Blocked Numbers Still Leaving Voicemails Heres Why

If you've ever blocked a number only to find a new voicemail from the same contact minutes later, you're not imagining things. This frustrating experience is more common than most people realize. Blocking a number should stop calls and texts, but in many cases, voicemails still come through—sometimes repeatedly. The reason lies in how mobile carriers, operating systems, and voicemail systems interact. Understanding the technical and logistical gaps behind this issue is the first step toward truly silencing unwanted callers.

Why Blocked Numbers Can Still Leave Voicemails

The core issue stems from the difference between call blocking and voicemail handling. When you block a number on your smartphone, the device or carrier prevents the call from ringing your phone. However, the call may still be routed to your carrier’s voicemail server before the block takes full effect. Since voicemail exists on the network level—not just on your device—the blocked caller can leave a message even if your phone never rings.

iOS and Android handle blocks differently, but neither completely disables voicemail access by default. On iPhones, for example, blocked callers are sent to voicemail, where they can record a message that appears in a separate \"Blocked Messages\" section. Android devices vary by manufacturer and carrier, but many follow a similar pattern: the call is silenced, but the voicemail is still accepted and stored.

“Blocking stops the ring, but not the voicemail pipeline. The system treats voicemail as a separate service, which is why messages still get through.” — David Lin, Senior Network Engineer at MetroVoice Communications

How Carrier Voicemail Systems Enable This Loophole

Your mobile carrier maintains a voicemail system that operates independently of your device settings. When a call is placed to your number, the network checks whether the line is busy, unanswered, or blocked. In many cases, the system interprets a blocked call as “unanswered” rather than “rejected,” so it forwards the call to voicemail after a few rings.

This behavior varies by carrier:

Carrier	Voicemail Handling for Blocked Numbers	Can Be Fully Disabled?
Verizon	Allows voicemails from blocked numbers; stored in main inbox	Limited; requires third-party app or advanced settings
AT&T	Blocks calls but stores voicemails in a filtered folder	No direct disable option
T-Mobile	Voicemails delivered unless using Scam Shield with enhanced blocking	Yes, with Scam Shield Premium
iPhone (iOS)	Voicemails go to “Blocked Messages” under Voicemail tab	No option to disable voicemail receipt from blocked numbers
Android (Google Voice)	Filters spam and blocked voicemails into separate folder	Can disable via Google Voice settings

The lack of standardization across carriers means users must take proactive steps to close this gap. Relying solely on built-in blocking tools often isn’t enough.

Tip: If you’re receiving harassing voicemails from blocked numbers, enable visual voicemail filtering and check your carrier’s spam protection tools—they often offer stronger controls than your phone’s native settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Voicemails from Blocked Numbers

To fully prevent unwanted voicemails, follow this comprehensive approach:

1. Confirm the Number Is Properly Blocked
   Go to your phone’s settings and verify the number is listed in your block list. On iPhone: Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. On Android: Phone app > Settings > Blocked numbers.
2. Enable Enhanced Spam Protection
   Use your carrier’s anti-spam service. For example:
   • AT&T: Enable AT&T Call Protect (free or premium tier)
   • Verizon: Use Call Filter app with spam detection
   • T-Mobile: Activate Scam Shield and turn on “Block International Calls” and “Enhanced Scam Protection”
3. Switch to Google Voice (Android Users)
   Google Voice offers superior filtering. Set up Google Voice, forward your number, and use its robust spam detection. Blocked numbers won’t reach your voicemail at all.
4. Disable Voicemail Temporarily (If Safe)
   Contact your carrier to temporarily deactivate voicemail. While extreme, this stops all messages—including legitimate ones—so only use during persistent harassment.
5. Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
   Apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, or Truecaller can intercept calls before they hit your carrier’s voicemail system. These apps use crowd-sourced data to identify and block spam callers more effectively.

Real-World Example: Persistent Telemarketer Harassment

Sarah, a small business owner in Austin, began receiving daily voicemails from a debt collection agency despite having blocked the number weeks earlier. The messages were automated but frequent, sometimes arriving five times a day. She assumed blocking would stop all contact, but the voicemails kept appearing in her iPhone’s “Blocked Messages” folder.

After contacting her carrier (AT&T), she learned that their default settings allowed voicemails from blocked numbers. By enabling AT&T Call Protect’s premium tier ($3.99/month), she activated “Advanced Caller ID & Spam Blocking,” which finally stopped both the calls and voicemails. Additionally, she reported the number to the FTC and added it to the National Do Not Call Registry, reducing future attempts.

Sarah’s case highlights a common misconception: blocking a number doesn’t guarantee complete communication cutoff. Proactive carrier-level tools are often required for full protection.

Do’s and Don’ts When Dealing with Blocked Voicemails

Do	Don't
Regularly check your blocked voicemail folder to ensure no false positives	Assume blocking stops all forms of communication
Use carrier-provided spam protection services	Reply to or engage with suspicious voicemails
Report persistent spam callers to the FCC and FTC	Delete evidence before documenting harassment
Consider switching to Google Voice for better control	Rely solely on your phone’s built-in block feature

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone leave a voicemail if I blocked them on iPhone?

Yes. On iPhones, blocked callers can still leave voicemails, which are automatically moved to a “Blocked Messages” section within the Voicemail tab. You won’t receive a notification, but the message is stored and accessible.

Is there a way to stop blocked numbers from leaving voicemails entirely?

Yes, but it requires additional tools. Using carrier-based spam protection (like T-Mobile Scam Shield or AT&T Call Protect) or third-party apps (such as RoboKiller or Google Voice) can prevent the call from reaching the voicemail system altogether.

Why don’t carriers block voicemails by default when a number is blocked?

Carriers prioritize network reliability and avoid false positives. They treat voicemail as a passive service—if a call isn’t explicitly rejected by the network, it may still be routed to voicemail. Full blocking could risk missing important messages due to incorrect spam flags.

Tip: If you're being harassed, document every voicemail (screenshots, timestamps) and file a report with the FCC (fcc.gov/complaints) and FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov). Legal action may be possible in extreme cases.

Take Control of Your Communication Privacy

Just because you’ve blocked a number doesn’t mean your privacy is fully protected. The gap between call blocking and voicemail delivery is a known limitation in today’s mobile ecosystem. But with the right combination of device settings, carrier tools, and third-party apps, you can close that gap for good.

Start by reviewing your current blocking setup. Then, activate enhanced spam protection through your carrier or switch to a more controlled environment like Google Voice. Stay vigilant, especially if you’re dealing with scams, harassment, or repeated unwanted contact. Technology should serve you—not expose you to stress.

💬 Have a story about blocked numbers leaving voicemails? Share your experience or solution in the comments—your insight could help others regain control of their phones.