This topic

Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

octopoid — Sat, 13 May 2023 11:00:44 GMT

I read conflicting reports that you can switch it off, and that it's not possible (switch it off in MyBT but it's still active on the system). Anybody know the facts? And if you can switch it off, can you switch it back on again for free?

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Les-Gibson — Sat, 13 May 2023 13:00:50 GMT

1571 is a free service for all DV customers so I can't see any reason why would be charged for it.

I've never tried switching it off but if you want to because you prefer to use your own answering machine then you can set the number of rings before it kicks in to (if I remember correctly) a maximum of 10.

See All about Voicemail for Digital Voice | BT Help

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

-Richie- — Sat, 13 May 2023 13:23:34 GMT

Digital Voice supports multiple free calling features that are chargeable on the PSTN network, the list of them can be found Here

1571 is free (Advanced voicemail is also available for a monthly charge.) and can be switched off if not required and enabled if you change your mind.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Cath77 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:39:14 GMT

How do I switch it off? It seems impossible 😔

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Keith_Beddoe — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:45:23 GMT

@Cath77

See this post https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-phone-including-Digital/DV-Handsets-v-Home-DECT-Phones/m-p/2286042#M88731

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Cath77 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:48:25 GMT

Unfortunately this doesn't work. On the manage calling features screen there is no option to switch it off...

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Dave1000 — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:54:44 GMT

Its frustrating there is no option to switch off Voicemail 1571. My elderly mother really liked using her own answering machine but BT Voicemail pushes in first (even when set to 10 rings).

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Keith_Beddoe — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:57:45 GMT

The link to do that has already been posted.

https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-phone-including-Digital/DV-Handsets-v-Home-DECT-Phones/m-p/2286042#M88731

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

WSH — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:14:01 GMT

@Dave1000 That seems strange. I have a Panasonic cordless answerphone. With the 1571 set to 10 rings and my phone set to 5 my answerphone works fine.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Cath77 — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:27:09 GMT

As mentioned above, this doesn't work, at least not for us. We've followed the instructions and the option to switch off is not there.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

WSH — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:36:56 GMT

@Cath77 No you can't turn it off, which I'll admit seems strange, but you should be able to set the number of rings before answering on your own phone to less than the 1571 setting, so your phone picks up first.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

licquorice — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 17:35:45 GMT

Yes, you can turn it off. You have to select 'Cancel calling Features' and complete the form.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

WSH — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:26:25 GMT

Thanks for that then @licquorice . I stand corrected.

Thought does occur, however, that leaving it on and setting it to more rings that your home phone may be useful if a power cut knocks out the DV.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

licquorice — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:28:40 GMT

Good point.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

DavidBell — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:51:25 GMT

This no longer works. You get a page which oddly is addressed to BT staff rather than customers saying that the case should be referred to Sales Support who will ring the customer. So, I tried ringing Sales Support. At the first shot, the waiting time was 30 minutes, so and rang off and tried later. The second time I got through in under 10 minutes and was told that it could not be turned off, but that the ringing time could be extended beyond 10 rings, which would have solved my problem. I was transferred to someone in Dublin to do this (I had to wait about 15 minutes!). He told me that the ringing time could not be extended but the voicemail could be turned off, which he did after gewtting his supervisor's permission. I find that he has turned off Call Protect as well, but maybe that can be turned back on. I am gathering my strength before trying that! I can't imagine why, if it is as easy as that to do, BT make it so difficult to find out how to do it.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

beestyboy — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:20:10 GMT

This method worked just fine for me too using a Gigaset C575 phone. Set answer time to long on 1571, and 18 seconds on the answerphone which now gets in first.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

andydenyer — Fri, 16 May 2025 11:34:16 GMT

Yes, it's worked for me too, setting 1571 to 10 rings and my answerphone to 8 rings. I did try 9 rings at first but, when I tested it, both cut in at the same time (I have noticed that, when ringing my landline from my mobile, I can hear an extra ring or two before the landline actually starts ringing, so perhaps that explains it). Anyway, it's behaving how I want it to now, so that's good.

Re: Can Voicemail 1571 be switched off with Digital Voice?

Leanne_T — Fri, 16 May 2025 12:05:58 GMT

Thanks for letting everyone know this worked for you @andydenyer

Have a lovely weekend 🙂

Leanne.