topic Re: Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives? in Fold & Flip Phones

Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives?

Meyn — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:17:53 GMT

I’m trying to send a specific contact directly to voicemail without my phone ringing, but the standard "Route to voicemail" or "All calls to voicemail" option is completely missing from my contact settings.

I've checked the three-dot menu in both the Contacts app and the Phone app, but it’s just not there. I am running Fold 7 on Android version 16.

Since I can't find the native toggle, does anyone know a reliable workaround? I’m looking for something that:

Doesn't involve blocking the person (I still want to receive their voicemails).
Doesn't require a full Do Not Disturb mode that silences everyone.

Are there specific third-party apps or carrier settings that allow for "silent" routing for individual callers? Any help would be appreciated!

Re: Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives?

Pianodude58 — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:01:32 GMT

On my phone, blocking a contact typically sends their calls directly to voicemail without my phone ringing. The caller usually hears one ring—or no rings—before being diverted to my voicemail. Although blocked, they can often still leave a message.

Re: Re: Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives?

Meyn — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:19:45 GMT

I will give this try with my other phone. Thanks for your suggeation/recommendation.

Re: Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives?

AAbbott — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:21:58 GMT

Like pianodude58 said, blocking the contact will send calls from blocked numbers directly to voicemail. It just will not allow the call to ring your device. Your contact will not know they are blocked, unless they figure it out because their calls all go to voicemail. Their texts may go to Google messages' spam folder, though, if you use Google messages. If you are using Samsung messages, there is no spam folder, so you will still see the texts without hearing the notification sound.

Re: Re: Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives?

Meyn — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:29:58 GMT

I am using Google messages. Just the call I want to gp straight to my VM, but text I want to receive still. Appreciate your response, thanks.

Re: Re: Missing "Route to Voicemail" Option on Android – Any Alternatives?

AAbbott — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:53:03 GMT

You can't separate the two - but if you have not activated the spam folder, you should see the texts. Blocking may automatically activate the folder, though. You can still see spam messages by clicking your avatar and selecting "spam and blocked" to see the contents of the folder. You can mark the messages as "not spam", but I am not clear whether that undoes the block setting for calls. You can also initiate do not disturb and allow all contacts, except that one and keep do not disturb always on. Many users do this. All calls and texts from anyone not in your contacts will go to voicemail and the messaging app, respectively without sounds.