Back to previous page

Voice Mail

Detailed Voice Mail Instructions/Information

  1. How can I learn more about Voice Mail?

    Learn how to program and use your voice mail

    Note: Voice Mail may not be available in some areas. Voice Mailboxes not set up within 45 days will be cancelled. Your Verizon Wireless Voice Mailbox is not password protected until you create a password by following the set-up tutorial. Airtime and other charges will be incurred when using Voice Mail from your wireless phone. Mobile to Mobile Calling minutes do not apply to Voice Mail retrievals; you will be charged to maintain your connection to Voice Mail. Verizon Wireless is not liable for missed messages, or deletions of messages from your Voice Mailbox, even if you have saved them.

    Back to top

  2. Is there a way to access my Voice Mail messages without having to enter my password each time?

    Yes, by reformatting the Voice Mail number on your device to automatically include two pauses and your password. Once you’ve made this change, you won’t have to enter your password in order to listen to your Voice Mail messages.

    Refer to these device-specific steps for reformatting your device’s Voice Mail number.

    Back to top

  3. Is my voicemail safe?

    Technology makes things possible. Good things. And, some things that make us sit up and pay attention. Recent headlines about cell phone hacking and voicemail hacking bring into focus the importance of using passwords and security codes on your Verizon Wireless phone.   
     
    The privacy of customer information is important to Verizon, including  in the voicemail services we offer. That’s one of the reasons you’ll always need a password to access a Verizon Wireless voicemail account. You need it from the first time the account is activated, then every time, and from any phone, including your own device. There’s no default PIN, and hackers would have to guess or steal the password to access the account.
     
    Remember, you can help keep the information on your phone safe by choosing a strong password for voicemail and other accounts. Stay away from common number sequences or things like birthdays or street addresses.  Pick random sequences of numbers and change your passwords frequently. Make the technology work for you.

    Back to top

Setting Up From Your Wireless Handset

  1. How do I set up my Voice Mail?

    To set up your Voice Mail, press "*VM" (*86), then "SEND." Follow the set-up tutorial, which will walk you through selecting a password, and recording both a voice signature and greeting for your Voice Mailbox. Please note, if you press "*VM" (*86) and hear your own or a system greeting, press the # key to interrupt the greeting and follow the prompts to enter your password and retrieve your messages.

    Note: Voice Mail may not be available in some areas. Voice mailboxes not set up within 45 days will be cancelled. Your Verizon Wireless Voice Mailbox is not password protected until you create a password by following the steps listed above. Mobile to Mobile Calling minutes do not apply to Voice Mail retrievals. You will be charged to maintain your connection to Voice Mail.

    Back to top

Message Retrieval

  1. How do I access my Voice Mail to retrieve messages?

    To access your Voice Mail, press "*VM" (*86), then "SEND." Follow the prompts to enter your password and retrieve your messages. If you press "*VM" (*86) and hear your own or a system greeting, press the # key to interrupt the greeting and follow the prompts to enter your password and retrieve your messages.

    Prepay customers: To access your Voice Mail, press "*VM" (*86), then "SEND." Follow the prompts to enter your password and retrieve your messages. Airtime usage applies for Voice Mail setup and retrieval in most areas. If you press "*VM" (*86) and hear your own or a system greeting, press the # key to interrupt the greeting and follow the prompts to enter your password and retrieve your messages.

    Learn how to program and use your Voice Mail

    Note: Airtime and other charges will be incurred when using Voice Mail from your wireless phone. Mobile to Mobile Calling minutes do not apply to Voice Mail retrievals; you will be charged to maintain your connection to Voice Mail. Verizon Wireless is not liable for missed messages, or deletions of messages from your Voice mailbox, even if you have saved them.

    Back to top

  2. How do I retrieve my Voice Mail messages if I am not using my wireless phone or if I am outside the service area?

    To access your Voice mailbox outside the Verizon Wireless network or from any touchtone phone:

    1. Dial your 10-digit wireless number.
    2. Press # to interrupt your greeting.
    3. Enter your password, then press #.

    Back to top

  3. Why isn't my Voice Mail message indicator working?

    Your message indicator will not work if you are outside of the Verizon Wireless all-digital (1x) network, or if your message indicator is turned off. To verify that your Voice Mail message indicator is On:

    1. Access your Voice Mail.
    2. From the Main Menu, Press option "4" for Personal Options.
    3. Press "1" for Message Waiting Indicator On/Off.

    Back to top

Password Reset

  1. If I forget my Voice Mail password, how can I get it reset?

    • There are several ways to reset your Voice Mail password:
      1. If you are already registered for My Verizon, Sign In and select "Home." Under I Want To…, select "More Actions."  Below Device, choose "Change Voice Mail Password." From there, you will be able to select a new Voice Mail password or reset your existing one.

        If you are a Verizon Wireless customer and have not previously registered for My Verizon, please Register. After you have completed the requested information, you will be able to perform your Voice Mail password selection or reset online.
      2. From your wireless handset: press "*611," then "SEND" (airtime-free) or call (800) 922-0204 (toll free) from any phone to reach the easy-to-use automated customer service menu. Select option "2" to reset your Voice Mail password, and then press "1" when prompted for the password reset menu. You will be asked to enter your 5-digit billing zip code. Follow the prompts for security verification and resetting the password.
    • Prepay customers Voice Mail reset:
        From your wireless handset, press "
    *611
        ," then "
    SEND
      " (airtime free) to reach one of our service centers, or call (866) 837-3387 from any phone to reach Prepay Customer Service.

