Checking voicemail means calling your own phone number and entering a code to listen to messages left when you didn't answer

When someone calls and you don't pick up, their message goes to voicemail — a recording system that stores what they said. To hear those messages, you call your own number, enter a password (usually your PIN), and listen. The exact steps depend on whether you use a cell phone, a landline, or internet-based phone service, but the basic idea is the same on all of them.

Most people check voicemail by pressing and holding the number 1 on their phone's keypad, which automatically dials voicemail. On some phones you tap the voicemail icon instead. Either way, the system prompts you for your PIN, then plays back any messages in the order they arrived.

Key Takeaways

  • On most cell phones, press and hold the 1 key to call voicemail directly without dialing your full number.
  • You will need to enter your PIN (usually a four-digit code you set up when you first got the phone) to access messages.
  • Landline voicemail works the same way but may require you to dial a specific number instead of using a shortcut key.
  • If you have never set up a PIN, your phone company's voicemail system will walk you through creating one the first time you call.

Checking voicemail on a cell phone

On an iPhone or Android phone, the fastest way is to press and hold the 1 key. Your phone automatically dials your voicemail box. After a few seconds, the system answers and asks for your PIN. Type it in using the keypad, then press the # key or wait for the system to recognize you.

Once you are in, the system plays your messages in order from oldest to newest. After each message, you can press 1 to replay it, 2 to delete it, 3 to save it, or 4 to skip to the next one. The exact menu options vary slightly between carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), but the basic buttons are the same.

If pressing 1 does not work, you can also dial your own phone number manually. Your phone will recognize the call is from you and take you straight to voicemail without ringing. If that does not work either, call your phone company's customer service number on your bill — they can tell you the correct voicemail access number for your account.

Checking voicemail on a landline

Landline voicemail usually requires you to dial a specific number rather than using a shortcut key. That number is often *98 or *99, but it depends on your phone company. Check your phone bill or the paperwork that came with your service — it should list the voicemail access number.

Once you dial that number, the system answers and asks for your PIN, just like on a cell phone. Enter it and listen to your messages. The playback controls (replay, delete, save, skip) work the same way as cell phone voicemail.

If you do not know the access number and cannot find it on your bill, call your phone company's main customer service line. They can tell you the number and help you set up a PIN if you have never used voicemail before.

Checking voicemail on internet-based phone service

If you use a service like Vonage, Ooma, or your internet provider's phone service, voicemail access depends on how that company set it up. Some let you press 1 like a cell phone. Others require you to dial a specific number. A few send voicemail to your email inbox instead, so you listen to an audio file rather than calling in.

Check your service's website or the welcome materials they sent you — they should explain how to access voicemail. If you are not sure, log into your online account or call their customer service number. They can walk you through it and reset your PIN if you have forgotten it.

Setting up or resetting your PIN

When you first set up voicemail, the system usually walks you through creating a PIN. Choose a four-digit number you can remember but that is not obvious (not your birth year or 1234). Write it down somewhere safe in case you forget it.

If you forget your PIN later, call your phone company's customer service. They can verify your identity and reset it for you. Some companies let you reset it through their website or app instead. The process takes a few minutes, and then you can access voicemail again.

What to do if voicemail is not working

If you press 1 and nothing happens, or you dial the access number and get an error message, try these steps in order. First, make sure you have a signal (cell phone) or a dial tone (landline). Second, try dialing your own phone number manually instead of using the shortcut. Third, restart your phone and try again.

If none of that works, contact your phone company. Voicemail can go down temporarily during system updates, or there may be a problem with your account. Customer service can check whether voicemail is working on their end and help you troubleshoot from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check voicemail from someone else's phone?

Yes. Dial your own phone number, and when the system answers, press the key to interrupt the greeting (usually the * key or 0). Then enter your PIN. This works on any phone, anywhere, as long as you know your PIN.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

Call your phone company's customer service number. They will verify who you are and reset your PIN. You can then set a new one. The process usually takes a few minutes.

Can I listen to voicemail on my computer or phone app?

Some phone companies let you check voicemail through their website or mobile app instead of calling in. Log into your account online or open the company's app to see if this option is available. Many also send voicemail transcripts or audio files to your email.

How long does voicemail stay in my box?

Most phone companies keep voicemail messages for 30 days before deleting them automatically. After that, they are gone. If you want to keep a message, mark it as saved when you listen to it — saved messages usually stay longer.