How to set up voicemail on iPhone

You've just unboxed your new Apple iPhone®, and you're looking forward to using it. Step one is setting up voicemail. You don't want to miss any messages, especially from family, friends, or work colleagues. But you're not 100% sure how to set up voicemail on iPhone.

Asurion Experts take the complexity out of tech. Whether you want to know how iPhone messages work or how to set up RCS messaging on your smartphone, we help you get the most out of your devices. Here's how to set up your voicemail box on iPhone in a few simple steps.

What you need before setting up voicemail

Before you get started, make sure:

• Your iPhone has a working cellular connection.
• Your carrier supports voicemail and Visual Voicemail.
• You’ve updated your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

Steps to set up iPhone voicemail

With everything in place, you’re just a few taps away from setting up voicemail for the first time. Here’s how to get started:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the Voicemail tab in the bottom-right corner.
3. Tap Set Up Now.
4. Create a voicemail password, then tap Done.
5. Re-enter your password to confirm, then tap Done again.
6. Choose Default or Custom for your greeting. If you pick Custom, you can record your own message.
7. Tap Save.

Customize your voicemail greeting

If you didn’t record a greeting during setup, or want to change it later:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Voicemail tab.
2. Tap Greeting in the top-left corner.
3. Select Custom to record a new greeting or choose Default to use your carrier’s standard message.
4. Tap Save when you’re done.

How to use Visual Voicemail

Visual Voicemail lets you see and listen to your messages without calling your inbox. Here’s what you can do with it:

Listen to voicemails

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the Voicemail tab.
3. Tap a message to play it. You can also pause, rewind, or fast forward using the playback controls.

Delete or save messages

• To delete a voicemail, swipe left on the message and tap Delete.
• To save a message, tap the Share button and send it to your email or Notes app.

Setting up voicemail with your carrier

Apple's built-in voicemail in the Phone app provides an easy way to set up your phone for incoming calls. However, your phone's carrier retains control over voicemail functions. Some carriers may require you to set up voicemail using a dedicated process or mobile app before you can use Apple's service.

AT&T users

If you're an AT&T customer, you can set up basic voicemail using the following steps.

1. Press and hold 1 on the iPhone's keypad.
2. Choose your language preference.
3. Enter a password between 7 and 15 digits.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

T-Mobile users

T-mobile subscribers can set up a voicemail box on an iPhone with these steps.

1. Press and hold 1 on the iPhone's keypad.
2. Enter your password. If you don't have one yet, enter the last four digits of your phone number.
3. Follow the prompts to set up a password if required.
4. Record a greeting.

Verizon users

Verizon subscribers can use Apple's built-in voicemail app to set up voicemail on their iPhones.

Troubleshooting voicemail setup issues

If you run into problems, try these tips:

• Restart your iPhone. A simple restart can fix setup glitches.
• Check for carrier updates. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see a prompt.
• Make sure voicemail is part of your mobile plan. Contact your carrier if you’re not sure.
• Reset your voicemail password. You can do this through your carrier’s support page or app.

Confirm you haven't changed the SIM card

A SIM card connects you directly to your carrier's telecommunications network. If you recently changed carriers, you likely have a new iPhone SIM card. You may need to set up voicemail through the new carrier before you can use voicemail in the Phone app on your iPhone.

Use the previous instructions to set up voicemail with T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon. If you have service through a different provider, reach out to them directly for guidance.

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FAQ

How do I know if voicemail is set up on my iPhone?

Open the Phone app and tap Voicemail. If you see messages or the option to record a greeting, it’s set up.

Why isn’t my voicemail working on iPhone?

Check your cellular connection, restart your phone, and make sure voicemail is included in your mobile plan. If that doesn’t help, contact your carrier.

How do I reset my voicemail password?

Most carriers let you reset your voicemail password through their app or support site. You can also call customer service for help.

Can I use Visual Voicemail on any iPhone?

Most iPhones support Visual Voicemail, but it depends on your carrier and plan. Check with your carrier if you don’t see it.

Do I need cellular service to use voicemail?

Yes. Voicemail and Visual Voicemail both require a working mobile connection.