To listen to your voicemail from another phone, dial your own mobile number, then press * or # when your voicemail greeting begins, and enter your voicemail password. This method works from any phone, landline, friend’s phone, or hotel phone, so you never miss a message even when your own device is unavailable.
How to listen to my voicemail from another phone: The complete, step-by-step method
- Dial your own mobile phone number from the other phone. Alternatively, you can dial your voicemail access number provided by your phone carrier instead of your own mobile number.
- Wait for your voicemail greeting to start playing.
- Press * or # to interrupt the greeting and bypass the recorded message.
- Enter your voicemail password when prompted.
- Follow the voice prompts to listen to your messages.
This is the standard method documented by Apple for checking voicemail from a different phone. The exact key you press, * or #, depends on your mobile carrier, as explained below.
Which key to press: * or #?
The key you press to interrupt your voicemail greeting is determined by your mobile carrier. Apple states that this requirement varies by carrier, so if pressing * does not work, try # instead, or contact your carrier to confirm which key is correct.
What you need before you start
You will need two things: your own mobile phone number and your voicemail password. If you have forgotten your voicemail password, contact your mobile carrier’s customer service to reset it. Without the password, you cannot access your messages from another phone.
How to access voicemail directly on an iPhone
When you have your iPhone with you, you can reach voicemail in two ways. In the Phone app, go to the Keypad and press and hold the 1 key. Alternatively, tap the Call Voicemail button on the Keypad screen. Both options connect you directly to your voicemail system without needing to dial your own number. To set up or change your voicemail password on iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Change Voicemail Password.
Troubleshooting access problems
If the steps do not work, first confirm with your carrier that voicemail is enabled on your plan. Some plans require voicemail to be added separately, and Visual Voicemail on iPhone may not function without carrier support. If Visual Voicemail cannot be set up, the carrier may need to confirm the plan supports the feature. If you are still unable to access voicemail from another phone, verify that you are entering the correct password and that your carrier uses the key (* or #) you are pressing to interrupt the greeting. Apple forum guidance for voicemail troubleshooting also includes resetting network settings via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
For more advanced voicemail management, such as setting up and managing voicemail, you can adjust your greeting, password, and notification preferences through your carrier’s system or your iPhone’s Settings app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need your voicemail password to listen from another phone?
Yes. Apple’s documented method requires you to enter your voicemail password after bypassing the greeting. Without it, you cannot access your messages.
Does the same key work for every carrier?
No. Apple states that the key used to interrupt the greeting, either * or #, depends on your mobile carrier. Check with your carrier or try the other key if the first one fails.
Can this be done on an iPhone without Visual Voicemail?
Yes. The method of dialing your number, pressing * or #, and entering your password works regardless of whether Visual Voicemail is enabled on your iPhone.
What if I forgot my voicemail password?
Contact your mobile carrier’s customer service. They can reset your voicemail password so you can access your messages from another phone.
Can I check voicemail from a different mobile carrier’s phone?
Yes. The process works from any phone, landline or mobile, regardless of carrier, as long as you dial your own number and enter your password correctly.
