calls to your voicemail system automatically. This method is useful when you want a more permanent solution.

For iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. Toggle it on and enter your voicemail number. On Android, open the Phone app, tap the three dots menu, select Settings > Calls > Call forwarding, then choose “Always forward” and enter your voicemail number.

Some carriers have special codes to activate call forwarding. Common codes include *72 to activate and *73 to deactivate, followed by your voicemail number.

Call forwarding can typically be set up for all calls or just when you’re busy or don’t answer. Check with your service provider for specific instructions for your plan.

Navigating Your Phone’s Settings

Your phone offers several ways to manage calls and send them straight to voicemail. These settings are typically found in your phone app and can be customized based on your preferences.

Silencing Unknown Callers

Most modern smartphones have built-in features to handle unwanted calls. On iPhones, you can silence unknown callers by going to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggling the switch on. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail.

Android users can find similar options in the Phone app. Tap the three-dot menu in the top corner, select Settings, and look for “Blocked numbers” or “Call screening” options. Some Android phones allow you to block all unknown numbers by enabling “Block calls from unidentified callers.”

Samsung devices offer an extra layer of protection with their “Smart Call” feature that identifies potential spam calls before you answer.

Adjusting Notification Settings

Phone notification settings play a key role in managing your calls. To change how your phone alerts you to incoming calls:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app
2. Select “Sounds” or “Sound & Vibration”
3. Look for “Ringtone” or “Phone ringtone” options

You can set specific contacts to bypass your silent mode by adding them to favorites or creating custom ringtones. This lets important calls get through while others go to voicemail.

For total silence during meetings or sleep, use Do Not Disturb mode. This feature can be scheduled to activate automatically at certain times.

Customizing Control Center

Quick access to call settings makes it easier to send calls to voicemail when needed. Both iPhone and Android offer shortcuts through their respective control panels.

On iPhone, you can add Do Not Disturb to Control Center by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. This gives you one-swipe access to silence all calls instantly.

Android users can add similar Quick Settings tiles by pulling down the notification shade and tapping the edit button (usually a pencil icon). Look for options like “Do Not Disturb” or “Sound” to add them to your quick settings panel.

These shortcuts let you quickly switch between taking calls and sending them to voicemail without digging through menu settings each time.

Alternative Methods

Beyond the standard techniques, there are several other ways to go straight to voicemail. These options include specialized apps designed specifically for this purpose and carrier-provided features that vary depending on your phone service provider.

Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps make it easy to bypass a ringing phone and go straight to voicemail. Slydial is one of the most popular options. It connects users directly to any US mobile phone number’s voicemail with just a button press. The basic service offers unlimited connections, making it convenient for regular use.

Slybroadcast offers similar functionality through “ringless voicemail” technology. This service lets you deliver messages without making the recipient’s phone ring at all. You can even customize your caller ID to display when sending these messages.

These apps work well when you:

• Need to leave information without interrupting someone
• Want to avoid an awkward conversation
• Need to deliver a message during off-hours

Carrier-Specific Solutions

Many phone carriers offer their own methods to send calls directly to voicemail. Verizon users can dial into their own voicemail, press 2, enter the recipient’s number followed by #, record a message, and then follow the prompts to send.

Some office phone systems allow you to dial both the extension and * extension, where the asterisk command means “go directly to voicemail.” This feature is particularly useful in business settings where direct communication isn’t always necessary.

For incoming calls from specific contacts, most smartphones let you set up automatic voicemail forwarding. On iPhones, you can press the sleep/wake button once to silence a ring (the call will eventually go to voicemail) or twice to send it straight to voicemail.

Communication Etiquette

Good phone communication involves knowing when to call and how to leave messages. Clear communication saves time and shows respect for others.

Leaving Effective Messages

When leaving a voicemail, always start by stating your name and phone number. Speak slowly and clearly so the recipient can understand you. Keep your message brief but include the purpose of your call.

State your phone number twice—once at the beginning and once at the end. This gives the person time to grab a pen and paper if needed.

Be specific about why you’re calling. Instead of saying “Call me back,” explain what you need: “I’m calling about the project deadline.” This helps the recipient decide how urgent your call is.

Avoid leaving messages during busy hours if possible. The best times are mid-morning or mid-afternoon when people are more likely to check messages.

Responding to Voicemails

Try to return important voicemails within 24 hours. If you can’t fully address the issue right away, a quick call acknowledging the message is polite.

When you can’t talk, consider sending a text message. A simple “Got your voicemail, will call back this afternoon” keeps communication flowing.

If multiple voicemails pile up, prioritize them by urgency and relationship. Business partners and clients often need faster responses than casual contacts.

Keep a small notepad or digital note app handy for tracking voicemails you need to return. This helps you stay organized and ensures no messages fall through the cracks.

When returning calls, reference the voicemail: “Hi Sam, I’m returning your call about the meeting tomorrow.” This gives context and shows you paid attention.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When calls go straight to voicemail unexpectedly, there are several potential problems that might need fixing. Technical issues with your phone settings or network connection are often the culprits.