    Learn how to program and use your voice mail

    Note:     Your Verizon Wireless Voice Mailbox is not password protected until you create a password by following the steps listed above.

    Back to top

Time Saving Tips

  1. When I call another Verizon Wireless subscriber and get their Voice Mail, is there a way that I can skip right to the beep to leave my message faster?

    Yes, there is a way to skip right to the beep to leave your message faster. When you call most Verizon Wireless subscribers, press the * key when you hear their message begin to play, and then leave your message.

    Back to top

  2. Are there Time Saving Tips for checking my Voice Mail?

    Yes. See the Time Saving Tips Chart below.

    While listening to a message, press:

     1 = Rewind   6 = Faster 
     1 - 1 =  Rewind to beginning of message  7 = Delete Message
     2 = Pause   9 = Save Message 
     3 = Fast Forward   * = Cancel/Exit 
     3- 3 = Fast Forward to end of message   0 = Help 
     4 = Slower   # = Finish/Skip
     5 = Envelope Info (date/time message was sent)   

    After listening to a message, press:

     6 = Forward**   9 = Save
     7 = Delete  0 = Help
     8 = Reply**  

    **Forward/Reply only works with other Verizon Wireless Voice Mail subscribers in your own area.

    Back to top

Former Alltel Subscribers

  1. I'm an Alltel customer. How is my voice mail going to change?

    To learn more about how your voice mail is going to change, please visit www.vzw.com/alltelvm

    Back to top

Voice Mail Archival

  1. Can I retrieve deleted Voice Mail messages?

    No, once a Voice Mail has been erased, the message is permanently deleted from the Voice Mail network.

    Back to top

  2. Can I have a permanent copy made of a Voice Mail message?

    Yes, permanent copies of your Voice Mail messages can be made in many ways but you can have CBW Productions, Inc. make a copy for you at a minimal fee. Go to CBW Productions and select the format you wish to use for your message archive. This is not a Verizon Wireless service and before any Voice Mail Messages can be copied, you must register with CBW. 

    If you do not have Internet access, you can contact CBW directly and place a phone order Monday through Thursday between 9am - 5pm EST and Friday 10am - 4pm at (800) 770-8046 or (877) 244-3222.

    Please note: In order to have a copy of your message(s) made, you will be asked to provide CBW Productions, Inc. with your mobile phone number and Voice Mail password so they can access your mailbox. The message(s) you wish to have copied MUST still be present in your Voice Mailbox. If a message has already been deleted, it cannot be retrieved or copied. Your Voice Mail messages cannot be enhanced; therefore, any copies will be exactly what you hear in your mailbox; if the message that was left for you is garbled, the copy of the message will be as well. This archival service is not available for SMS (text) messages. CBW also provides Notary services for VM messages that are being archived.

    Back to top

  3. How much does it cost to have a message copied?

    Messages Saved as MP3 Files and Delivered via E-mail*

    Cost = $10.00 for the first message, and $5.00 for each additional message.

    *Due to firewall restrictions, etc., there is a limit of 10 messages per mobile phone number, and no more than 10 minutes recording time, per month for MP3 delivery. Orders will be processed within 5 business days from the time that the order is placed, excluding weekends and all holidays.

    Messages Saved to CD or Cassette

    From the time you place your order, your CD or cassette will be recorded and shipped to you within 5 business days, excluding weekends and all holidays.

     Number of Messages 

    Cost 

     1-3

     $18.00

     4-6

     $28.00

     7-10

     $38.00

     11-21

     $53.00

     22

    $58.00

     Each additional message above 22 messages

    $5.00

     

    Additional Information:

    • All prices listed above include CD or cassette tape and do not include shipping. USPS First Class mail with Delivery Confirmation, USPS Priority Mail, USPS Express Mail & FedEx is available upon request and requires additional shipping charges.
    • There is no longer a limit on how many messages we can record for a customer.
    • Maximum recording time per cassette is 50 minutes; for CD is 60 minutes.
    • Message recordings in excess of 60 minutes will incur additional processing fees of $100 per hour (billed in 15-minute increments).
    • Notary letters = $20 per order (one notarized letter will be sent and will cover all messages archived as part of that order).
    • Rush service is available for an additional cost of $20.00 which will place your order to be the next in line to be recorded, rush delivery options are also available for an additional cost.

    Back to top

Visual Voice Mail

  1. What is the difference between Basic, Visual, and Premium Voice Mail?

    To compare Voice Mail services, please see the Voice Mail Comparisons page.

    Back to top

  2. How do I sign up for Visual Voice Mail?

    There are 3 ways to sign up: 

    • Add the feature through My Verizon by selecting "My Plan" and then "Add/change features."
    • Go to the "Messaging" menu, select "Visual Voicemail," and follow the prompts to subscribe.
    • Call Customer Service at (800) 922-0204 or *611 from your mobile device. 
    Once you have added the feature, your voice mailbox will automatically be converted to the new feature set.

    Back to top

  3. What happens to my messages when I upgrade from Basic to Visual Voice Mail?

    Existing messages will be transferred.

    Back to top

  4. What happens when I change from Visual Voice Mail to Basic Voice Mail?

    When moving from Visual Voice Mail to Basic, you will lose any custom greetings; however, your standard greetings will remain.

    Back to top

  5. Can I archive a Visual Voice Mail message onto my phone?

    To archive message to handset, simply open the Voice Mail application, choose the message you want archive and select "Save Copy."  The message will be archived to the phone’s memory (may vary by handset type).

    Back to top