Are you ready to dive into the world of Verizon voicemail and ensure you never miss an important message again? Fantastic! Let's get started on this comprehensive guide to accessing your Verizon voicemail, whether you're using your own phone, another device, or even tackling some common issues.
Understanding Verizon Voicemail: Basic vs. Visual
Before we get into the "how-to," it's helpful to understand the two main types of voicemail Verizon offers:
Basic Voicemail: This is the traditional service where you dial into a system, listen to messages one by one, and navigate through prompts using your keypad. It's reliable and straightforward.
Visual Voicemail: This is a more modern and convenient option, often pre-installed on smartphones. It presents your voicemails in a visual list, much like your email inbox, allowing you to see who called, the message length, and even read a transcription of the message (with a premium plan). You can then choose which messages to listen to, delete, or save, all without dialing into a system.
Now, let's explore the various ways to access your messages!
Step 1: Accessing Voicemail from Your Verizon Mobile Phone
This is the most common and easiest method.
Sub-heading: The Quick Dial Method (*86)
Open your Phone app: Locate the green phone icon on your smartphone's home screen or app drawer.
*Dial 86: On your phone's dial pad, type
*86(which spells VM).Press the Call/Send button: This will initiate the call to your voicemail service.
Follow the Prompts:
If this is your first time accessing voicemail, you'll be guided through an initial setup process, which typically involves choosing a language, creating a 4-7 digit password (PIN), and recording a personal greeting. Make sure to choose a memorable password!
If you've already set it up, you'll likely be prompted to enter your voicemail password. Do so, then press the
#(pound) key to confirm.Once in, you'll hear options to listen to new messages, save messages, delete messages, and access other settings.
Sub-heading: Long-Press 1 for Speed Dial
Many Verizon phones have a convenient speed dial feature for voicemail:
Open your Phone app: As before, find and tap the phone icon.
Long-press the "1" key: On your dial pad, press and hold the number
1for a few seconds.Automatic Connection: Your phone should automatically dial your voicemail service.
Follow the Prompts: Proceed with entering your password and navigating the menu as described above.
Sub-heading: Using the Visual Voicemail App (Recommended for Smartphones)
If you have a smartphone, you likely have Visual Voicemail, which offers a much better experience.
Locate the Visual Voicemail app: This app is usually pre-installed on your Verizon smartphone. It might be called "Voicemail," "Visual Voicemail," or simply represented by an icon that looks like a cassette tape, a play button, or a list with a speaker.
Open the app: Tap on the icon to launch it.
Accept Terms (if applicable): The first time you open it, you might need to review and accept terms and services.
View Your Messages: You'll see a list of your voicemails. Each entry typically shows:
The caller's name or number
The date and time of the call
The duration of the message
If you have a premium plan, you might also see a transcription of the message, allowing you to read it before listening!
Play a Message: Tap on a message to play it. You'll usually have options to:
Play/Pause
Rewind/Fast-forward
Call Back the sender
Delete the message
Save the message
Share the message (e.g., via text or email)
Pro-tip: Visual Voicemail significantly improves message management, especially if you receive a lot of calls.
Step 2: Accessing Voicemail from Another Phone (Remote Access)
Need to check your messages when you don't have your Verizon phone handy? No problem!
Dial your 10-digit Verizon mobile number: From any phone (landline, another cell phone, etc.), dial your full 10-digit Verizon wireless number.
Wait for your voicemail greeting to begin: Listen carefully for your personal voicemail greeting to start playing.
Press the # (pound) key: As soon as you hear your greeting, or even during it, press the pound key. This interrupts the greeting and tells the system you're trying to access your mailbox.
Enter your voicemail password: When prompted, enter your 4-7 digit voicemail password.
Press the # (pound) key again: After entering your password, confirm it by pressing the pound key.
Follow the prompts: You'll then be in your voicemail menu and can listen to, save, or delete messages as usual.
Important Note for International Travel: If you're traveling internationally, you might need to dial a specific international voicemail access number provided by Verizon (e.g., +1 (845) 613-8700). Check Verizon's international roaming support for the most accurate number for your location.
Step 3: Setting Up Your Verizon Voicemail for the First Time
If you're a new Verizon customer or haven't set up your voicemail yet, here's how:
*Dial 86 from your Verizon phone: This is the easiest way to initiate the setup.
Listen to the prompts: The automated system will guide you through the initial setup.
Choose a language: Select your preferred language for voicemail prompts.
Create your voicemail password (PIN): You'll be asked to create a 4-7 digit password. Choose something secure but memorable. Avoid easily guessable combinations like "1234" or repeating digits.
Record your personal greeting: This is the message callers will hear when you don't answer. You can record a custom greeting or use a standard Verizon greeting.
Confirm settings: Follow any final prompts to confirm your choices.
Test it out: Have a friend or another phone call your Verizon number and leave a message to ensure everything is working correctly. Then, access it using the methods above.
Step 4: Resetting Your Verizon Voicemail Password
Forgot your voicemail password? It happens! Here's how to reset it:
Sub-heading: Resetting via My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon app: Make sure you have the latest version installed on your smartphone.
Log in to your account: Enter your Verizon credentials.
Navigate to Account Settings: Look for a "Menu" icon (often three horizontal lines), then usually "Account" or "Account Settings."
Find Voicemail Password settings: Within "Account Settings," look for options related to "Security," "Manage Voicemail Password," or similar.
Choose to reset or change: You'll typically have an option to "Reset Password" or "Change Voicemail Password."
