How to Block Someone so They Can’t Leave Voicemail

When you block a number on your Android phone, your phone won’t ring when the person calls you, but the caller can still leave voicemails. The only way to prevent callers from leaving voicemails is to use an app that labels blocked numbers as spam. Your options depend on your phone carrier.

Block Voicemails Through Your Service Provider

Major cellphone carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon allow you to block numbers through their services.

AT&T

If you’re an AT&T customer, you can use the AT&T Call Protect app for free. The Call Protect service automatically blocks known spam numbers, and you can block specific numbers from leaving voicemails. For an extra fee, you can block telemarketers, political calls, and private callers.

Verizon

Verizon users can temporarily block up to five numbers for free. The block must be reapplied after 90 days. To permanently block calls and voicemails from up to 20 numbers, sign up for the Verizon Smart Family plan. Verizon Smart Family is a paid service that also lets you block numbers and put limits on data, calls, and texts during specific hours of the day. Download the Verizon Smart Family app to get started.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of the Scam Shield app to block scam calls. While the app is free, you must pay for the premium version to block voicemails from specific numbers.

Block Voicemails With Call Control

There are other call blocker apps that can stop blocked numbers from leaving a voicemail on Android. Most such apps only block calls, but Call Control is a premium app that blocks voicemails too. In addition to your own block list, Call Control has a community list of spoof and spam numbers. You can download Call Control from the Google Play Store for free, but you must pay an annual subscription fee to take full advantage of the service.

How to Send Voicemails From Blocked Numbers to Spam With Google Voice

If you have a Google Voice number, you can block numbers and send voicemails to the spam folder. It’s possible to forward Google Voice calls to the number from your carrier, but this method is only helpful if you use Google Voice as your primary number since people can still leave voicemails if they call you directly.