Child Item

Site Totals

61487 Questions Answered 271 Categories

Calls going straight to voicemail -- Help!

This has happened occasionally in the past, and I'd written it off as just a glitch. But over the past few days I've missed several important calls because they went straight to my voicemail without the phone ever ringing, and in some cases I haven't even heard the voicemail alert-tone because it's so short and easy to miss in a noisy environment. The problem seems intermittent and mostly non-specific as to callers -- except that today my sister tried to call me three times from her landline (which I believe is AT&T) and went straight to voicemail each time, but when she called from her Verizon cellphone instead it rang normally and showed her caller ID as usual. So is there something going on that relates to specific sources of calls, or is this a general system issue? And is there a solution? Obviously, I can't continue to miss critical calls this way...

Many thanks in advance to anyone who may respond, especially any Verizon Techs -- please just don't just tell me I'm the only one having this problem and that it must be caused by some improper settings on my own phone (which is a very basic LG Revere model). I haven't changed any settings on it (it doesn't have many anyway), and I've recently updated my roaming software so that shouldn't be an issue either although I'll try again if anyone thinks it might help. The real point is that it's clear a LOT of people have been having this same problem, since I've found at least one long thread on the subject in the forums here and tons of other online postings as well. I'm certainly willing to try any fixes from my end that might be suggested, but the problem seems so widespread that Verizon itself really needs to address the issue from ITS end as soon as possible.

The Verizon forum I found on the topic is at: https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/780588 -- I've just chosen to start a new discussion here rather than adding to those posts, to avoid having my question buried at the bottom and also because many of the other complainers seem to have smart phones whereas mine is one of the most basic versions around.

Thanks again, for any help anyone can offer...

Comments

Jeremy1129

try dialing *73 and Send. then listen for the beep and it should end the call and try again

tyladybug

I've been dealing with the same problem for almost 2 months. I called Verizon last week; was optimistic because I was given a trouble number and contact information from a tech. Haven't heard anything back and am still having the problem.

Verizon_Support

Hi globist,

Your efforts are greatly appreciated, let's look into this because I know your calls are important! What is your current zip code? Does the issue only occur when are at home? I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks for your contribution to our community forums,

AyaniB_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

phatrydr

You're not alone with this issue !!! I've been dealing with this for 3 weeks now. I've tried EVERYTHING and nothing worked. Out of frustration I even went out and purchased a new Iphone 5. That was a waste of money !! On June 13th a ticket was finally generated. Yesterday a technician called me, of course it went straight to voicemail, and his message stated that they possibly found out what the problem was. I called back verizon and spoke to an "advanced" technician. He informed me that it's possibly an area coverage issue. Are you kidding me ???? First of all about 50 of my coworkers are on the verizon network and this is only happening to my calls going straight to voicemail. Secondly, when the first technician called and it went straight to voicemail my cell phone showed full signal strength LTE and standing 100 feet from a cell tower !!!! My other isuue with my service is my cell phone number shows up blocked when I make calls. The technician did see that I have no block on my number yet he had no answer to the problem. I use my phone both for work and in case my children need to contact me for an emergency. I'm to the point where it's in my best interest to just switch carriers !!!

globist

Okay -- some positive news to report on my own problem, not sure if it will help anyone else having the same issues.

After REPEATEDLY updating my roaming software (dialing *228 and then selecting option #2 from the voice prompts) -- and I mean doing it three or four times in a row --the one number that I'm actually able to test (by asking the person to call me) is now ringing my phone correctly rather than going direct to voicemail. Unfortunately I can't test any of the other numbers that have gone straight to voicemail, because they've been automatically-generated recorded messages (like important medical alerts!) and there's no way for me to personally activate more calls from those sources. But so far, at least, I haven't had any more calls skip to voicemail so I'm hoping the basic problem has actually been resolved.

As I said, I don't know if this will help others -- but it might at least be worth trying, if you're not getting anywhere with other ideas. So, GOOD LUCK!...

