A method and apparatus for improving the mute function of an IP telephone is disclosed, where the method comprises determining, by a transmitting IP telephone, whether the mute function has been activated; and if the mute function has been activated, then providing, a predetermined output. Various aspects of the method are disclosed, including: an aspect where the predetermined output is characterized by the absence of silence as detected by an RX unit when the mute function of a TX unit is activated; an aspect where the predetermined output comprises a signal in which voice information has been removed; and an aspect where the removing of voice information is performed by an audio filter disposed within the TX unit of an IP telephone.