How do I delete an old voicemail message or turn off network voicemail on a home phone line?
Answer
Deleting an old network voicemail message usually requires the mailbox's voicemail PIN. If the goal is to stop using network voicemail altogether, most providers let you turn it off from account settings so a connected answering machine can pick up calls instead.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Deleting a voicemail message is usually permanent and cannot be undone, so confirm you no longer need it first.
Follow these steps
Reset the voicemail PIN if it's unknown
Contact the provider through their official account portal, app, or the number on a recent bill, and request a voicemail PIN reset for the line in question.
You should see: You receive a new PIN through an official channel, such as the account portal or a text to the number on file.
Call in and delete the old message
Dial the voicemail access number for the line, enter the PIN when prompted, and follow the automated menu (often a specific key like 7) to delete the message you no longer want.
You should see: The system confirms the message was deleted, and it no longer plays back when you check messages again.
Turn off network voicemail if you want the answering machine to take over
In the provider's account settings (or by contacting support), find the voicemail feature for the line and disable it. Some providers call this 'network voicemail' or simply 'voicemail' under phone features.
You should see: The account confirms voicemail is off, and future calls ring through to the connected answering machine instead of the provider's system.
Test with a call to the line
Have someone call the number and let it ring without answering, checking whether the answering machine picks up after its set number of rings.
You should see: The answering machine picks up and records a message, confirming network voicemail is no longer intercepting the call.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 4 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: A phone company or cable provider's voicemail greeting asking for a PIN, or an account settings page that lists a 'voicemail' feature that can be turned on or off.
Before you change anything: Confirm which phone line and provider account is involved. Check whether you still remember any previous voicemail PIN before requesting a reset. Confirm you are using the provider's official account portal or phone number, not a number from an unexpected text or call. Decide whether you want network voicemail off entirely, or just want the old message deleted.