How do I stop my phone from going to answer phone?

To stop your phone from going straight to answer phone (voicemail), you can troubleshoot several common settings and issues on your device.

Here are the steps you can take to prevent calls from going directly to voicemail:

Common Solutions to Prevent Calls from Going to Voicemail

Many issues that cause calls to go directly to voicemail can be resolved by checking your phone's basic settings and network connection.

1. Restart Your Phone

Often, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that cause calls to divert to voicemail. Turn your phone completely off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. This is a quick and easy first step to try.

2. Check for Software Updates

Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve call-related issues.

• Android: Go to Settings > System > System update (or Software update) and check for any available updates.

3. Turn Off Do Not Disturb Mode

If your phone is in "Do Not Disturb" (DND) mode, incoming calls may be silenced or sent directly to voicemail.

• Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel and ensure the "Do Not Disturb" icon is off. You can also find this setting under Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb.

4. Turn Off Call Forwarding

Call forwarding is designed to redirect your calls to another number or to voicemail. If it's enabled, incoming calls won't ring on your current phone.

• Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu (or More options), then go to Settings > Calling accounts or Call settings > Call forwarding. Ensure all forwarding options are disabled.

5. Make Sure Airplane Mode is Off

When Airplane mode is on, your phone's cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth radios are turned off, preventing you from receiving calls or texts.

• Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel and ensure the "Airplane mode" icon is off. You can also find this setting under Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode.

6. Unblock Numbers

If specific numbers are going straight to voicemail, you might have accidentally blocked them.

• Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu (or More options), then go to Settings > Blocked numbers or Call blocking. Review your blocked list and unblock any numbers you wish to receive calls from.

7. Check Your SIM Card

A loose or faulty SIM card can lead to network connectivity issues, causing calls to go to voicemail.

• Carefully remove your SIM card and then reinsert it firmly into its slot.
• If the issue persists, try testing your SIM card in another compatible phone or contacting your carrier for a replacement SIM.

8. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your phone's network settings can resolve underlying connectivity problems without erasing your personal data. This action resets Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.

• Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (or Reset network settings). Confirm the action.

By systematically going through these steps, you can identify and resolve the issue preventing your phone from receiving calls directly.