To access voicemail on Android, open the Phone app and look for the voicemail tab or icon. If visual voicemail is supported by your carrier and device, you can tap that tab to see a list of your messages; otherwise, you will need to dial your voicemail number to listen to them.
How to access voicemail on Android: the quickest way
The fastest method is to use the visual voicemail feature built into the Phone app. Google says to open the Phone app, tap More options (the three dots at the top right), then go to Settings > Voicemail, and turn on Visual voicemail if your carrier and country or region support it. Once enabled, your voicemail messages appear directly in the app as a list you can tap to play, rather than requiring you to call in.
Dial your voicemail number when visual voicemail isn't available
If visual voicemail is not offered by your carrier or in your region, the fallback method is to dial into your voicemail. Open the Phone app, tap the keypad icon, and dial your own mobile number. When the call connects, press * or # to bypass your greeting, then enter your voicemail password. This method works on any Android phone and is useful for setting up and managing voicemail when the visual interface is not an option. You can dial your own mobile number to access voicemail if the voicemail icon is missing.
Use a carrier visual voicemail app
Some carriers provide their own visual voicemail apps, which you can download from the Google Play Store. Examples include apps from AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi, O2, and Orange. Support for these apps is carrier-specific, and they may require a data plan that includes visual voicemail access. After installing the app, follow the setup instructions to connect it to your voicemail service.
What you need for visual voicemail to work
Visual voicemail on Android requires a few things to be in place. Your device should be running Android 6.0 or newer, as that version introduced the dialer framework for compatible carrier services. Your carrier must offer visual voicemail support, and your data plan must include access to it. Not all carriers or countries or regions offer this feature, so check with your provider if you are unsure. Freedom Mobile says visual voicemail is compatible with iPhone 5s or newer with carrier bundle 32.1 or above, and with Google Pixel 2 or newer using the Phone by Google app version 53 or newer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I forgot my voicemail password?
If you have forgotten your voicemail password, you will need to contact your carrier’s customer support. They can guide you through the steps to reset it and regain access to your messages.
Can I customize my voicemail greeting on Android?
Yes, you can customize your voicemail greeting. In the Phone app, go to the voicemail tab or settings, and look for options to record or change your greeting. The available options may vary depending on your carrier and Android version.
What should I do if the voicemail icon is missing from my Phone app?
If the voicemail icon or tab is not visible, visual voicemail may not be supported by your carrier or device. In that case, you can still access your messages by dialing your own mobile number, pressing * or # to bypass the greeting, and entering your voicemail password.