Voicemail Not Working

If your voicemail isn’t working properly, start with the basics. Restart your phone, as this simple step often fixes minor technical glitches. Check your network signal strength, since poor reception can send calls directly to voicemail without ringing.

Next, verify your Do Not Disturb settings. Go to your phone’s settings and make sure this feature is turned off. On many Android devices, you’ll find this in the Sound or Notifications section. For iPhone users, check that “Allow Calls From” is set to “Everyone” if you want all calls to come through.

Make sure call forwarding isn’t accidentally activated. This feature might redirect calls to voicemail automatically. To check:

• On Android: Go to Phone app > Settings > Call settings > Call forwarding
• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding

Missing Voicemail Features

When voicemail features aren’t working as expected, first contact your mobile carrier’s support team. Some voicemail capabilities require specific service plans or activation by your provider.

Check if your voicemail box is full. Most carriers limit how many messages you can store. Delete old messages to make room for new ones. To access your voicemail:

• On most phones: Press and hold the “1” key
• Through the phone app: Look for a voicemail tab or icon

If visual voicemail isn’t working, ensure your data connection is active. This feature requires internet access to display messages as text. Try turning your Wi-Fi off and on, or switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data.

For persistent problems, check if your phone’s software needs updating. Outdated operating systems sometimes cause compatibility issues with voicemail services.

Brand-Specific Voicemail Features

Different phone manufacturers offer unique voicemail features that make managing messages easier. These brand-specific options can help you customize how calls are directed to voicemail and how you access those messages later.

Apple’s Visual Voicemail

Apple’s Visual Voicemail revolutionized how iPhone users interact with their voicemail system. This feature displays a list of messages so you can choose which ones to listen to without dialing in and navigating through all messages sequentially.

To send specific contacts straight to voicemail on an iPhone:

• Open your Contacts app
• Select the contact you want to avoid
• Tap the three dots in the top right corner
• Choose the “Block Contact” option

Visual Voicemail also lets you:

• Read transcripts of voicemails (on newer models)
• Share voicemails via text or email
• Save important messages for later reference
• Delete unwanted messages with a simple swipe

iPhone users can access these features through the Phone app by tapping the Voicemail icon at the bottom right of the screen.

Android Voicemail Options

Android phones offer flexible voicemail options that vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and carrier. Most Android devices include Google’s voicemail service or a carrier-specific option.

To send calls directly to voicemail on many Android phones:

1. Open your Contacts app
2. Select the specific contact
3. Tap the three-dot menu
4. Choose “Add to reject list” or similar option (varies by phone model)

Samsung Galaxy phones and other Android devices offer additional features:

• Customizable greetings for different callers
• Visual voicemail apps available through carriers like Verizon and AT&T
• Auto-forwarding options that can be configured to send certain numbers directly to voicemail

Some carriers provide specialized apps that enhance these capabilities, letting you manage voicemails through a visual interface rather than traditional audio prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have specific questions about how to direct calls to voicemail. Here are answers to common questions about bypassing conversations and sending calls straight to voicemail across different phone systems.

How can a voicemail be left without placing an actual phone call?

Slydial service offers a way to go straight to someone’s voicemail without making their phone ring. You can dial 267-slydial (267-759-3425) and follow the prompts. This service connects directly to a person’s voicemail box.

The call recipient won’t know you bypassed a conversation. This method works well when you need to leave information but don’t want or need to speak directly with the person.

What steps are involved in sending an iPhone call directly to voicemail?

On an iPhone, when a call comes in, you can press the sleep/wake button once to silence the ring. The call will continue but without sound. Press the sleep/wake button twice to send the call directly to voicemail.

Another option is to use the “Decline” button that appears on the screen when a call comes in. This immediately sends the caller to voicemail.

Is there a specific code or button to press that directs a call to voicemail on landlines?

Most landline phones don’t have built-in features to send calls directly to voicemail. However, some landline providers offer call screening services where calls can be diverted to voicemail based on caller ID.

For business landlines with PBX systems, extension transfers to voicemail may be possible by pressing specific keys during the call.

What is the procedure for sending a call directly to voicemail on an Android device?

On Android phones, you can press the volume down button when a call comes in to silence the ring. To reject the call and send it to voicemail immediately, swipe the call button downward or press the red decline button.

Some Android phones also allow you to set up automatic call rejection for specific numbers. These rejected calls go straight to voicemail without making the phone ring.

Can I ensure my call bypasses ringing and goes straight to voicemail on the Verizon network?

Verizon offers a method to send a message directly to voicemail. Dial into your own voicemail first, then press 2. Enter the recipient’s number followed by the # key, record your message, and press # again.

Follow the remaining prompts to send your voicemail. This method works within the Verizon network and ensures your call bypasses the normal ringing process.

What does dialing *86 accomplish when attempting to access voicemail services?

Dialing *86 on most phone networks, including Verizon, is a shortcut to access your own voicemail system. This code connects you directly to your voicemail box where you can listen to messages or manage your voicemail settings.

The *86 code doesn’t send calls to someone else’s voicemail. It’s simply a quick way to check your own messages without dialing your full phone number.