How can I silence incoming messages so that these can not be heard by others present but will be stored in the phone until I'm ready to listen?

Do you hear other sounds from the phone? If so, check to see what ringtone/notification sound you have selected. Check both in system settings and the settings within the phone and messaging apps. Some notifications are silent. If all these are correct, check an individual's profile that you know has called our messaged and make sure you don't have their notifications silenced. Also, is the phone set to vibrate for incoming calls and messages and, if so, does it?

You will probably have to call your phone provider and request the number be blocked, that's the only surfire way.

near as i can tell you can't silence the answering machine. i wanted to do the same thing.
it's either on or off but u can't downsize the volume to complete silence.

Lighted button you see may not be for ANSWER SYSTEM. Lights on Base units may indicate INCOMING MESSAGE already stored or all sorts of system ready lights.
Please do these three steps:
1. From the handset, Go to menu and set ANSWER system to ON once more
2. In the menu, set the number of incoming rings before ANSWER system turns on, to just 2.
3. In the menu, record a new message using your own voice.

then, Dial your own phone number from a cell phone to test.
Watch/listen as the incoming message is played. repeat any of the above if the system doesn't work.
Post a new question and include the model number and manufacturer of your system.
I work for a manufacturer of these machines and I can help.
S

Welcome to Fixya! There should be a Dial on the Bottom Part of one of the Sides.

I think it is impossible to silence most answering machines. I haven'tseen any that you can listen through the handset. Did the manual or packaging specify this as a feature. If so, you should check the manufacturer's website for details.

Probably not, but the voice mail extension is still a dialable number. Try 500 or 165 or asking whoever installed it what the extension is.

It will prompt you the same as if you had pressed the MESSAGE button, only there will not be any new messages. You just have to play the OLD messages and you'll hear them.


Carl

I don't want to call my voicemail and you can't make me!

ask your service provider to erase your voicemail on the phone then add it back again and clearing all msgs