We've all been there – you see that little voicemail icon on your phone, or hear that familiar beep, and instantly wonder, "Who called? What did they say?" Listening to your voicemails is an essential part of staying connected, and with Verizon, you have several convenient ways to do it. Whether you're a traditionalist who likes to dial in, or you prefer the modern ease of visual voicemail, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.
Ready to dive in and conquer your voicemail inbox? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understanding Your Voicemail Options with Verizon
Before we get into the "how-to," it's helpful to know what types of voicemail services Verizon offers. This will help you choose the method that best suits your needs and device.
Traditional Voicemail (Standard Voicemail): This is the classic method where you call a dedicated number, enter your password, and listen to your messages sequentially, often navigating through a voice menu. It's universally available on all Verizon lines.
Visual Voicemail (Basic and Premium): This is where things get really convenient! Visual Voicemail allows you to see a list of your messages on your phone's screen, often with caller information and even a transcribed text of the message. You can then select which messages to listen to, delete, or save directly from the app.
Basic Visual Voicemail: Often pre-installed on Android devices, this version provides a list of messages and allows you to play them. It usually has a smaller storage capacity for messages.
Premium Visual Voicemail: This is an upgrade that typically offers more features, such as increased storage, longer message duration, and often more accurate transcription services. For iPhones, Verizon offers a "Voicemail to Text" service which is a form of Premium Visual Voicemail.
Step 2: Accessing Your Voicemail from Your Verizon Phone
This is the most common and straightforward way to check your messages.
Sub-heading: Using the Speed Dial Method
This is the quickest way for most users!
Locate Your Phone App: Open the "Phone" app on your smartphone. It usually looks like a telephone receiver icon.
Press and Hold '1': On your phone's dial pad, press and hold the number '1'. This is a universal speed dial for voicemail on many carriers, including Verizon.
Enter Your Voicemail Password (if prompted): If this is your first time accessing voicemail or if you have a password set up, the system will prompt you to enter it.
If you've forgotten your password, don't worry! We'll cover how to reset it later in the FAQ section.
Follow the Prompts: Once connected, the automated system will guide you through your new and saved messages. You'll typically hear options like:
Press '1' to replay the message.
Press '7' to delete the message.
Press '9' to save the message.
Press '*' to return to the main menu.
Sub-heading: Dialing *86 Directly
Another reliable way to access your voicemail is by dialing *86.
Open Your Phone App: Just like before, open your phone's dial pad.
*Dial 86: Type
*86(which spells *VM) and then press the "Call" or "Send" button.Enter Your Voicemail Password (if prompted): As with the speed dial method, enter your password if required.
Navigate Your Voicemail: Follow the voice prompts to listen to, save, or delete your messages.
Step 3: Utilizing Visual Voicemail for a Modern Experience
If you have a smartphone, chances are you have access to Visual Voicemail, making managing messages incredibly easy.
Sub-heading: For Android Users (Basic Visual Voicemail)
Many Android devices come with a built-in Basic Visual Voicemail app or integrate it directly into the Phone app.
Open Your Phone or Voicemail App:
Look for a dedicated "Voicemail" app icon.
Alternatively, open your "Phone" app and look for a "Voicemail" tab at the bottom or top of the screen.
Review and Accept Terms (First Time Users): If it's your first time using it, you may need to review and accept terms and services.
View Your Message List: You'll see a list of your voicemails, often with the caller's number or name (if they're in your contacts) and the date/time the message was left.
Play, Delete, or Save Messages:
Tap on a message to play it. You'll usually see controls like play/pause, rewind, and fast-forward.
Look for icons to delete (often a trash can) or save (sometimes a floppy disk or cloud icon) the message.
Some versions may also offer a text transcription of the message directly below the audio.
Sub-heading: For iPhone Users (Voicemail Tab)
iPhones integrate Visual Voicemail directly into their native Phone app.
Open the Phone App: Tap the green "Phone" app icon.
Tap the "Voicemail" Tab: At the bottom right of the screen, you'll see a "Voicemail" tab. Tap on it.
View Your Message List: A list of your voicemails will appear, showing the caller's information and the length of the message.
Play, Share, or Delete:
Tap on a message to expand it and reveal playback controls.
You can then play the message, see a transcription (if enabled), share it, or delete it.
Sub-heading: Upgrading to Premium Visual Voicemail (if desired)
If you find Basic Visual Voicemail lacking, consider upgrading:
Visit My Verizon: Go to the My Verizon website or open the My Verizon app on your phone.
Navigate to Services & Perks/Add-ons: Look for sections related to services, add-ons, or plan management.
Find Premium Visual Voicemail: Search for "Premium Visual Voicemail" or "Voicemail to Text" (for iPhone).
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Select the option to add the service and follow the instructions to complete the upgrade. Note that Premium services typically come with a monthly fee.
