We've all been there – that flashing voicemail icon, a constant reminder of messages piling up. Sometimes, those messages are important, but often, they're just old notifications, spam, or something you've already handled. When your Verizon voicemail box gets full, it can prevent new, important messages from coming through. Don't let your digital inbox become a digital black hole! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to erase Verizon voicemails, step-by-step, ensuring your inbox stays clear and ready for what truly matters.
Ready to Reclaim Your Voicemail Freedom? Let's Dive In!
So, you've decided it's time to clear out that overflowing voicemail box. Excellent choice! The process is surprisingly straightforward, and we'll cover both traditional methods and modern app-based solutions.
Method 1: Erasing Voicemail via Phone Dialing (The Classic Way)
This method is universal and works on any phone, whether it's a basic flip phone or the latest smartphone. It relies on accessing your voicemail system directly.
Step 1: Access Your Verizon Voicemail
First things first, you need to call your voicemail. There are a couple of ways to do this:
From your Verizon mobile phone: The easiest way is to *dial 86 and then press the green call button. This is the dedicated Verizon voicemail access number.
From another phone (landline or non-Verizon mobile): You'll need to dial your own 10-digit Verizon mobile number. When your voicemail greeting begins, press the # key to interrupt the greeting and access your mailbox.
Step 2: Enter Your Voicemail Password (If Prompted)
If this is your first time accessing voicemail, or if you've recently reset your password, you might be prompted to set one up. Otherwise, enter your existing voicemail password. If you've forgotten it, don't worry! We'll cover how to reset it in the FAQ section.
Step 3: Navigate the Voicemail Menu
Once you're in your voicemail box, the automated system will guide you. It typically starts by telling you how many new or saved messages you have.
Step 4: Listen to (or Skip) Your Messages
Before you delete, you might want to listen to a message.
To listen to a message: Follow the prompts. Usually, it's pressing 1 or 2 to play new or saved messages.
To skip a message: If you know you want to delete it without listening, the system usually offers an option to skip or fast-forward. However, it's often faster to just wait for the option to delete after the message begins.
Step 5: The Magic Number: Deleting Your Voicemails
This is the core of the process. While listening to a message, or immediately after it finishes playing, the system will offer options.
To delete the current message: Press the 7 key on your phone's dial pad. The system will usually confirm, "Message deleted."
To save the message: If you decide you don't want to delete a message, press 9 to save it.
Step 6: Repeat for All Messages
Continue to listen to (or skip) and delete messages until you've cleared out your desired voicemails. The system will guide you through each message.
Step 7: Disconnect from Voicemail
Once you're done, you can usually press the *** key** or simply hang up to disconnect from the voicemail system.
Method 2: Erasing Voicemail via Visual Voicemail App (The Modern Way)
If you have a smartphone (iPhone or Android) and subscribe to Verizon's Visual Voicemail service (which is often included or available for a small fee), this is by far the easiest and most intuitive way to manage your voicemails. Visual Voicemail transcribes your messages (or provides an audio list) directly on your phone, allowing for quick management.
Step 1: Open Your Visual Voicemail App
On iPhone: Open the Phone app. At the bottom, you'll see a "Voicemail" tab. Tap on it.
On Android: Look for a dedicated Visual Voicemail app. Its icon usually resembles a tape recorder, two connected circles, or a similar voicemail symbol.
Step 2: Locate the Voicemails You Want to Erase
In the Visual Voicemail interface, you'll see a list of your voicemails, often with transcriptions or at least the caller's information and timestamp.
Step 3: Erase Individual Voicemails
For iPhones:
Tap on the voicemail you wish to delete.
You'll see a Delete button, often represented by a trashcan icon. Tap it.
Alternatively, you can swipe left on the voicemail in the list to reveal a "Delete" option.
For Android Phones:
Tap on the voicemail you want to delete. You might see a trashcan icon or a "Delete" option.
Some Android devices allow you to tap and hold a voicemail in the list to bring up a menu with a "Delete" option.
Step 4: Confirm Deletion (If Prompted)
Depending on your phone's model and settings, you might receive a pop-up asking you to confirm the deletion. Tap "Delete" or "OK."
Step 5: Clear "Deleted Messages" or "Trash" Folder (Important for iPhones!)
