How to change your voicemail depends on your phone type and carrier

The steps differ between iPhone, Android, and landline phones, and between carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others. Most phones let you record a new greeting directly from the voicemail app or by calling your voicemail number. Some carriers also let you change settings through their website or customer app. The fastest route is usually through your phone's built-in voicemail app, which takes about two minutes.

If you do not know your voicemail number or cannot access voicemail on your phone, your carrier's customer service can walk you through it by phone. You will need your account PIN, which is usually the last four digits of your Social Security number unless you changed it.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users can record a new greeting through the Phone app's Voicemail tab without calling anything.
  • Android users typically call their voicemail number (usually *86 or *111) to record a greeting, or use their carrier's app.
  • You will need your voicemail PIN to change settings; if you do not know it, your carrier can reset it.
  • Landline voicemail is usually managed through your carrier's website or by calling their customer service line.
  • Most carriers let you delete old greetings, set a temporary greeting, or turn voicemail on and off through the same menu.

Changing voicemail on iPhone

Open the Phone app and tap the Voicemail tab at the bottom right. Tap Greeting at the top left. Choose Default to use your carrier's standard greeting, or tap Custom to record your own. If you choose Custom, tap Record and speak your message, then tap Stop when finished. Tap Save.

If you do not see a Voicemail tab, your carrier may not support voicemail through the Phone app. In that case, open your carrier's app (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) and look for voicemail settings there. Some carriers also let you manage voicemail through their website by logging into your account.

Changing voicemail on Android

The process varies by carrier and phone model. Most Android phones do not have a built-in voicemail app like iPhone does. Instead, open your carrier's app (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) and look for Voicemail or Voice Mail settings. Tap Greeting or Record Greeting, then follow the prompts to record and save.

If your carrier does not have an app or you cannot find voicemail settings there, call your voicemail number. This is usually *86 for most carriers, but check your carrier's website to be sure. When you call, follow the automated menu to record a new greeting. You will need your voicemail PIN.

Calling your voicemail number to change your greeting

If you prefer to call instead of using an app, dial your voicemail number from your phone. For most carriers, this is *86 or *111, but some use different numbers — check your carrier's website or your phone bill. When the automated system answers, it will ask you to enter your PIN.

After you enter your PIN, listen for the menu option to record a greeting. This is usually option 3 or 4. Follow the prompts to record your message, listen to it, and save it. The system will confirm when your greeting has been saved. You can also use this menu to delete old greetings or set a temporary greeting that plays instead of your custom one.

Changing voicemail on a landline

Landline voicemail is managed through your phone service provider, not through a phone app. Log into your account on your provider's website (Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, etc.) and look for Voicemail or Voice Mail settings. Many providers let you record and manage greetings online.

If your provider does not offer online management, call their customer service number, which is usually on your bill or their website. Have your account number and PIN ready. A representative can walk you through recording a new greeting over the phone, or they can record one for you if you prefer.

What to do if you forgot your voicemail PIN

Call your carrier's customer service number. You will need to verify your identity using your account number, phone number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once verified, the representative can reset your PIN to a temporary one, which you can then change to something you remember.

Some carriers also let you reset your PIN through their website or app. Log into your account, find Account Settings or Security, and look for Voicemail PIN or Voice Mail PIN. If you cannot find it online, calling customer service is the most direct route.

Common voicemail settings you can change

Beyond your greeting, most carriers let you adjust other voicemail settings. You can usually turn voicemail on or off, set a temporary greeting (useful when you are away), delete old greetings, or change how long callers can record a message. Some carriers also let you set up voicemail-to-email, which sends a transcript or recording of each voicemail to your email address.

These options are usually found in the same menu where you record your greeting — either in your carrier's app, on their website, or by calling your voicemail number and navigating the automated menu. If you cannot find a specific setting, your carrier's customer service can tell you whether it is available and how to turn it on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a voicemail greeting from someone else's phone?

Yes, but you will need your voicemail PIN. Call your voicemail number from any phone, enter your PIN when prompted, and follow the menu to record a new greeting. This works from any phone — landline, cell phone, or someone else's phone.

How long can my voicemail greeting be?

Most carriers allow 60 seconds for a custom greeting. Some allow up to 90 seconds. If your greeting is too long, the system will tell you to re-record it. Keep it brief so callers do not hang up before leaving a message.

What if my carrier's app does not have voicemail settings?

Call your voicemail number directly (usually *86) or contact your carrier's customer service. Not all carriers have moved voicemail management to their apps yet. Your carrier can tell you the fastest way to change your greeting.

Can I have different greetings for different callers?

Most carriers do not offer this feature. You have one greeting that all callers hear. Some carriers let you set a temporary greeting that overrides your main one, but you cannot customize greetings by contact or caller ID.

Why can't I hear my voicemail greeting after I save it?

The system usually plays back your greeting right after you save it so you can confirm it sounds right. If you did not hear it, try calling your voicemail number again and selecting the option to listen to your greeting. If it still does not play, contact your carrier — there may be a technical issue with your account.