iPhone Voicemail Not Working? 13 Tips to Fix the Issue 2024

Having a reliable voicemail system is essential for effective communication, especially in today’s fast-paced world. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when your iPhone voicemail stops working. There are various reasons why this issue may occur, ranging from simple settings misconfigurations to more complex network or software problems. Fortunately, by following the tips outlined below, you can troubleshoot and resolve the problem in no time.

Why is Voicemail Not Working on My iPhone?

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand why your iPhone voicemail may not be working. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Availability: Ensure that your voicemail service is available in your region and supported by your carrier.
2. Misconfigured settings: Check if your voicemail is correctly set up on your iPhone.
3. Airplane mode: Sometimes, enabling and disabling Airplane mode can help resolve voicemail issues.
4. Phone app: Force killing the Phone app can refresh its settings and potentially fix any glitches.
5. Cellular service: Turning off and on your cellular service can help reestablish a connection with your carrier.
6. Call forwarding: Make sure call forwarding is disabled, as it can interfere with your voicemail.
7. Time zone and date/time: Incorrect time settings can affect voicemail delivery. Ensure your time zone is correct and set the date and time automatically.
8. Carrier settings: Updating your carrier settings to the latest version can resolve compatibility issues.
9. Voicemail password: Resetting your voicemail password can help if it has been forgotten or corrupted.
10. Network settings: Resetting network settings can resolve any network-related issues that may be affecting your voicemail.
11. Carrier assistance: If all else fails, reach out to your carrier for assistance in troubleshooting the issue.
12. Reset all settings: Resetting all settings on your iPhone can be a last resort to fix complex software-related problems.
13. Software update: Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is crucial for resolving any bugs or compatibility issues.

Check Out the Availability

The first step in troubleshooting your iPhone voicemail is to check if voicemail service is available in your area and supported by your carrier. Different carriers may have different voicemail services and policies, so it’s important to verify this information with your carrier’s website or customer support. Additionally, make sure you have an active voicemail plan or add-on enabled on your account.

Ensure That Voicemail is Set Up Perfectly on Your iPhone

To ensure that voicemail is set up correctly on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the “Voicemail” tab located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. If prompted, enter your voicemail password.
4. If you haven’t set up your voicemail yet, follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
5. If your voicemail is already set up, ensure that all the settings, such as greetings and notifications, are configured correctly.

Turn Off/On Airplane Mode

Enabling and disabling Airplane mode can sometimes refresh your iPhone’s network settings and resolve voicemail issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhone models).
2. Tap the Airplane mode icon to enable it. Wait for a few seconds and then tap it again to disable it. Alternatively, you can go to “Settings” > “Airplane Mode” and toggle the switch.

Force Kill Phone App

Force killing the Phone app can help refresh its settings and potentially fix any glitches that might be causing the voicemail problem. Follow these steps to force kill the Phone app:

1. Double-click the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom on iPhones without a Home button) to open the app switcher.
2. Swipe left or right to find the Phone app.
3. Swipe up on the Phone app’s preview to force close it.
4. Wait for a few seconds, then relaunch the Phone app.

Turn Off/On Cellular Service

Turning off and on your cellular service can help reestablish a connection with your carrier, which may resolve voicemail issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
2. Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” (the label may vary depending on your iOS version).
3. Toggle the switch next to “Cellular Data” or “Mobile Data” to turn it off.
4. Wait for a few seconds, then toggle the switch back on.

Ensure that Call Forwarding is Disabled

Call forwarding can interfere with your voicemail by redirecting incoming calls elsewhere. To ensure call forwarding is disabled, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
2. Tap “Phone”.
3. Tap “Call Forwarding”.
4. If the switch next to “Call Forwarding” is enabled, tap it to disable it.

Reset Time Zone/Set Date & Time Automatically

Incorrect time settings can affect voicemail delivery. To ensure your time zone is correct and set the date and time automatically, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
2. Tap “General”.
3. Tap “Date & Time”.
4. Toggle the switch next to “Set Automatically” to enable it.

Update Carrier Settings

Updating your carrier settings to the latest version can resolve compatibility issues and improve voicemail functionality. Here’s how you can update carrier settings on your iPhone:

1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
2. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
3. Tap “General”.
4. Tap “About”. If an update is available, you will see a prompt to update your carrier settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to update.

Reset Voicemail Password

If you have forgotten your voicemail password or suspect it may be corrupted, resetting it can help resolve the issue. The process may vary depending on your carrier, so it’s best to contact them for specific instructions on how to reset your voicemail password.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve any network-related issues that may be affecting your voicemail. Keep in mind that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings from your iPhone. To reset network settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
2. Tap “General”.
3. Scroll down and tap “Reset”.
4. Tap “Reset Network Settings” and enter your passcode if prompted.
5. Confirm the reset by tapping “Reset Network Settings” again.

Contact Your Carrier

If none of the previous steps have resolved your voicemail issue, it’s time to reach out to your carrier for assistance. Contact their customer support and explain the problem you’re facing. They will guide you through further troubleshooting steps or escalate the issue if necessary.

Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPhone can be a last resort to fix complex software-related problems, including voicemail issues. Keep in mind that this will erase your personalized settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords and display settings. To reset all settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
2. Tap “General”.
3. Scroll down and tap “Reset”.
4. Tap “Reset All Settings” and enter your passcode if prompted.
5. Confirm the reset by tapping “Reset All Settings” again.

Update Software

Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is crucial for resolving any bugs or compatibility issues that may be causing voicemail problems. To update your iPhone’s software, follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
3. Tap “General”.
4. Tap “Software Update”. If an update is available, you will see a prompt to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your software.