And to answer your specific questions, "Ayani_B" -- in case the info will help with troubleshooting: My zip code is 91601 (area code 818), and this problem had occurred while I was in more than one location (both at home, and in zip code 91604). In the specific example I gave involving my sister, she's in zip code 90232 (area code 310) -- and she called me both ways, via landline and cellphone, from her home there. The calls from her cell worked fine, while the ones from the landline (maybe being sent through another tower?) were going straight to voicemail until I did the repeated roaming-updates. The automated calls that were going to voicemail were from area code 818, and probably from zip code 91402 (I can't be sure of that, but that's the location of the medical facility originating the calls)

Thanks again for all the input, and I hope everybody else has luck resolving their own variations of this problem...

phatrydr

I'm glad updating your roaming software worked for you. Unfortunately for me I have the IPhone 5 4G device which does not utilize the *228 option..

tikibar1

Updating the roaming software on 4G phones is accomplished through the SIM card and should be done automatically. Try turning the phone off, waiting a few minutes, then turning back on and it may update the PRL if an update is needed. Another option is to turn off the phone, remove the SIM card, wait a few minutes, then reinsert the SIM card, turn the phone back on, and let the phone establish a fresh network connection.

B33

+1 My only suggestion to add to this if you pull the Sim Card Handle it with the up-most Care as these Cards are sensitive in the gold area of the card to Static Electricity & Oils in our fingers..

phatrydr

I have positive news also!!! Yesterday I spoke to a level 2 tech (Carlos) and explained my issues. What he had me do 1st was go to Settings - General - Reset - Reset Network Settings. Next I powered off my phone, removed the SIM card, wait a few minutes, then reinsert the SIM card, power the phone back on (Exactly what tikibar1 said). During this time the tech was going to refresh and restore everything on Verizon's end. I'm happy to say that I have not missed one call and my number is no longer blocked.

After spending hours on the phone with tech support people I finally found one that had the solution to my issues. I'm sure there are lots of others out there with this problem. Read this and give it a try with tech suppoprt. It may be the solution to your phone issues. Thank you to those who gave me advice !!!

tikibar1

Wahoo! Glad things are working for you.

Leopold3

This has been happening to me for several weeks now. I spend an hour on the phone with tech support getting no resolution. They generate a network repair ticket. I receive an email that my issue was resolved. I receive calls for one or two days, then any incoming calls go directly to voicemail, and we do all over again. it is not location specific as I have been traveling throughout NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA. I also do not receive notification of missed calls, nor can I call my voicemail via *86. I am now awaiting response to a ticket filed 3 days ago. What now?

SuzyQ

Leopold3 wrote:
... it is not location specific as I have been traveling throughout NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA. I also do not receive notification of missed calls, nor can I call my voicemail via *86.

If you are traveling and out of your "home area", then *86 DOES NOT WORK. You need to dial your own 10 digit number and then press the "#" key when you hear your recorded greeting start to play to access your Voicemail.

All the traveling may have you in and out of extended network areas - if your phone is a basic phone or 3G device, dial *228 to reconnect with the network and update the PRL list each time you travel. If your phone is a 4G device, remove and reinsert the SIM card ( with the phone powered off) to reconnect the network.

Verizon_Support

Leoplod3,

Let's look further into this! I hae sent you a follow request. Please accept my request and follow me and send me a direct message with your name and number. Thank you.

TominqueBo_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

ps1618cktl

I've had the problem of my calls going to voice mail as well. More when it's another Verizon cell phone calling or me calling them. And no missed call or even if I leave a message they don't get that they have a message at all. Now texting still works! Like you text the person and say I just tried to call you and they say that there phone didn't ring. Just not in one spot. This happens all the time. And if your trying to call each other at the same time give it up! And this has been happening for a long time. Have called and asked about it, and the response was it will happen. This problem for me is just with cell to cell. Haven't tried land line to cell. But I don't have that option. But hey! I pay a lot of good money each month for service! And it would be nice if when I call someone on there verizon cell phone and it didn't go to the voice mail. And it's not all verizon cell phones that it happens to that I call.

Verizon_Support

Lets get your calls to work, ps1618cktl! I completely understand the need of reliable service. I just sent you a follow request. Please accept and follow me back. Then send me a direct message with your mobile number so that I can assist.

Thank you,

LenaA_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Tman123

I have had random calls going straight to my voicemail with no missed call notification for about 5 months now. I have been back and forth with Verizon tech support almost ten times now and nothing has changed. Everytime someone says they will call me back with an update they never have, not even once. The people have been very friendly but frankly they have been more unreliable than anything. I have tracked the dates and times of the calls for them and was never told the results except that they do not see a problem on their end. I am getting frustrated with this issue as I have missed several important calls (a couple of them emergencies) and I have zero answers except maybe I should try a new phone. I looked into other forum posts where others have the same issue and this did not solve the problem, so I am extremely hesitant to do that myself. I am losing confidence on this quickly, and I am not sure if it will ever get resolved. I have to have a phone that receives calls when I have good signal, it's really the main point of a phone. If it can't be resolved, I don't see the point of keeping Verizon as my carrier.

