How to Set Up Voicemail on an Android Phone

Setting up your voicemail on an Android phone lets callers leave messages when you miss or screen a call. The easiest way to configure voicemail on an Android handset requires pressing the 1 button on the dial pad, entering a personal identification number (PIN), and recording a greeting. You may also want to set up a new voice inbox when you switch carriers.

Whether you’re using the keypad shortcut, the default app, or visual voicemail, here’s how to set up voicemail on an Android smartphone.

Quick Setup for Voicemail on Android

The simplest way to configure your Android voicemail uses the dial pad:

1. Head to the dialer app on your phone and long-press 1 on your keypad to launch your inbox.
2. Follow the audio prompts to configure your voicemail and create a PIN if needed.
3. Hang up when finished.

After that, fire up the phone app, select the dialer, then press and hold the 1 key to launch your voicemail. Reaching your messages using the dial screen works on most modern Android handsets (we tested on a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and Google Pixel 6 Pro).

Did you receive a voicemail from an unwanted caller? Learn how to block numbers on Android.

Using the default app for voicemail on Android

Select Android phones feature a standalone voicemail app. To discover your inbox, open the app drawer and search for Voicemail. Tap the app icon and follow the instructions to configure or access your voicemail.

Whether your phone sports a dedicated voicemail application depends on your device. For instance, my Samsung Galaxy S9+ includes a standalone app, while my Pixel 6 Pro relies entirely on the phone app.

How to Configure Visual Voicemail on Android

Many recent Android phones feature a visual voicemail app that lets you check your inbox without entering a PIN. Additionally, you can view information such as the call date and time, message length, phone number, and an optional transcript.

Here’s how to use visual voicemail on Android:

1. Open your phone app and tap Voicemail.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Choose Settings > Voicemail, then toggle on Visual Voicemail.
   Note: Enabling Voicemail transcription gives you a readable transcript.

In the visual voicemail menu, you’ll see options to change your PIN and record a new greeting, if needed.

Best visual voicemail apps for Android

Try a different app if your phone doesn’t include a visual voicemail option or you’re unsatisfied with the default version. Our favorite visual voicemail apps for Android include Voxist, Google Voice, and InstaVoice. You’ll also find carrier-specific visual voicemail apps from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cricket Wireless.

Best Android Phones

Generally, we recommend most Google Pixel devices and Samsung Galaxy handsets. Our favorite Android phones include the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy A53. You can snag a phone through your carrier, like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Likewise, most mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Visible, Mint Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile offer sweet device deals. Or, snag an unlocked Android phone for the freedom to carrier hop with ease.

Setting Up Voicemail on an Android Phone: FAQs

What number do I dial for voicemail?

To access your voicemail, press and hold the 1 key on your dial pad—no number necessary!

How do I activate my voicemail?

To activate your voicemail, access it by dialing 1 or using the voicemail app. Then, follow the audio prompts to add a PIN and record a personal greeting.

How do I record a new voicemail greeting?

To record a new greeting, you’ll need to access your voicemail via the app or by calling to reach the settings menu. On many Android smartphones, you can head to the Phone app > Voicemail tab > three-button menu > Settings > Voicemail > Voicemail Greeting.

Can I access my voicemail from a different phone?

Yes, you can access your voicemail from another phone by dialing your own phone number, then pressing the pound (#) key.

Where is the Voicemail app on my Android phone?

The voicemail app on many modern Android phones is in the phone app under the Voicemail tab. However, some handsets feature a standalone voicemail app found in the app drawer.

Is my voicemail number the same as my phone number?

No, your voicemail number isn’t the same as your phone number. However, you can access your inbox by calling your phone number from another phone line.