Why has an answering machine stopped taking messages?
Answer
Check first whether the machine is actually switched on to answer — the answer-on setting is easy to knock off. Then check whether the memory is full, since a full machine stops recording. If neither applies, the phone line itself may have moved to a service that intercepts calls before the machine ever hears them.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Clearing memory usually deletes all messages at once, including saved ones.
Follow these steps
Check the answer setting
Confirm the answer-on button or switch is enabled. Many machines show a light or icon when it is armed.
You should see: The machine is set to answer calls.
Clear the memory
Check the message counter. If it shows full, save anything you need and delete old messages.
You should see: There is free space to record.
Test with a call
Ring the line from a mobile and let it ring past the answer delay.
You should see: The machine picks up and records.
Rule out network voicemail
If a different greeting plays, your provider's voicemail is answering first. Ask them to disable it, or set the machine to answer after fewer rings than the network service.
You should see: Your own greeting plays instead.
Check the connections
Confirm the line cord runs from the wall socket to the machine's line input, and the phone into the machine rather than direct to the wall.
You should see: The machine sits between the wall and the phone.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 4 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the message counter shows a number or a full indicator, and whether callers hear a network voicemail greeting rather than your own.
Before you change anything: Save any messages you want to keep before deleting, since clearing memory is usually all-or-nothing.
Need a little more help?
Tell us what’s happening. Your saved expert chat will open beside this article.
Free to use. Don’t include passwords or personal details.