AlbertB

I'm having the same issue with my replacement phone, which was replaced last week for this very issue. This didn't happen before the IOS s/w update. I have the iPhone 4s. Calls intermittently go straight to v/m without ringing.

Verizon_Support

Hi Tman123,

I'm sad to hear that you are still having these problems! I cannot let you leave over this. I want to look into your account and get this resolved. I am following you, please follow me in return and DM me your name, number and billing password. I am sure we can get this resolved.

Thanks, BobbyS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

LGBengal

Got someone at AT&T who figured it out. Go to settings, then Do Not Disturb and turn it off. It could have got turned on with 7.0 upgrade.

SenseiRuss

Here's how I solved it:

1. Go to Settings then to

2. Phone>Verizon Sevices>Call Forwarding Disable (press on this and let it "call" — it will dial *73.

This worked for me — hope it does for you!

-Russ

TomZach

I have been a Verizon customer for about eight years and I have always had this intermittent problem with calls going straight to voicemail now and then. I called Verizon a few times but since the problem was intermittent they could never resolve it. I have noticed that the problem only occurs during busy network times like the middle of the day. So what I suspect is that Verizon has a dirty little secret - when their network gets busy it sends calls to voicemail. Conspiracy theory - maybe? But I wonder what other people have noticed, do calls go straight to voicemail only during network busy times or other times as well?

Verizon_Support

Hi TomZach - Let's make sure the people that matter most can always reach you! Does your phone show strong signal yet still miss the call? Does this happen indoors and out? May I have your zip code to reference the area? I will be looking forward to your reply so we can finally get this resolved!

Thank you,

YaleK_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWsupport

Tman123

I had this issue for quite some time. Verizon suggested that I should

replace my device to correct the issue. I was very hesitant to do this but

eventually we ran out of other options. I am happy to report that I haven't

experienced this issue since I received my replacement device. So in my

case my cell radio must have been defective in my original phone. The only

suggestion I have for others that may need to swap out phones is to not

install all of your apps right away. You never know if one may be causing

your issue. I have been installing one at a time per week just to make sure

it doesn't cause my issue. I hope this can help some of you.

On Jan 11, 2014 7:35 AM, "Verizon Wireless Customer Support" <

steve_pats

I'm having the same problem with some calls going directly into voicemail but it only began occurring over the past few months. I've had my Iphone 5s running 4G over a year and the network had been working just fine. I can't narrow it down to an off-network to Verizon problem because some calls are coming from Verizon callers. There are certain calls that you don't want to miss (like your boss!) which I've sadly been experiencing recently. Unless you're constantly checking icons, there's no way to no you've missed some calls.

Pattiathome

I've been having this problem for a few weeks now and it's driving me batty! I'm missing important calls AND texts.

- I have an iPhone 5.

- Calls are intermittently going straight to voicemail.

- Text alerts are intermittently not going off.

At first, I thought I wasn't hearing the calls or alerts. I tested and confirmed it's a problem by having someone send texts and calling my cell from my landline. *228 is "not allowed" on my phone. Verizon, I need to get a fix for this from tech support. Please reach out to me.

Verizon_Support

Pattiathome,

We definitely don't want you missing important calls or text. We know how important it is to have working service at all times. Is your iPhone 5 software up to date? Have you tried resetting network settings? If not please go to Settings, General, Reset, Reset Network Settings. This process will not delete any of your information. Once this is done please test and if problem persist please follow me and send me a direct message. I will be more than happy to further address your concerns.

Thanks,

KarenC_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Pattiathome

Hi KarenC_VZW -

Thanks for the quick reach-out! Unbeknownst to me at the time I posted, I later learned that two other phones on my plan were also experiencing this. Each of us has now reset our network settings. Also, I was prompted last night to update to iOS 7.0.6, which I did. Hopefully, one or both of these steps will resolve the issue for us. We'll reach out again if it's still happening after a few days.

Thanks -

pattiathome

Verizon_Support

Thanks for the update, Pattiathome!

