How to Set Up Voicemail on Android

To set up voicemail on most Android phones, open the Phone app, go to the keypad, and touch and hold 1. This calls your carrier’s voicemail. Follow the prompts to create a PIN, record a greeting, and record your name. Many phones also offer visual voicemail in Phone > Settings > Voicemail.

This guide covers first-time setup by phone, turning on visual voicemail in the Google Phone app and on Samsung Galaxy phones, voicemail transcripts, changing your greeting and PIN, and what to do when holding 1 doesn’t connect. Menus vary by phone maker and carrier, so the names on your phone may be slightly different.

Set up voicemail by calling your mailbox

These steps follow Google’s Phone app help and work on Pixel, Samsung, Motorola and most other Android phones.

Step 1: Open the keypad

Open the Phone app and tap Keypad (called Dialpad in the Google Phone app). If the keys beep and you would rather they stayed quiet, you can turn off dial pad tones on Android.

Result: the number pad appears.

Step 2: Touch and hold 1

Press and hold the 1 key until a call starts. If that doesn’t work, you can also dial your own phone number and wait for voicemail to answer.

Result: your phone calls your carrier’s voicemail system and a recorded voice starts the setup.

Step 3: Create a PIN

Follow the prompts to choose a voicemail PIN or password. Many carriers use 4 to 6 digits, but your carrier’s prompt tells you the exact rule.

Result: the system confirms your PIN. You’ll need it when you call voicemail from another phone.

Step 4: Record your name and greeting

Record your name if asked, then choose a default greeting or record your own. A default greeting usually reads out your number; a custom one plays whatever you record.

Result: setup is complete. Hang up, then call your number from another phone to test that callers reach your greeting.

Turn on visual voicemail

Visual voicemail shows your messages as a list, so you can play them in any order without calling in. It depends on your carrier and plan, and some carriers charge for it.

Google Phone app (Pixel and others)

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (three dots) at the top right.
3. Tap Settings > Voicemail.
4. Turn on Visual voicemail.

Result: a Voicemail tab appears at the bottom of the Phone app. Google lists carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Google Fi among those supported, and notes that using your carrier’s own voicemail app turns this feature off to avoid conflicts. If you see no Visual voicemail switch, your carrier may not support it in the Google Phone app.

Samsung Galaxy phones

1. Open the Visual Voicemail app (or tap its icon in the Phone app).
2. Tap Continue on the permissions screen.
3. Tap Allow, then follow any prompts to set a password and greeting.

Result: your messages appear in the app after a moment. On some carriers the app is the carrier’s own, such as a branded voicemail app.

Voicemail transcripts

With some carriers you can read a transcript instead of listening. In the Google Phone app go to More options > Settings > Voicemail and turn on Voicemail transcription. Google says transcription works in English and Spanish on Android 8.0 and up, and that turning it off deletes the transcripts and recordings from the Phone app.

Change your greeting or PIN later

• Visual voicemail: open the voicemail settings (Phone app > More options > Settings > Voicemail, or the Visual Voicemail app’s settings) and look for Greeting and Change PIN or Change password.
• Basic voicemail: touch and hold 1, enter your PIN, and choose the settings or personal options from the menu.
• Forgot your PIN? Your carrier can reset it, often through its app or website.

If holding 1 doesn’t work

1. Check the voicemail number. In the Google Phone app, go to Settings > Voicemail > Advanced settings. Google lists Setup (to set up your voice mailbox) and Service (which carrier handles voicemail) there. Names vary on other phones.
2. Call your own number from another phone and let it go to voicemail.
3. Make sure Service is set to your carrier. Google says notifications can stop working if you switched from a phone that listed voicemail in the Phone app, and suggests checking that “Your carrier” is selected under Service.
4. Contact your carrier. Voicemail may not be turned on for your line, especially on a new or prepaid plan.

Result: once voicemail is active on your line, holding 1 connects to the setup prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

I forgot my voicemail PIN. What now?

Your carrier can reset it, often through its app or website.

How do I check my voicemail?

Tap the voicemail notification, or touch and hold 1 on the keypad to call your mailbox. With visual voicemail, open the Phone app and tap Voicemail to see a list. See how to check voicemail on Android, and to delete old messages, how to clear voicemail on Android.

Does voicemail cost extra?

Basic voicemail is usually included. Some carriers charge for premium visual voicemail or transcription.

Can I change how long my phone rings before voicemail?

Often, yes, with a carrier code. See how to extend ring time on Android before voicemail.

Can I check voicemail from another phone?

Usually. Call your own number, and when voicemail answers, press * (on many carriers) and enter your PIN. The exact key depends on your carrier.