Voicemail on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three
Here you will find how voicemail works with call diverts on the four UK networks, how to turn a divert off and what can replace voicemail.
Updated 8 November 2026
How voicemail works
Voicemail is a divert of unanswered calls to a mailbox number at your network. When you don't answer, the network hands the call to the mailbox and the caller can leave a message.
Because it is an ordinary divert, any other divert of unanswered calls replaces it. After you turn all diverts off, voicemail takes over again.
EE voicemail
EE voicemail is a call divert like any other, so a divert code for unanswered calls replaces it. EE's own pages cover diverts through the 150 menu and your phone's settings.
For the voicemail number and for switching it back on, check with EE or in My EE.
O2 voicemail
O2 voicemail is a divert too: a code for unanswered calls replaces it, and ##002# switches off every divert, including the one to voicemail.
For the voicemail number and for switching it back on, check with O2 or in My O2.
Vodafone voicemail
Vodafone voicemail is a divert as well. Vodafone says pay as you go customers can only divert calls to voicemail, so a divert to another number may not work on pay as you go.
For the voicemail number and for switching it on or off, check Vodafone's help or My Vodafone.
Three voicemail
Three voicemail is a divert too, so a divert for unanswered calls replaces it. Three bills every diverted call.
For the voicemail number and for switching it back on, check with Three or in the Three app.
How to turn off a divert to voicemail
The quickest way is the code ##002# from your phone's keypad: it turns off every divert at once, including the one to voicemail. Whatever should keep running, set up again afterwards.
Where your messages are and how to switch voicemail on or off depends on your network and plan. Check with your network, in its app or in its online account.
What can replace voicemail
Keep voicemail
You change nothing. You see missed calls on your phone and listen to messages when you have time. It is enough if few people call you.
Divert to a colleague or reception
You send missed calls with a code to a colleague's or reception's number. The caller gets a live person instead of a mailbox, if someone picks up on the other end.
AI assistant
Lorela answers the call you can't get to, finds out what the caller needs and sends you a summary. You divert missed calls to it with the same code you would use for a colleague.
A sample call and summary
What happens when Lorela answers for you? Listen right here, without signing up or entering a phone number.
A sample call with Lorela
What the plumber learns after the call
His boiler is leaking onto the floor. He needs it fixed fast.
- Urgency: urgent
- Call back: tomorrow morning
The summary arrives in the app and by email. You decide when to call back.
Read the sample transcript
- Lorela: Hi, this is Lorela, Mike Carter's virtual assistant. How can I help you?
- Caller: Hi, this is Dan Brooks. My boiler is leaking, there's water all over the floor. I need it fixed fast.
- Lorela: Got it, I'll pass that on right away. How urgent is it?
- Caller: Pretty urgent, it's still leaking.
- Lorela: I'm passing your message to Mike right away. You'll get a call back as soon as possible. Have a good day.
Common questions
How do I turn off voicemail?
The quickest way is the code ##002# from your phone's keypad - it turns off all diverts together with the divert to voicemail. Whether the mailbox itself can be switched off depends on your network, so check with it.
Why did my voicemail stop working?
Voicemail is a divert, so it disappears when you replace it with another divert or turn all diverts off with ##002#. It comes back when you divert calls to its number again or, on most networks, when you turn your own diverts off.
Will a divert replace my voicemail?
Yes, for calls you don't answer - the code **61 replaces voicemail. Vodafone says pay as you go customers can only divert calls to voicemail, so on pay as you go a divert to another number may not work.
Does voicemail cost anything?
Check your plan. We could not confirm from the networks' own pages how voicemail or diverted calls are billed on every plan. Three bills every diverted call, and Vodafone takes diverted calls from your plan's minutes.
How do I listen to my messages?
The voicemail numbers differ by network and plan. Check with your network, in its app or in its online account.
Related guides
Where do your missed calls go?
Lorela is an AI assistant for missed calls. Divert the calls you can't answer to Lorela and it picks up, finds out what the caller needs and sends you a summary within a minute by email or in the app. 7 days free, then £15 a month or £149 a year.