On iPhones, when you delete a voicemail, it often moves to a "Deleted Messages" or "Trash" folder within the voicemail tab. These messages are not permanently gone until you clear this folder.
From the main Voicemail screen, scroll to the bottom.
Tap on "Deleted Messages" (or similar).
Here, you'll have the option to "Clear All" or delete individual messages permanently. Make sure to clear this folder to truly free up space!
Step 6: Erasing Multiple Voicemails (Visual Voicemail)
Both iPhone and Android Visual Voicemail apps usually offer a way to delete multiple messages at once.
On iPhone: In the Voicemail tab, tap "Edit" in the top right corner. Then, you can select multiple voicemails by tapping the circles next to them and then tapping "Delete" at the bottom.
On Android: Look for a "Select" or "Edit" option, or a trashcan icon at the top of the screen. Tapping this might enable checkboxes next to your voicemails, allowing you to select several at once and then tap a "Delete" button.
Method 3: Contacting Verizon Customer Service (If All Else Fails)
While less common for simple voicemail deletion, if you're experiencing persistent issues, a full mailbox that won't clear, or need to completely disable voicemail, contacting Verizon Customer Service is always an option.
Step 1: Prepare Your Account Information
Have your Verizon account number, phone number, and security PIN or password ready.
Step 2: Reach Out to Verizon
From your Verizon phone: Dial *611.
From any phone: Dial 1-800-922-0204.
Step 3: Explain Your Issue
Clearly state that you're having trouble deleting voicemails, your mailbox is full, or you wish to disable the voicemail service entirely. They can often assist with clearing your mailbox from their end or troubleshoot issues with your Visual Voicemail app.
FAQs: How to Get the Most Out of Your Verizon Voicemail Management
These frequently asked questions will help you with common voicemail scenarios on Verizon.
How to Reset Your Verizon Voicemail Password?
You can easily reset your Verizon voicemail password through My Verizon online or by dialing *611 from your mobile phone and using the automated customer service menu.
How to Save a Voicemail Message on Verizon?
When listening to a message via the phone dialing method (*86), press 9 to save it. With Visual Voicemail, you can often tap a "Save" or "Share" option within the message details, which allows you to save the audio file to your device or email it.
How to Retrieve a Deleted Voicemail on Verizon?
Unfortunately, once a voicemail message has been erased from the Verizon voicemail network, it is generally permanently deleted and cannot be retrieved. This is why it's crucial to save important messages before deleting them.
How to Stop Voicemails from Going to My Phone if My Mailbox is Full?
If your mailbox is full, new callers will typically hear a message indicating that your voicemail box is full and they cannot leave a message. The only way to stop this is to delete existing voicemails to create space.
How to Turn Off Verizon Voicemail Entirely?
To completely turn off your Verizon voicemail service, you usually need to contact Verizon Customer Service (dial *611 or 1-800-922-0204). This feature is typically tied to your service plan.
How to Access Verizon Voicemail from Another Phone?
Dial your own 10-digit Verizon mobile number. When you hear your greeting, press the # key and then enter your voicemail password.
How to Check Verizon Voicemail While Traveling Internationally?
In some countries, you may need to access your voicemail differently. It's best to check Verizon's international roaming support page or contact their customer service before traveling to confirm the correct access number.
How to Manage Verizon Visual Voicemail Notifications?
You can usually manage Visual Voicemail notifications through your phone's settings under "Apps" or "Notifications." Look for the Visual Voicemail app and adjust its notification preferences.
How to Clear a Stuck Voicemail Notification on Verizon?
Sometimes a voicemail notification can get "stuck." Try these steps:
Call your own phone from another number and leave a new voicemail.
Access your voicemail (*86 or Visual Voicemail app) and listen to all messages, including the new one you just left.
Delete all messages, ensuring you clear any "Deleted Messages" folder if you have an iPhone.
Power your phone off and on again.
How to Forward a Verizon Voicemail Message?
With Basic Voicemail (phone dialing), forwarding is generally not possible. However, with Premium Visual Voicemail or if your phone allows sharing of audio files, you can often share the voicemail message via text, email, or other messaging apps. Look for a "Share" option within the voicemail details.
By following these detailed steps and understanding the various options, you'll be a Verizon voicemail master in no time! Keep that inbox clean and your communication flowing smoothly.