Please let us know how the update works out for you. We are here if you have any further questions or concerns. Thanks again!

AnthonyTa_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Pattiathome

I've discovered this is still an intermittent problem for me. Here's some more detail...

When I call my phone from another Verizon phone on my plan, the call goes straight to voicemail. When I call my phone from my home landline, it rings through. I can't say that's the M.O. but that's what I've noticed. I've also missed calls from other phone numbers, I just can't say whether they're calling from a landline or a cell phone (and, if so, what carrier).

I really need a fix for this.

Verizon_Support

Thanks so much for all the details Pattiathome! I send you a Direct Message.

Thanks again,

VanessaS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

GranddadJim

Went to verizon store before receiving this email. The employee there did what you said and so far I haven't missed another call--he dialed *228 option 2 to reprogram your phone

Verizon_Support

GranddadJim, So glad to hear you haven't missed another call. We are here if you need us or http://bit.ly/yN1P80 . Thank you for being a valued customer.

BrianP_VZW

Follow Us on Twitter @VZWSupport

IAmWhatIAm

Phone calls going straight to voice mail. We have had that happen many times in the local area. Same thing on all three cell phones. Maybe they took too much bandwidth away from the basic phones and/or trying to force people to get a smartphone. If the latter then that would be something for the state or feds to look into.

As soon as the Samsung Galaxy S5 comes out we are switching to AT&T. They have great service where we live. We use our cell phones here 95% of the time. We have not had a contract with Verizon in over 4 years so we can switch anytime without any fees.

We recently went to the Verizon store and the rep there gave my wife a hard time. We were going to get new smartphones at the time. Just a month ago. I came close to knocking the you know what out of this guy. I told my wife and daughter to leave the store and when I finished with the guy he was shaking.

My wife has congestive heart failure. This guy was trying to push more phones on us from the time he introduced himself even though we had told the guy what we wanted. I had told the guy which phone my daughter wanted and which phone my wife wanted. I thought the guy was writing this down and all was okay so I started to walk off and look around. Then I heard the guy start in again about more cell phones so my wife and daughter once again told him they just wanted what they told him they wanted. Then he told my wife she had an attitude. THIS GUY HAD AN ATTITUDE. Of course when I got in his face his attitude became that of a coward. Guess he thought I was not in ear shot and he would try stuff he thought he could get away with when he was just talking to my wife and daughter.

He upset my wife a lot and I am still considering a lawsuit.

He said his name was Lance. He had his ID card turned around so you could not read it. However, I did cancel my phone before he started all of this and I did notice a different name on the cancellation notice from Verizon which they post on the account holders web page. Maybe he cancelled it under someone else's name or did he lie to me about his name?

I cancelled my phone and I was going to go with another carrier because of our dropped calls going straight to voice mail. Now we are all going to another carrier.

Anyway, we don't need this crap. We will go with AT&T. My wife and daughter want nothing else to do with Verizon, ever. If they were the only cell company then I would get satellite phones if needed. That is how we now feel about Verizon.

I was loud enough everyone in the store everyone heard me. No manager or anyone else came over to find out what was going on. Maybe they were also scared.

Verizon better start paying more attention to customer service. If you don't like them then boycott them. I may end up getting people to picket the store here that we went to. Maybe my wife's CHF group will help or get others to help.

It does not matter if the guy knew she had CHF or not. This should not have happened. Everyone should be treated with respect and decency.

Jeremy_Goodrich

Has this issue been resolved for you YTD?

Verizon_Support

@IAmWhatIAm,

On behalf of Verizon Wireless, please allow me to apologize for the service you received in your visit at the store location. Verizon Wireless has a strong customer commitment to delivering the best from our service and staff. I am disappointed to hear the service you received did not reflect this commitment.

This is definitely not how we do business and I am sorry to hear you've left us. I can definitely submit feedback. What is the location of the store? Please be assured appropriate action will be taken and we will continue providing ongoing training to all of our employees.