Step 4: Checking Your Voicemail from Another Phone (or Landline)
What if you don't have your Verizon phone with you? No problem! You can still access your messages.
Dial Your 10-Digit Verizon Mobile Number: From any phone (landline or another mobile), dial your full 10-digit Verizon phone number.
Interrupt the Greeting: When you hear your own voicemail greeting begin to play, immediately press the '#' (pound) key. This tells the system you want to access your mailbox, not leave a message.
Enter Your Voicemail Password: The system will then prompt you to enter your voicemail password. Type it in and press '#' again if instructed.
Follow the Prompts: You'll then be able to navigate your messages using the same voice prompts as if you were calling from your own phone.
Step 5: Accessing Voicemail While Traveling Internationally
If you're out of the country, accessing your voicemail requires a slightly different approach to ensure proper dialing.
Dial Your Verizon Mobile Number in International Format: From any phone abroad, you'll need to dial your Verizon mobile number using the international dialing format. This typically means:
Press and hold '0' on your keypad until the '+' symbol appears.
Enter '1' (the US country code).
Then, enter your full 10-digit Verizon mobile number. So, it would look something like
+1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Interrupt the Greeting: Just like when calling from another phone, press the '#' (pound) key as soon as your voicemail greeting starts.
Enter Your Voicemail Password: You'll be prompted to enter your voicemail password.
Follow Prompts: Navigate your messages as usual.
Important Note on International Roaming: Be aware that calling your voicemail while abroad will likely incur international roaming charges, depending on your Verizon international plan. Consider using Wi-Fi calling if available to avoid these charges, or utilizing Wi-Fi with your Visual Voicemail app if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon Voicemail
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon voicemail, with quick and helpful answers.
How to reset my Verizon voicemail password?
You can reset your Verizon voicemail password through the My Verizon website or app. Log in, go to "Account," then "My devices" or "Device Overview," select your device, and look for "Manage voicemail password" under "Settings & Preferences." You can choose to create your own new password or have Verizon generate one for you.
How to set up Verizon voicemail for the first time?
To set up your Verizon voicemail, dial *86 from your phone. You'll be guided through the initial setup process, which includes choosing a language, creating a password (4-7 digits, no repeating or consecutive numbers), and recording your personalized greeting and name.
How to listen to old or saved Verizon voicemails?
When you access your voicemail (by dialing *86, holding '1', or through Visual Voicemail), the system will usually play new messages first. After new messages, it will offer options to listen to saved messages. In Visual Voicemail, simply scroll through your list of messages to find and play saved ones.
How to retrieve deleted Verizon voicemails?
Unfortunately, once a voicemail message is permanently deleted from your Verizon voicemail box, it usually cannot be retrieved. It's always best to save important messages immediately after listening to them.
How to turn on Visual Voicemail on my Verizon phone?
For Android, Basic Visual Voicemail is often pre-installed. You can usually enable it from your Phone app's settings (look for "Voicemail" settings). For iPhone, Visual Voicemail is automatically part of the Phone app. If you want Premium Visual Voicemail with transcription, you typically need to add it as a paid service via the My Verizon app or website.
How to get voicemail messages transcribed to text with Verizon?
Verizon offers a "Voicemail to Text" service (part of Premium Visual Voicemail) that transcribes your voicemails into text messages. You can add this service via the My Verizon app or website under "Services & Perks" or "Add-ons."
How to disable Verizon voicemail?
To disable Verizon voicemail, you would generally need to contact Verizon customer service directly. This isn't a setting typically available for users to change themselves, as voicemail is a fundamental feature of a phone line.
How to stop Verizon voicemail from picking up too quickly?
The number of rings before voicemail picks up is a network setting controlled by Verizon. You cannot directly adjust this yourself. If you find it's picking up too quickly, ensure your "Call Forwarding" is off (dial *73 to turn it off) as this can sometimes interfere. Otherwise, contact Verizon support if you have persistent issues.
How to clear the voicemail notification on my Verizon phone?
If you have a persistent voicemail notification that won't go away, try these steps:
Access your voicemail (*86 or hold 1) and ensure all messages (new and saved) have been listened to.
If that doesn't work, try restarting your phone.
For Visual Voicemail app issues, try clearing the app's cache (in Android settings: Apps > Voicemail app > Storage > Clear cache).
As a last resort, call your own number from another phone, leave a new voicemail, then access your voicemail from your Verizon phone and delete that new message.
How to forward calls directly to Verizon voicemail?
You can forward all calls directly to voicemail by setting up "Immediate Call Forwarding" to your voicemail number. However, the simplest way to ensure calls go directly to voicemail without your phone ringing is to turn on "Do Not Disturb" mode or put your phone in "Airplane Mode" (though this will also cut off other cellular services). If you want to use call forwarding specifically, dial *72 followed by your 10-digit phone number. To turn it off, dial *73.