Follow the prompts: The app will guide you through creating a new password. You might have options to create your own or have Verizon generate one for you.
Sub-heading: Resetting via My Verizon Website
Go to the My Verizon website: Open a web browser on your computer and go to Verizon's official website (verizon.com).
Sign in to My Verizon: Log in with your account username and password.
Navigate to Device Management: From the My Verizon Home screen, look for "Account," then "My devices," and then "Device Overview" or a similar path.
Select your device: Choose the specific mobile number for which you want to reset the voicemail password.
Manage Voicemail Password: Under the "Settings & Preferences" or "Device Information" section, find and click "Manage voicemail password."
Reset the password: You can choose to "Create my own password" (and enter a new one) or "Choose a password for me."
Confirm: Click "Confirm" or "Update" to finalize the change.
Sub-heading: Resetting by Calling Customer Service
If the app and website aren't working for you, you can always call Verizon customer service:
*Dial 611 from your Verizon phone: This connects you directly to Verizon's automated customer service.
Say "Reset voicemail password": When prompted, clearly state "Reset voicemail password."
Follow the automated prompts: The system will guide you through the process, which may involve verifying your identity and then setting a new password.
Alternatively, call (800) 922-0204: You can also dial this number from any phone to reach Verizon customer service.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Voicemail Issues
Sometimes, voicemail might not work as expected. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Sub-heading: Not Receiving Voicemail Notifications
Check your phone's notification settings: Go to your phone's settings, then "Apps & notifications," find your "Phone" app or "Visual Voicemail" app, and ensure notifications are enabled.
Verify mobile data connection (for Visual Voicemail): Visual Voicemail requires a cellular data connection to receive messages and transcriptions. Make sure your mobile data is turned on and you have coverage. If you're on Wi-Fi, try turning it off temporarily to see if that helps.
Power cycle your phone: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
Clear app cache/data (for Visual Voicemail):
Android: Go to Settings > Apps > [Visual Voicemail App] > Storage > Clear Cache, then Clear Data. (This will reset the app, but not delete your voicemails).
iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Voicemail App (if listed) > Offload App, then reinstall.
Check for call forwarding: Sometimes, call forwarding settings can prevent calls from going to voicemail. Dial
*73and press call/send from your Verizon phone to disable all call forwarding.
Sub-heading: "Voicemail Full" Message
Delete old messages: Access your voicemail (via *86 or the Visual Voicemail app) and delete old or unnecessary messages. Both new and saved messages count towards your mailbox capacity.
Sub-heading: Unable to Access Voicemail After Password Attempts
Voicemail locked out: If you enter the incorrect password too many times, your voicemail box might get temporarily locked (usually for 30 minutes). Wait it out or use one of the password reset methods mentioned in Step 4.
Sub-heading: General Access Issues
Confirm voicemail service is active: While rare, it's possible your voicemail service was accidentally deactivated. You can check your account details on My Verizon or contact customer service to confirm it's active.
Check for network issues: If you're in an area with poor Verizon signal, it might affect voicemail access. Try again in a different location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon voicemail, starting with "How to":
How to set up Verizon voicemail for the first time?
To set up Verizon voicemail for the first time, dial *86 from your Verizon phone and follow the automated prompts to choose a language, create a password (PIN), and record a personal greeting.
How to access Verizon voicemail from a landline?
To access Verizon voicemail from a landline, dial your 10-digit Verizon mobile number. As soon as your voicemail greeting begins, press the # key, then enter your voicemail password when prompted, followed by # again.
How to reset my Verizon voicemail password?
You can reset your Verizon voicemail password through the My Verizon app, the My Verizon website (under Account > My devices > Manage voicemail password), or by calling Verizon customer service at *611 or (800) 922-0204 and saying "Reset voicemail password."
How to check Verizon visual voicemail messages?
To check Verizon Visual Voicemail messages, open the pre-installed Visual Voicemail app on your smartphone. Your messages will appear in a list format, allowing you to select and play them directly.
How to turn off Verizon visual voicemail transcription?
Voicemail transcription is often a premium feature. If you have it, you might be able to manage or disable it within the Visual Voicemail app settings or through your My Verizon account under your plan features. Contact Verizon support if you can't find the option.
How to forward a Verizon voicemail message?
With Visual Voicemail, you can often forward messages by selecting the message in the app and looking for a "Share" or "Forward" option, which may allow you to send it via text or email. Basic voicemail typically does not offer a direct forwarding option; you'd have to play the message and then call the person to relay the information.
How to change my Verizon voicemail greeting?
To change your Verizon voicemail greeting, dial *86 from your Verizon phone, enter your password, and navigate the main menu options (usually by pressing a specific number, often "4" for personal options or greetings). You'll then be able to record a new greeting.
How to retrieve old Verizon voicemail messages?
When you access your voicemail, you'll typically hear new messages first. After those, the system usually gives you an option to listen to "saved messages." In Visual Voicemail, saved messages remain in your list until you delete them.
How to tell if my Verizon voicemail is full?
You'll typically receive a notification or hear an announcement when you try to access your voicemail that your mailbox is full. Callers trying to leave a message may also hear a "voicemail full" message.
How to troubleshoot Verizon visual voicemail not working?
If Verizon Visual Voicemail isn't working, check your mobile data connection, restart your phone, clear the app's cache/data (Android) or offload/reinstall (iPhone), and ensure call forwarding is not active (*73 to disable). If issues persist, contact Verizon support.
