Voicemails save messages from people who call you when you can’t pick up the phone. They help you listen to what others say and stay in touch when you can’t talk right away. Usually, you dial into yourphone carrier, enter a voicemail password, and follow instructions to hear your messages.
It’s stressful, especially when you’re in a hurry or need to manage multiple voicemails. The latest mobile phones and tablets provide quicker alternatives, such as notification panel access and third-party apps. Whether your device is aSamsung Galaxyor Google Pixel product, here are the quickest ways to hear your voicemails. If you use Apple’s iPhone or iPad, you mayget a live transcriptionof your mail.
How to set up your voicemail on every major US carrier
A proper setup will prevent you from missing important messages
How to check voicemails on Android devices
Android phones and tablets vary based on the manufacturers and OS. The following methods broadly work for the latest device models. The first one involves installing a third-party app from the Google Play Store. Among our favorites is YouMail, which offers a free version that includes spam call blocking and other interesting features.
If you have privacy concerns about third-party apps, use your notification panel. When you receive a voicemail, swipe down from your home screen with two fingers to fully expand the panel. Tap the voicemail notification and listen to the audio without calling into the service.
Here’s how to use the YouMail app to hear your voicemails:
Visual voicemail services like YouMail transcribe the voicemail into text when possible. It’s not always accurate, but it’s a timesaver if you’re able to tell what voice messages are about at a glance. View, listen, and delete messages in this voicemail box. Each message’s phone number or contact displays so that you can call back.
How to check voicemails on an iPhone or iPad
If you use an iPhone or iPad, your device’s OS has your back regarding voicemails. A built-in visual voicemail service helps you save, transcribe, and check messages.
When someone leaves a voicemail, your iPhone sends a notification, and you can listen to the message in the Voicemail tab of the Phone app. You may also set up a personalized greeting and manage your settings.
Follow the steps below to start:
iPhone voicemails show a transcript (it takes seconds to appear on new voicemails), a play button, a speaker button, and an option to call back a number immediately. There’s also a red trash can button to delete the voicemail. Use these options to manage your voicemails. Swipe left on any voicemail to delete it. iOS has limited voicemail space, so delete them when possible.
How to check voicemails on a landline
Mobile carriers often provide their own apps to help you manage your audio messages on your smartphone.T-Mobile’s appis among the best and is free to use. Voice-to-text transcription costs $4. Verizon also offers afree voicemail app, with premium plans starting at $3 per month.
If you use a landline phone or can’t access visual voicemail services, learnhow to set up voicemail on your preferred carrierand listen to messages the traditional way. When people leave you messages, you’ll dial a specific number, which is often the access number your landline service provides. Typically, it’s98or99. Contact your carrier to find instructions.
Afterward, you may need to enter a passcode for security. When authenticated, you can listen to your voicemail messages. You’ll encounter a main menu and need to listen for what number to press to hear the latest messages. It’s usually1on the dial pad.
If you have multiple messages, you may run into another audio menu asking you to choose what kind of messages to access. Choose the option for the latest voice messages. On AT&T, the option is1.
Simplify the voicemail checking process
Visual voicemail apps help you cut unnecessary processes to check your audio messages. Voice-to-text transcription is a bonus. You’ll receive a copy of your voicemails as text messages, which is useful if you prefer reading over listening or when you’re in a crowded place.
Some carriers take it up a notch and send youSMS voicemail transcriptions, which may be bad for your storage, inaccurate, or unnecessary. Contact your carrier or log in to your account on their website to turn off this feature.
