Receiving Voicemails without Voicemail Box Set Up (iOS 17)

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Receiving Voicemails without Voicemail Box Set Up (iOS 17)

Hi all, I've noticed that after updating to iOS17 I seem to be receiving voicemails despite not having a voicemail box set up on my phone. I work a job that has various people calling me all day, and am often not able to pick up in the moment - however, I have never had a voicemail box set up because I prefer to either return the call when I am able or sort out the matter over text message.

In previous iOS versions, I believe a lack of voicemail box would result in the caller receiving an automated message informing them that they were unable to leave a message to my number - now, I have a growing stack of voicemails that I can't access (even if I wanted to, which I don't!) without setting up a passcode and giving in to using a voicemail. This isn't the biggest issue, I can still return calls as usual, but I worry that people are incorrectly assuming they've successfully reached me.

Is there a way to "revert" to denying callers from leaving a voicemail to my phone? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 17

Posted on Nov 22, 2023 10:07 AM

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Answer 1

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ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,642 points

Nov 22, 2023 10:12 AM in response to smontrose

Voicemail is a carrier feature. The ability to setup or close a voicemail box is something you will need to discuss with your carrier. It could be that your carrier setup the voicemail box and you would need to have them delete the feature if you wish.

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Answer 2

Nov 27, 2023 6:32 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

I don’t understand how the carrier can set up a voice mail when one has not been set up by me. I didn’t authorize this and I doubt Verizon would do it. I still don’t have a voice mail set up and still have a notification indicating I have a voicemail. And this has just started happening. It happened about 2 hours ago and I’m searching for a remedy. Unfortunately I just updated to OS 17.1.1 yesterday and now this happens.

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,642 points

Nov 28, 2023 6:23 AM in response to I_am_that_I_Am

As I indicated in my earlier reply, your voicemail is controlled by your carrier. They are the ones that house voicemail on their servers, calls will go to that server if not answered. Generally, when you setup an account with your carrier, it includes voicemail, and usually when you activate an iPhone, it includes visual voicemail unless you request that it not. Contact Verizon and they will help you. If you do not wish to have voicemail they will remove it. They are the ones that setup your default voicemail password and are the ones that can reset your password if you forget it.

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Answer 4

dian138

Level 1

13 points

Feb 21, 2024 6:39 AM in response to I_am_that_I_Am

You didn’t authorize it, this is NOT the carrier doing it- THIS IS APPLE DOING IT! Contact your carrier they will verify they didn’t set it up, you don’t have it setup, and they do not know how to stop it! 2 carriers same issue- ONLY thing that is the same is my iPhone!!!

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