Voicemail isn't working

Use this when voicemail was previously working and has stopped, or callers aren't being sent to voicemail when you don't answer.

Step 1 — Check your call forwarding settings

Voicemail works by forwarding unanswered calls to your voicemail service. If call forwarding has been changed, calls won't go to voicemail.

iPhone: Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding — confirm it's not forwarding all calls to another number

Android: Phone app → Settings → Calls → Call forwarding → check the When unanswered setting

Step 2 — Restart your device

Step 3 — Try dialing in directly

Hold the 1 key to dial voicemail directly. If you can connect this way but automatic routing isn't working, the issue is with call forwarding settings.

Step 4 — Update carrier settings (iPhone)

Settings → General → About — if a carrier settings update is available, accept it. Outdated carrier settings can break voicemail routing after an iOS update.

This article doesn't cover:

Set up voicemail →How do I set up or access voicemail?

Call forwarding →How do I set up call forwarding?