Access voicemail settings through the Phone app
Open the Phone app on your iPhone and tap the Voicemail tab at the bottom right of the screen. You'll see a list of voicemail messages you've received. At the top of the screen, tap Greeting. From here you can choose to use the default greeting (your phone number read aloud) or record a custom greeting.
If you don't see a Greeting option, your carrier may require you to access voicemail settings differently. Some carriers use their own voicemail system that you reach by calling your voicemail number — usually *86 or a number printed in your account documents. This is common with older carriers or certain regional providers. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service line to find out which method applies to your account.
Record a custom voicemail greeting
Tap Custom under the Greeting section, then tap Record. Speak your greeting clearly into the microphone. Keep it brief — most people record between 10 and 30 seconds. When you finish, tap Stop.
You'll hear a playback of what you just recorded. If you're satisfied, tap Save. If you want to re-record, tap Cancel and start over. Your new greeting will be active immediately, and callers will hear it the next time they reach your voicemail.
If you want to go back to the default greeting at any time, return to the Greeting section and tap Default instead of Custom. This removes your custom message and restores the automated greeting.
Change your voicemail password
To change the password you use to access voicemail from another phone, call your voicemail number from your iPhone (usually *86). Follow the prompts to enter your current password, then select the option to change your password. Enter your new password twice to confirm it matches.
Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe. If you forget it, contact your carrier's customer service — they can reset it for you, though the process varies by carrier. Some carriers can reset your password over the phone immediately, while others may require you to verify your identity through your online account first.
Turn off voicemail or disable notifications
You cannot turn off voicemail entirely on an iPhone — it's a carrier service, not an app setting. However, you can disable notifications so you don't get alerts when new voicemails arrive. Go to Settings, tap Notifications, scroll down to Phone, and toggle off Badge App Icon or Banner notifications.
If you truly want to disable voicemail, contact your carrier directly. Some carriers offer this as an option, though it may affect how calls are handled when you don't answer. When voicemail is disabled, callers may hear a busy signal or be disconnected instead of reaching your greeting.
Set up voicemail for the first time
When you first activate an iPhone with a carrier, you may be prompted to set up voicemail. Tap Set Up Now and follow the on-screen instructions. You'll be asked to create a password and record a greeting. The password protects your voicemail from being accessed by someone else.
If you skip this step, you can set up voicemail later by opening the Phone app, tapping Voicemail, and following the same process. Your carrier will send you a text message with instructions if you need them. You can also call your voicemail number directly to complete setup without using the Phone app.
Troubleshoot voicemail problems
If you can't see the Voicemail tab in the Phone app, make sure your carrier supports visual voicemail. Not all carriers offer this feature. Check your carrier's website or call customer service to confirm your account includes visual voicemail. Some carriers only offer this on certain plan types.
If your custom greeting isn't saving, try recording a shorter message — some carriers have length limits between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. If the problem continues, restart your iPhone and try again. If voicemail still isn't working after a restart, contact your carrier's support line. They can check whether your voicemail service is active on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Phone app, tap Voicemail, then tap Greeting to record a custom voicemail message that callers will hear.
- Your custom greeting becomes active immediately after you tap Save and will replace the default automated greeting.
- To change your voicemail password, call your voicemail number (usually *86) and follow the prompts to enter a new password.
- Voicemail is a carrier service and cannot be turned off through iPhone settings, but you can disable notifications for new messages.
- If the Voicemail tab doesn't appear in the Phone app, your carrier may not support visual voicemail — contact them to confirm your account type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a song or sound clip as my voicemail greeting?
No. iPhone voicemail only accepts voice recordings that you make yourself through the Phone app. You cannot upload audio files or use music as a greeting. The system is designed to record only your voice speaking directly into the microphone.
How long can my voicemail greeting be?
Most carriers allow greetings between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. If your recording is rejected as too long, try re-recording a shorter version. Check your carrier's documentation for their specific limit, as this varies by provider.
What happens if I don't set up a custom greeting?
Your voicemail will use the default greeting, which is your phone number read aloud by an automated voice. Callers will hear this before they can leave a message. You can change to a custom greeting at any time.
Can I change my voicemail greeting from another phone?
Yes. Call your voicemail number from any phone, enter your password, and follow the prompts to record or change your greeting. The steps vary slightly by carrier, but most use the same *86 number or a carrier-specific voicemail line.
Why does my voicemail greeting sound different than I recorded it?
Some carriers compress audio when storing voicemail greetings, which can change how it sounds. This is normal. If the quality is very poor, try re-recording in a quieter space or with the microphone closer to your mouth.