Fix Android Phone Call Goes Straight to Voicemail

The quickest method to contact somebody is to simply give them a call. All you need to do is dial the number of the person you want to call.

But there’s a frequent issue related to phone calls that’s affecting many Android users. Namely, the call goes straight into the voicemail.

1. Check your call settings

If one of the following call settings is enabled, don’t be surprised if your incoming calls land directly into your voicemail:

Call rejection or block
Call barring
Forward to voicemail

Obviously, to fix the issue, you need to disable these settings.

Open the Phone app and click on the three-dot menu
Go to Settings and tap Auto Reject List
Remove the numbers you don’t really on the list
Go back to Settings and click on the More button
Select Call barring and disable all call barring settings
Return once again to Settings and tap Call forwarding
Select Voice call, and then Always forward
Disable call forwarding
Reboot your phone and check of the problem is gone.

If this issue is affecting a limited number of contacts, check the settings for each contact. Maybe the option to route incoming calls to voicemail is enabled for specific contacts.

Google Pixel phones

Pixel phones have a dedicated Google Voice Do Not Disturb (DND) mode that sends call to voicemail.

The feature is only available on Voice for G Suite accounts. Basically, all the calls received outside your working or office hours are routed straight to the voicemail.

Launch the Voice app, tap Menu, select Settings and then Do not disturb. Tap Calendar and check your working hour settings.

2. Disable Bluetooth

As surprising as this may seem, your Bluetooth could be the cause why your calls are landing straight into voicemail. Try disabling your Bluetooth connection and check if the problem persists.

The quickest way to turn off your Bluetooth is to use the two-finger gesture and swipe down from the top of your phone’s screen. Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn the feature off.

3. Ensure DND isn’t Enabled

If your phone has a “Do not disturb” feature, make sure that it isn’t enabled. Some phones have a DND scheduling feature that automatically puts the phone in “Do not disturb” mode. There is also a mode where calls are sent to voice mail when the phone is placed face down on a surface.

4. Re-insert your SIM card

Sometimes, taking your SIM card out and re-inserting it is the equivalent of a tried-and-tested reboot on PC.

Power your phone down and take out the SIM card. Insert it back and power up your phone. Wait one minute or two until the name or your carrier appears on the screen.

If you experience any service issues, have your carrier inspect your SIM. Maybe you need to replace it with a new one. Trying a new SIM may clear out the problem.

Don’t forget to check your network coverage with your carrier. The voicemail problem could be the result of network coverage issues that your carrier may be aware of.

5. Check Wireless Carrier Settings

Ensure that your wireless carrier doesn’t have any type of call protection enabled. Features like AT&T’s “Call Protect” can block calls from numbers you may not want blocked.

I hope these tips have helped you solve the problem with phone calls going straight to voicemail on your Android phone. Still having problems? Drop me a comment below.