iPhone voicemail not working? 9 fixes for Visual Voicemail
Visual Voicemail depends on your carrier and cellular data. Most problems come from those two, or from a full mailbox.
The fix
9 fixes, in order
- 1
Turn on cellular data.
Settings › Cellular › Cellular Data. Visual Voicemail needs it.
- 2
Toggle Airplane Mode.
On for 15 seconds, then off.
- 3
Turn off call forwarding.
Settings › Apps › Phone › Call Forwarding.
- 4
Clear space in your mailbox.
Delete old voicemails and empty Deleted Messages in the Voicemail tab.
- 5
Call your voicemail.
Press and hold 1 on the keypad. If you are asked to set up voicemail, do it.
- 6
Restart the iPhone.
- 7
Update carrier settings and iOS.
Settings › General › About shows a carrier update prompt if available.
- 8
Reset network settings.
Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings.
- 9
Ask your carrier to reset voicemail.
They can reset your voicemail box and password.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my iPhone say Visual Voicemail is currently unavailable?
The iPhone cannot reach your carrier’s voicemail server, usually because cellular data is off or weak. Turn on cellular data, toggle Airplane Mode and try again.
How do I call my voicemail?
Open the Phone keypad and press and hold 1, or call your own number from your iPhone.
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