How to set up voicemail on iPhone

Ever since it was first rolled out in the 1970s, voicemail has been an invaluable feature for anyone who uses a phone. Contrary to popular belief, we do put our iPhones down from time to time, so we’re bound to miss an important call at some point. Whether you’re the “enable the default outgoing message and never touch it again” type, or the kind of person who updates their personal outgoing message to match the season, there are many features within an iPhone’s voicemail that you can take advantage of…as long as it’s set up correctly, of course. So we’ll start with how to set up voicemail on the iPhone.

How to set up iPhone voicemail

The basic voicemail we’re all familiar with takes just a few minutes to get set up. Follow these steps if you still need to get yours going for the first time.  

1. Select the “Phone” icon on your iPhone’s home screen
2. Tap the “Voicemail” icon at the bottom to access Voicemail Setup
3. Tap “Set Up Now” to open the Password screen
4. Create a new password in the blank field
5. Confirm your new password by retyping it in the next field and tapping “Save”
6. Tap “Custom” if you want to record a personal greeting
   • Tap “Default” if you’d prefer to leave the greeting as is
7. Tap “Record” to begin then “Stop” when you’re done, of course
8. Tap “Done” or “Save” to confirm your greeting and you’re all set

That’s how you get your standard iPhone voicemail rolling. If you’re interested in setting up visual voicemail (or if you don’t even know what visual voicemail is), check out our Help Center Article: How do I set up visual voicemail? 

How to reset voicemail password on iPhone 

We’ve all forgotten our voicemail password — or shared it with someone who maybe shouldn’t have it anymore — and had to reset it. Fortunately, resetting your voicemail password is almost as easy as forgetting it.

1. Go to “Settings” and scroll to “Phone”
2. Tap “Change Voicemail Password”
3. Enter the new password then tap “Done”
4. Re-enter the new password then tap “Done” 

How to change voicemail greeting on iPhone 

Maybe your business voicemail needs updating or you just want to customize your greeting to match the upcoming holiday. Also, if your current voicemail greeting is “Sorry I missed your call, I was playing pogs and watching a laserdisc…” then it might be time to switch things up. 

1. Tap the “Phone” icon on your home screen
2. Tap “Voicemail” then tap “Greeting”
3. Tap “Custom” to record a greeting
   • If you see a checkmark, this feature is enabled
4. Tap “Record” to begin recording a custom greeting and tap “Stop” when you’re finished.
   • To listen to your recording before saving, tap “Play”
5. Tap “Save” when you’re finished

How to save voicemails on iPhone

Did your grandmother leave you a sweet message that you want to be able to go back to when you’re feeling down? Did your ex leave you a not-so-sweet message that you want to be able to listen to whenever you’re tempted to text them again? Save your voicemails or share them with others in just a few clicks.

1. Tap the “Phone” app on your Home screen
2. Tap “Voicemail”
3. Tap on the voicemail you’d like to save
4. Tap the “Share” icon (the arrow pointing upward)
5. Choose to “Save to Files” or “Add to Notes” to save the voicemail for yourself
6. Select a preferred method like Messages, Mail or AirDrop if you wish to share it with others (or send it to yourself)

Is your iPhone voicemail not working?

There are a few different reasons why your iPhone voicemail might be giving you trouble. Luckily, they’re pretty simple to troubleshoot. 

Your inbox might be full

1. Tap the “Phone” app on your home screen
2. Select “Voicemail”
3. Tap “Edit” in the top right corner
4. Select whichever voicemails you’re willing to delete
5. Tap the trash can icon

It could be a software glitch

Try restarting your phone to see if that clears things up. If not, check to see if your phone’s software is up to date.  

You might have to contact your carrier

Voicemail is a feature provided by your wireless carrier, so if you’re unable to set it up on your iPhone or still having difficulties with your voicemail after trying these steps, you’ll need to reach out to your carrier. 

Want to get even more out of your iPhone?

Now that you know how to set up voicemail on iPhone (and use all its cool features), you can take the time to learn some other handy tips, like how to block a number, how to Airdrop files to your friends or many other useful iPhone hacks that will help you make the most of that incredible little device. 

And when you’re ready to save time AND money, consider bringing that iPhone to Mint Mobile. Double check to make sure your iPhone is compatible with our network to get started.