1571 on landline

[bmatic]

Is there a way to switch 1571 on landline OFF and ON?  I do not want to have it ON all the time.

[RIC9380]

See here: https://www.bt.com/help/landline/how-do-i-cancel-bt-answer-1571-#:~:text=To%20cancel%201571%2C%20scr....

[bmatic]

Unfortunately that is not what I asked - my question is can you switch ON and OFF at will. For example when I am at home I want it OFF as it goes to voicemail after only 5 rings. So if you are upstairs you have to rush down to grab the phone before it goes to voice mail. But when I am out I want it switched ON. I know how to cancel it - that is easy.

[pottyperson · Accepted solution]

You can't do it with 1571, nor can you increase the number of rings before it kicks in. I would advise cancelling 1571 and spend the savings on a handset with proper answerphone.

[gspearson]

I want to keep 1571, which is useful, but turn off the daft phone message telling me I have a voicemail.  These calls come 10 minutes after a message has been left.  BT Chat doesn't know how to do that.

[NeilO]

Hi @gspearson is it the BT Text SMS alert feature you're trying to turn off? If so call 0800 389 5660 and follow the instructions.  The user guide for 1571 is on this link. 

[gspearson]

@NeilO Thanks.  I don't get an SMS on a mobile (which I don't use) - I get a landline phone call.  I don't want either.  I'll try your link.

[NeilO]

@gspearson, if you put your landline number in it may be converting the text message to speech. 

[gspearson]

I've looked at the link. Nothing about the calls by BT to my landline. My phones have a flashing indicator light telling me a message has been left - which is on when BT phone to tell me that.

[gspearson]

@NeilO put my landline in where? I've been using 1571 for years and nothing has changed at my end.