AT&T answering machine prompts me to enter a 10 digit mailbox #

[MaryannJ]

Using Bell fibe for our "landline" as we do not have the traditional copper phone line (new build) and we don't have cell reception - so we NEED a landline. 

I want to use an external answering machine, NOT the Bell service. Mostly because I want to see a flashing light when there's a message instead of going to pick up the phone every time I walk in the house to see if there's a message or not. 

It has started only ringing twice recently too, and then going to the Bell voicemail. 

Today I canceled the Bell answering service. Figured it would automatically switch over to my external machine (which I have set to 6 rings, it's switched ON and yes it's plugged into the Hub).

Nothing has changed!! Except now after the 2nd ring, there's a prompt (in French 🙄) to enter a 10 digit mailbox # ?? And without that, people can't leave a message? 

Very frustrated. 

Thought I'd try here before calling Bell again.

It's a new AT&T answering machine Model BL102-2S, in case that matters. There is a page in the instruction manual that talks about being able to use this machine AND a service provider voicemail service...but I can't get messages to go to the machine!

Any ideas?? 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

Are you still experiencing the same issue today? You can have both an answering machine & Bell Call Answer Voicemail. If you have called to deactivate your Bell Call answer, then you will need to follow the instructions for this type of setup.

You mentioned that you called and cancelled this feature yesterday. You can confirm that this feature has been deactivated by logging in to MyBell. Select > Home phone. Select > View package & features.

If it is still activated, it will be listed on the left side of the page.

If you are still experiencing the same problem today, you will need to contact Bell Home phone & ask them to verify that this change has been completed last night. If it has not been deactivated, please request that they do so while you are online & request that the representative confirm this by way of a test call.

Bell Tech Support Home phone: 1 866 310-BELL (2355) or dial #611 from any Bell mobile device.

I have reviewed the contents in the manual for your answering machine. The setup is fairly straight forward.

1. You should check & confirm your language settings on Page 18 & 99.
2. To set the Number of rings, go to Page 74 & choose between 2- 6 rings before pickup. It is best that select a minimum of 3-4 rings in order to activate other features that are a part of your answering machine.
3. Answering machine settings, Page 72- 76

BL102-X_CIB_i3.0_20200421.pdf (vtp-media.com)

Take care.

[MaryannJ]

The Bell answer has definitely been deactivated, and my external answering machine has been set up correctly from the beginning. But now since I've canceled the Bell, it stops ringing after 2 rings and goes to the weird mailbox # message. Then my handset says "missed call". Nobody can leave a message. Calling Bell again now to see what they can sort out? 

Number of rings on external machine is set at 6 rings, but Bell picks it up after only 2 and gives weird message - even tho the service is canceled. 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

Are you experiencing the same issue with answering machine unplugged & turned off? If so, please contact Bell Tech Support Home phone: 1 866 310-BELL (2355) or dial #611 from any Bell mobile device. They need to reset your Home phone service. Have them make a test call to your phone service with the answering machine completely out of the picture. This will reconfirm that the line is in proper working order thus allowing you to proceed with a final check of your answering machine settings.

I have reviewed the contents in the manual for your answering machine. The setup is fairly straight forward.

1. You should check & confirm your language settings on Page 18 & 99.
2. To set the Number of rings, go to Page 74 & choose between 2- 6 rings before pickup. It is best that select a minimum of 3-4 rings in order to activate other features that are a part of your answering machine.
3. Answering machine settings, Page 72- 76

BL102-X_CIB_i3.0_20200421.pdf (vtp-media.com)

Take care.

[MaryannJ · Accepted solution]

It's fixed!! Phew!

I called Bell just now and the gentleman reconfigured my system? 

And yep, all good now!

I was actually pleasantly surprised with these last 2 calls into Bell - I waited maybe 2 or 3 minutes on hold? 

Problem solved now, thank you for your assistance as well 😊 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

@MaryannJ  That is Great News!

Thank you for letting me know. It is nice to hear that you are up & working. More than glad to have been of assistance.

Take care.

[Edith]

I would try to change the number of rings on the bell system to more than you have on your external.machine.  this might allow the external answering machine to pick up first.

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

Thank you reaching out to the Bell Community Forum & posting your question.

Bell has recently made a slight modification to the recorded instructions provided when accessing this feature to change the number of rings. I have updated the instructions below to reflect this minor change.

Call Answer - To change the number of rings please follow the steps below.

1. Dial *94 and listen to the recorded announcement.
2. Enter the number of rings you want there to be before switching to Call Answer (0 to 9).
3. Wait for a 3-5 pause.
4. Listen for the voice recorded confirmation & then a fast busy signal.
5. Hang up.

How to use Online Voice Mail for my Bell Home phone

I have attached the following web link to assist you with any other questions you might have:

How to use Online Voice Mail for my Bell Home phone : What is Online Voice Mail?

Take care.