I'm new to Verizon home services, ....my problem is that instead of my answering machine message coming on when I'm not here to answer, an automated verizon message comes on. How do I get that off?
@Kissiefer wrote:
... instead of my answering machine message coming on when I'm not here to answer, an automated verizon message comes on. How do I get that off?
There are many possible answers, because there are many possible arrangements for the combination that includes a telephone device, the telephone answering machine, and the Verizon voicemail system. It may be necessary that you provide more details on your specific setup, but I will make a few assumptions and go from there.
I will assume you have FiOS Digital Voice for telephone service. I will also assume that you opted for Verizon voicemail when the service was initiated, and further that you use some sort of physical answering machine in your home.
First, let me suggest that, if you do indeed have FiOS Digital Voice (FDV), you should consider getting rid of your old answering machine. The FDV voicemail service is excellent, easy to set up, and easy to maintain. It also allows you to set up your options online on the MyVerizon site so that you get email notifications of missed calls, call summaries with much detail, etc. Therefore a first possibility is to either remove the old answering machine, or disable it if it is part of a phone handset. Of course that may not be what you want, so ....
The next possibility is to disable Verizon voicemail (VM). Unfortunately and unless I'm mistaken, this must be done on the Verizon end. That means calling customer service and asking that VM service be suspended. A number of users have taken that route. Then you will be left with only the physical answering machine for your default response.
The last possibility is a little more complicated, but it is the one I use at my home. It is possible to go into the settings for both Verizon VM, and your answering machine, and make one or the other the preferred device. This is done by setting the number of rings before either device "picks up" the call. For example you could set the answering machine to respond after 4 rings, and the Verizon VM to respond after 6 rings. In that case the machine will always pick up the call first.
I use this last arrangement on one of my FiOS DV lines that sends and receives fax messages. The fax picks up after 2 rings and handles all calls. I have set to associated Verizon VM to 6 rings and this works well.
Take a look at these options and report back with details of your system, and with any other questions. I am sure one of your fellow users here will be able to jump in with a few helpful suggestions.
Thank you SO much for your detailed answer to my question. I am going to try it your way. I really appreciate your help.
Kathleen
To the OP, I have to agree with Armond's approach.
I have the same set up, my home answering machine will answer calls on the 4th ring and the VZ voice mail will answer on the 5 or 6th ring.
So why do we do this? Let's say you are on the phone and the call waiting beep goes off. When you look at who is calling and decide to not answer it the caller will get the VZ VoiceMail allowing them to leave a message.
Jim
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