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How to Send Calls Straight to Voicemail on a Samsung Phone?

Let’s cut to the chase: you’re dodging calls. We’ve all been there. On a Samsung phone, sending calls directly to voicemail is remarkably straightforward. Here’s the most common method: navigate to your Phone app, tap the three-dot menu (usually in the top right corner), select Settings, then Block numbers. From there, you can either manually add a number to the block list or select from your recent calls or contacts. Blocked numbers go directly to voicemail without ringing your phone. Other methods exist, depending on your specific Samsung model and Android version, which we’ll explore in detail.

Diving Deeper: Multiple Paths to Voicemail Nirvana

Blocking a number is the most direct route to voicemail dispatch. However, the beauty of Android, and Samsung’s One UI in particular, lies in its flexibility. Let’s explore a few alternative strategies that might better suit your specific needs.

Blocking via Recent Calls

This is perhaps the quickest method if the unwanted caller has just attempted to reach you.

Open your Phone app.
Tap the Recents tab.
Locate the number you wish to block.
Tap on the number’s information icon (often an “i” in a circle).
Scroll down and tap Block.
Confirm your decision by tapping Block again.

Voila! That number is now banished to voicemail oblivion.

Blocking via Contacts

If the number is already saved as a contact, the process is equally simple.

Open the Contacts app.
Find the contact you wish to block.
Tap on the contact.
Tap the Edit button (usually a pencil icon).
Tap the three-dot menu (often labeled “More”).
Select Block contact.
Confirm your decision.

This method is particularly useful for dealing with persistent offenders already polluting your contact list.

Utilizing Call Forwarding (A More Nuanced Approach)

Call forwarding allows you to divert all incoming calls, or calls meeting specific criteria, to another number – which can be your voicemail. This isn’t a permanent block, but rather a temporary redirection.

Open your Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu (usually in the top right corner).
Select Settings.
Tap Supplementary services or Call forwarding (the exact wording varies).
Choose the type of forwarding you want to enable:
- Always forward: All calls go straight to voicemail.
- Forward when busy: Calls go to voicemail if you’re already on another call.
- Forward when unanswered: Calls go to voicemail if you don’t answer.
- Forward when unreachable: Calls go to voicemail if your phone is off or has no signal.
Enter your voicemail number. This is usually pre-configured but can be found by contacting your mobile carrier.
Enable the forwarding option.

Remember to disable call forwarding when you’re ready to receive calls again, as this will impact all incoming calls depending on the selected option.

Using Third-Party Apps (Proceed with Caution)

The Google Play Store offers a plethora of apps that claim to block calls and send them to voicemail. While some of these are legitimate and effective, others are riddled with ads, request excessive permissions, or even contain malware. Exercise extreme caution when installing third-party apps for call blocking. Always check reviews, ratings, and developer reputation before granting any permissions.

Important Considerations

Blocked callers won’t know they’re blocked. Their calls will simply go straight to voicemail, leading them to potentially believe you’re just busy.
Blocking a number doesn’t prevent text messages. You’ll need to block the number separately within your messaging app to prevent texts.
Voicemail storage limits apply. Your carrier likely imposes a limit on the number and duration of voicemails you can store. Regularly clear out old messages to avoid missing important ones.
Carrier-specific features. Some mobile carriers offer advanced call management features, such as “spam protection” or “call screening,” which can automatically send suspicious calls to voicemail. Check with your carrier for details.

FAQs: Your Burning Voicemail Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding sending calls directly to voicemail on your Samsung phone.

1. How do I unblock a number that I previously blocked?

Go to Phone app > Settings > Block numbers. You’ll see a list of blocked numbers. Tap the minus (-) icon next to the number you want to unblock.

2. Will a blocked caller know that I’ve blocked their number?

No. The caller will simply be directed to your voicemail without your phone ringing. They will not receive a notification indicating that they’ve been blocked.

3. Can I block anonymous or unknown callers?

Yes, in Phone app > Settings > Block numbers, there’s usually an option to Block unknown/private numbers. This will send all calls from numbers that don’t display a caller ID directly to voicemail.

4. Does blocking a number also block text messages from that number?

No, blocking a number in the Phone app typically only blocks calls. You need to block the number separately within your messaging app to prevent receiving text messages.

5. How do I access my voicemail messages?

The most common method is to dial your voicemail number. This is usually pre-configured in your Phone app, often accessible by long-pressing the “1” key on the dialpad. Alternatively, some Samsung phones have a dedicated Visual Voicemail app.

6. What is Visual Voicemail and how does it work?

Visual Voicemail allows you to see a list of your voicemail messages, listen to them in any order, and delete them individually, all within a dedicated app. It provides a more convenient and efficient way to manage your voicemail. Contact your carrier to ensure it is activated in your subscription.

7. Can I customize my voicemail greeting?

Yes. Access your voicemail by dialing your voicemail number. Follow the prompts to record a new greeting. The exact steps may vary depending on your carrier.

8. How do I find my voicemail number?

Your voicemail number is usually pre-configured on your phone. You can often find it in Phone app > Settings > Voicemail or by contacting your mobile carrier.

9. I’m not receiving voicemail notifications. What should I do?

First, ensure that voicemail notifications are enabled in your phone’s settings (Settings > Apps > Phone > Notifications). Also, check your carrier’s voicemail settings to make sure notifications are enabled there as well.

10. Is it possible to block a number for a specific period of time?

Samsung phones don’t have a built-in feature for time-based blocking. You’ll need to manually block and unblock numbers as needed. Some third-party apps may offer this functionality, but as mentioned before, use them with caution.

11. Can I block international calls?

Yes, you can block calls from specific countries by adding the corresponding country codes to your block list. However, this can be tedious and may not be foolproof, as some spammers use spoofed numbers.

12. My phone is sending all calls to voicemail automatically. What’s wrong?

Check if you have “Always forward” call forwarding enabled (as described earlier). Also, ensure that you haven’t accidentally blocked all of your contacts or enabled a “Do Not Disturb” mode that sends all calls to voicemail.