JohnB_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

smackberrry

I just bought a new Android Mini last night. Did all the updates, charged it back up and thought I was good to go. I'm having the same problem described here (calls going straight to VM without ringing). Verified it myself with Skype. Was looking at my phone at the time, had three bars the whole time (though the bars are going from 1-3 even though I'm supposed to be in a main coverage area - 80033 zip code). I tried the *228, *73 and making an outgoing call, as advised when reading through this forum. Still no incoming calls. It looks like those are the only answers offered by Verizon on this and numerous forums when you google the topic. Lots of concern, no real solutions. I tried going into live chat and all agents are busy. I'm in the middle of my work day and can't receive calls and don't receive missed call notifications. I doubt this will be resolved by tonight, and I've already spent way more time on forums than I should have to with a Brand New Phone, so it's back to Best Buy tonight to switch out for a different phone / different provider. I had Verizon for years without a problem, so it's disappointing to encounter this - I was wiling to pay more money than I was for "good coverage".

Verizon_Support

Oh my, smackberry. I hope I am not too late here.

Are all call going straight to voicemail for you? Thanks so much for already proceeding with the troubleshooting steps that we have already suggested. Please reply to my direct message so I can get additional details from you.

TamaraH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

IAmWhatIAm

The store is:

4125 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX 77706

Verizon_Support

IAmWhatIAm,

We thank you for that feedback. I provided the proper feedback for the leadership of that store. Again, we apologize that you did not receive the service that we are known for. We hope that you would reconsider and decide to stay with Verizon Wireless.

RobinD_VZW

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

campamy

I have a 7 mo old Droid Mini and am having the same problem with calls going straight to voicemail. I receive text messages fine but miss random calls. It started about a month ago just occasionally but now I'd say 75% of calls are not coming through. Indoors or out driving do not seem to make a difference. My callers say it rings once and goes straight to voicemail. The callers are using land lines as well as cellular lines. I will receive notification via tone and symbol that I have a voicemail and can access the voicemail, but I do not show I have a missed call to anticipate who just left the message. From reading this forum I've checked to make sure calls are not blocked, have done *228, *73, turned the phone off, removed SIM card, turned the phone on, and still having the same problem. The only thing I have not done is a Factory Reset. I read in a previous post in this thread to look for a setting called "General" to "Reset a Network Settings" and that this would not erase all my data, but I don't appear to have this exact setting on the Mini. I do have a Full Factory Reset, which I'd like to avoid if possible. What's going on with the Verizon network? This doesn't appear to be phone related as it's seems to affect all varieties of phones. Thanks for any help!

Verizon_Support

Hello campamy! I can understand wanting to avoid a Hard Reset on your device. Let's check the network in your area to see if there's anything going on. May I ask what zip code you're in? How long have you had this problem?

Thank you,

MichelleH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

campamy

Thanks Michelle. I live in zip code 27502 and it started at least a month ago.

Verizon_Support

campamy,

Thank you for the additional detail. I show we have coverage in that zipcode. Let's check a quick setting. Go to Settings> More> Mobile Networks. Select the network mode. Ensure the network mode is set to LTE/CDMA. Power the device off and back on and retest. Let us know if a change needed to be made and if you see an improvement in service.

BrianP_VZW

Follow Us on Twitter @VZWSupport

SeriouslyLainey

Check the device for Do Not Disturb settings:

Settings
Do Not Disturb
If either Manual or Scheduled are turned ON - then all selections following these settings will be honored.

The 'quick' way to tell whether or not the phone is in Do Not Disturb mode will be the presence of an icon resembling a 'crescent moon' in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

Cliophile

I am having the same issues as so many people in this community forum. My iPhone 4 does not ring, nor does it show missed calls -- phone calls go straight to voicemail, if someone bothers to leave a voicemail. I've had emergencies in which family members are unable to reach me and understandably assume I'm just not picking up the phone. This has been a problem for about 10 months.

So Verizon customer service suggested I purchase, at no small cost, an iPhone 5 to solve the problem. The problem continues, even on this brand new phone. With both the new iPhone 5 and the old iPhone 4 I spent several hours dealing with customer service, getting exactly the same advice everyone here has received (*228, *73, turned the phone off, make sure there is no do not disturb activated, turned the phone off & on, factory reset, dump all apps except those that already come on the phone, etc etc).

The most surprising thing is that every single customer service representative acts *shocked* when I mention this problem -- but then I go to this forum and it turns out to be quite a widespread problem. I do think it is acting in incredibly bad faith to pretend that this is an isolated problem, or that someone has broken their phone (as one representative suggested above) when clearly this is a Verizon service problem that has begun occurring for many many people in the last year or so. I never had any problems before this, and will certainly switch to another carrier asap, and tell everyone I know to do the same.

Child Item