Setting up your voicemail on an Android phone allows callers to leave messages when you miss or screen a call. The easiest way to set up voicemail on an Android handset is to press button 1 on the dial pad, enter a personal identification number (PIN), and record a greeting. You can also set up a new voicemail box when you switch carriers.
Whether you use the keyboard shortcut, default app, or visual voicemail, here’s how to set up voicemail on an Android smartphone.
Quick voicemail setup on Android
The easiest way to set up your Android voicemail is using the numeric keypad:
- Head to the dialer app on your phone and long press 1 on your keyboard to launch your inbox.
- Follow the audio prompts to configure your voicemail and create a PIN if necessary.
- To hang up Once finished.
After that, launch the phone app, select the dialer, then press and hold 1 key to start your voicemail. Reaching your messages using the dial screen works on most modern Android handsets (we tested on a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and Google Pixel 6 Pro).
Using the Default Voicemail App on Android
Some Android phones have a standalone voicemail application. To discover your inbox, open the app drawer and search for Voice Messaging. Press the app icon and follow it instructions to set up or access your voicemail.
Whether or not you have a dedicated voicemail app on your phone depends on your device. For example, my Samsung Galaxy S9+ includes a standalone app, while my Pixel 6 Pro relies entirely on the phone app.
How to Set Up Visual Voicemail on Android
Many newer Android phones have a visual voicemail app that lets you check your inbox without entering a PIN. Additionally, you can view information such as the date and time of the call, message length, phone number, and an optional transcript.
Here’s how to use visual voicemail on Android:
- Open your phone app and press Voice Messaging.
- Press the three dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Picking out Settings > Voicemailthen enable visual voicemail.
To note: Activate Voicemail transcription gives you a readable transcript.
In the visual voicemail menu, you’ll see options to change your PIN and record a new greeting, if needed.
Best visual voicemail apps for Android
Try another app if your phone doesn’t include a visual voicemail option or if you’re unhappy with the default version. Our favorite visual voicemail apps for Android include Voxist, Google Voice, and InstaVoice. You’ll also find carrier-specific visual voicemail apps from Fido, Telus, and Rogers.
Best Android Phones
Our favorite Android phones include the Samsung Galaxy S22+, OnePlus 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A53. You can easily hook up a phone through your carrier, like Telus, Rogers and Koodo, or get an unlocked handset.
Setting up voicemail on an Android phone: FAQ
What number should I dial for voicemail?
To access your voicemail, press and hold the 1 key on your keypad. No number is needed!
How do I activate my voicemail?
To activate your voicemail, access it by dialing 1 or using the voicemail application. Then follow the audio prompts to add a PIN and record a personal greeting.
How do I record a new voicemail greeting?
To record a new greeting, you will need to access your voicemail through the app or by calling to access the settings menu. On many Android smartphones, you can head to the Phone app > Voicemail tab > three-button menu > Settings > Voicemail > Voicemail greeting.
Can I access my voicemail from another phone?
Yes, you can access your voicemail from another phone by dialing your own phone number and then pressing the pound key (#).
Where is the Voicemail app on my Android phone?
The voicemail app on many modern Android phones can be found in the phone app under the Voicemail tab. However, some handsets have a standalone voicemail app found in the app drawer.
Is my voicemail number the same as my phone number?
No, your voicemail number is not the same as your phone number. However, you can access your inbox by calling your phone number from another phone line.
