Whether you just got a brand new iPhone or recently switched from one mobile carrier to another, you may be wondering what is the best way to access your voicemail messages from your new iOS device. iPhone was designed to use visual voicemail technology, which is available from a select few carriers around the world. If you’re unsure if your mobile phone package or network provider supports visual voicemail, you’ll need to contact your carrier’s technical support to confirm you can use it. After you’ve checked out this quick guide, you’ll learn how to set up voicemail on iPhones and create your own greeting if needed.
How is visual voicemail different from other voicemail?
Personally, I prefer visual voicemail over dialing to receive messages from your network provider. After turning on visual voicemail on your iPhone, you can see a list of your new voicemails and choose which ones to play or delete with a swipe of your finger. When a new message arrives, the Phone app icon shows how many messages are waiting to be listened to and alerts you when there are new messages left.
Apple has also recently begun rolling out voicemail transcripts, which are available in beta in some countries and show your messages written as a text message. The transcription service is currently only available for English voice messages received on an iPhone running Apple iOS 10 or later. As you understand, the accuracy of transcription also depends on the quality of the voice message left.
Set up voicemail on iPhone
First time setup on new iPhone or media
If you’ve just purchased a new iPhone and set it up with your mobile carrier, the first time you select a voicemail service, you’ll be prompted to set a voicemail password and record a voicemail greeting. The greeting will be played to anyone who calls your mobile number and you don’t answer. Make it simple.
1. If you do not receive a request when you receive a message for the first time. Select Voicemail and then click Set Up Now.
2. Create your voicemail password and confirm your choice before saving.
3. Record the default iPhone voicemail message, or select a default message if you prefer not to record anything at this time. You can always come back and record a new greeting for missed calls later. If you select Custom, you can record a new greeting and save it to your voicemail service.
If you’re using Apple’s visual voicemail service, you can also use the Siri personal assistant to request that your messages be read. A great feature to use if you prefer to use your iPhone handsfree, such as when you’re in the car or perhaps at your desk and your iPhone is connected to your computer. Just ask Siri to “Play voicemail from…”. “ by adding your contact’s name at the end of the sentence.
Messages
If you want to play, share, or delete your voicemail messages, you can simply sign in to the Apple Phone app on your iPhone and then select “Voicemail” in the bottom right corner. Once selected, you will be shown a complete list of all your voice messages, which you can listen to, delete or call.
1. Simply select a message to see the options available to you. Once you select a message, a play button will appear allowing you to listen to your message either through the speaker or privately. On the left side you will also see a delete button and a call button allowing you to call back the contact who originally left the message.
2. You can also share your message with other contacts using the share icon.
3. View the contact details of the person or company that posted the message by clicking the blue more information icon to the right of the message list.
4. While a message is playing, you can pause or rewind it if you missed something important by dragging your finger back on the timeline.
5. To delete a message, simply click on the red trash can icon on the right side of the message list after you have selected the message.
It is worth noting that in some countries deleted messages may be permanently deleted by your network provider or carrier. Also, if you change your SIM card for any reason, your voice messages may also be deleted. Therefore, check with your network provider or operator before making any changes to your account. it’s also worth asking if deleting a message on your iPhone will permanently remove it from your account.
Checking messages without Visual Voicemail
If you unfortunately do not have access to a visual voice mail service, your network provider or carrier will provide you with a number you will need to call to access your voice messages. This can usually be done by calling their customer service representatives, or they can be listed on their website for customer access and possibly in the FAQ section.
Custom greeting voicemail message
If you didn’t set up a voicemail greeting when you first set up your iPhone, you can easily change it at any time by following the instructions below.
1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Select the voicemail icon in the lower right corner of the iPhone screen.
3. Tap the blue “Welcome” word in the top left corner of your iPhone screen.
4. If you want to create a new custom voicemail message, click Custom.
5. Once you select “Custom”, the “Record” button will turn blue, allowing you to record your greeting.
6. After you have recorded your own voicemail message, play it back to make sure it fits. Or just write another one.
7. When you’re happy with your voicemail greeting, click the blue Save button in the top right corner of the screen.
Voicemail notification sounds
If you want to turn off or change the sounds your iPhone makes when you receive a new voicemail, just go to the Settings app and select the Sounds and Haptics option. Here you can choose any sound you like for ringtone, text tone, new voicemail, new mail, sent mail and more.
If you’re still having trouble setting up your voicemail messaging service, it might be worth contacting your mobile carrier or seeking advice from the official Apple support website. You can also make an appointment with an Apple Genius Bar representative if you’d like to speak to someone in person at a nearby Apple store.
Headings: Apple, Guides
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