Verizon calls going straight to voicemail: how to fix it

If your Verizon phone isn’t ringing and calls are going straight to voicemail, you’re not alone. Many Verizon customers experience this issue on both iPhone and Android. The good news? Most causes are simple to fix.

Here’s why your Verizon calls may be going directly to voicemail—and how to stop it from happening.

Why are my Verizon calls going to voicemail?

Common reasons include:

• Do Not Disturb or Focus mode. Silences incoming calls and sends them straight to voicemail.
• Airplane mode enabled. Disconnects your phone from the Verizon network.
• Call forwarding is turned on. Your calls may be forwarded to another number or voicemail.
• Weak or no signal. Poor coverage prevents calls from connecting.
• Blocked numbers. If a contact is on your block list, their calls won’t ring.
• Account issues. Past-due bills or suspended lines can interrupt service.
• Software or settings glitches. Outdated software or misconfigured settings can cause voicemail problems.

How to stop Verizon calls from going straight to voicemail

Try these fixes in order:

1. Check Do Not Disturb or Focus mode.

• On iPhone: Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
• On Android: Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb.
• Make sure it’s turned off.

2. Turn off Airplane mode.

• On iPhone: Settings > Airplane Mode.
• On Android: Settings > Connections > Airplane mode.

3. Turn off call forwarding.

• Dial *73 and press Send to disable call forwarding on Verizon.

4. Check your signal strength.

• Move to a location with better Verizon coverage or check the network status page.

5. Restart your phone.

• Power off your device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

6. Update your software.

• On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update.
• On Android: Settings > System > Software Update.

7. Reset network settings.

• On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• On Android: Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

If your Verizon phone still goes straight to voicemail, contact Verizon at *611 from your device or 1-800-922-0204.

Verizon iPhone calls going straight to voicemail

If you’re using an iPhone and calls still bypass your ringer:

• Check for a carrier settings update under Settings > General > About.
• Make sure Silence Unknown Callers is turned off in Settings > Phone.

Verizon Android calls going straight to voicemail

If you’re using an Android:

• Check your default Phone app settings for call blocking.
• Make sure no third-party apps are interfering with incoming calls.

Need more tech help?

If you’d like step-by-step assistance, Verizon Tech Coach Expert can walk you through fixing calls that go straight to voicemail. They can help with:

• Checking voicemail and call settings.
• Troubleshooting iPhone or Android call issues.
• Managing features like call forwarding or Do Not Disturb.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my Verizon calls going to voicemail without ringing?

It may be caused by Do Not Disturb, Airplane mode, call forwarding, or weak signal.

How do I fix Verizon calls going straight to voicemail?

Restart your phone, turn off Do Not Disturb, disable call forwarding, check your signal, and update your software.

Why are Verizon iPhone calls going straight to voicemail?

Check Silence Unknown Callers in your Phone settings and make sure your iOS software is updated.

Why are Verizon Android calls going straight to voicemail?

Review your call blocking settings and check for apps that may be interfering with incoming calls.

Who can help me if my Verizon calls still go straight to voicemail?

Contact Verizon support at *611 or, if you’re enrolled in an eligible device protection plan, connect with a Verizon Tech Coach Expert via live chat support or call 866-686-2479.