Have you ever found yourself locked out of your voicemail because you forgot the password? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Forgetting a voicemail password is a common issue that many phone users face. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of resetting your voicemail password and regaining access to your messages, regardless of your device or carrier.
Understanding Voicemail Passwords
Before we dive into the reset process, let’s quickly review what voicemail passwords are and why they’re important.
A voicemail password, also known as a PIN (Personal Identification Number), is a security measure used to protect your voicemail messages from unauthorized access. This password is typically a 4-6 digit number that you must enter before you can listen to your messages.
Voicemail passwords are crucial for several reasons:
- They protect your privacy by preventing others from accessing your personal messages
- They secure potentially sensitive information left in voicemails
- They help prevent unauthorized changes to your voicemail settings
Despite their importance, it’s easy to forget your voicemail password, especially if you don’t access your voicemail frequently. Common reasons for forgetting include:
- Setting a complex password that’s hard to remember
- Not using the voicemail system for an extended period
- Changing phones or carriers and forgetting to update the password
Regardless of why you’ve forgotten your password, the good news is that there are several ways to reset it and regain access to your voicemail.
Resetting Voicemail Password on Android Devices
If you’re using an Android device, you have several options for resetting your voicemail password:
1. Using the Phone App Settings

- Open the Phone app on your Android device
- Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner to access the menu
- Go to Settings > Voicemail
- Select “Change PIN” or “Change password“
- Enter your current password (if you remember it)
- Enter and confirm your new password
2. Carrier-Specific Codes for Quick Reset
Some carriers offer quick reset codes you can dial directly from your phone. For example:
- T-Mobile users can dial #793# to reset their voicemail password to the last four digits of their phone number
- Other carriers may have similar codes – check with your specific provider for details
3. Visual Voicemail App Method
If you use a Visual Voicemail app:
- Open the Visual Voicemail app
- Tap the menu icon (usually three dots or lines)
- Go to Settings
- Look for an option to change your password or PIN
- Follow the prompts to set a new password
Note: If you’re experiencing issues with Visual Voicemail, such as the “Visual Voicemail is currently unavailable” error, you may need to troubleshoot your Visual Voicemail before attempting to reset your password.
Resetting Voicemail Password on iPhones
iPhone users also have multiple options for resetting their voicemail passwords:
1. Using iPhone Settings

- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap “Phone“
- Select “Change Voicemail Password“
- Enter your new password and confirm it
If you notice that the voicemail icon is missing on your iPhone, you may need to address this issue before you can reset your password.
2. Contacting Your Carrier
If you can’t reset your password through settings, contacting your carrier is often the most reliable method for iPhone users:
- Call your carrier’s customer service number (often available by dialing 611 from your iPhone)
- Request assistance with resetting your voicemail password
- Follow the representative’s instructions to complete the reset process
3. Visual Voicemail App for iPhones
Similar to Android, if you use the Visual Voicemail feature on your iPhone:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the Voicemail tab
- Tap “Greeting” or “Set up now” if you haven’t used Visual Voicemail before
- Follow the prompts to create a new password
If you’re having trouble with your iPhone going straight to voicemail, you may need to troubleshoot this issue before resetting your voicemail password.
Carrier-Specific Instructions for Resetting Voicemail Passwords
Different carriers have their own processes for resetting voicemail passwords. Here are instructions for some major carriers:
Verizon

- Dial *611 from your Verizon phone
- Say “reset voicemail password” when prompted
- Follow the automated instructions to reset your password
Alternatively, use the My Verizon app or website to reset your password under account settings.
If you’re experiencing issues with Verizon voicemail not working, you may need to troubleshoot these problems before resetting your password.
AT&T

- Go to att.com and log into your account
- Navigate to My Devices & add-ons
- Select “Reset voicemail password” under Device options & settings
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset
You can also call 611 from your AT&T phone for assistance.
T-Mobile

- Dial #793# from your T-Mobile phone
- Your voicemail password will be reset to the last four digits of your phone number
- Call your voicemail and use this temporary password to set a new one
Sprint

- Visit sprint.com and log into your account
- Go to My Preferences
- Look for the option to change your voicemail passcode
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password
Other Carriers
For other carriers like Tracfone, Cricket, or regional providers, check their website or call their customer service for specific instructions on resetting your voicemail password.
Best Practices for Managing Your Voicemail Password
To avoid future issues with forgetting your voicemail password, consider these best practices:
- Create a strong but memorable password: Use a combination of numbers that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid obvious choices like birthdates or sequential numbers.
- Regularly update your password: Change your voicemail password periodically, such as every 3-6 months, to enhance security.
- Use a password manager: Consider using a secure password manager app to store your voicemail password along with your other important passwords.
- Write it down securely: If you must write down your password, store it in a secure location, not in your phone case or wallet.
- Use a mnemonic device: Create a phrase or pattern that helps you remember your password, such as using the corresponding letters on a phone keypad to spell a word.
Troubleshooting Common Voicemail Password Issues
Even with these instructions, you might encounter some issues when trying to reset your voicemail password:
- Can’t remember current password: If you can’t remember your current password and the reset options aren’t working, contacting your carrier directly is often the best solution.
- Password reset not working: Ensure you’re following the correct steps for your specific device and carrier. If problems persist, contact your carrier’s customer support.
- Issues accessing voicemail after reset: After resetting your password, you may need to wait a short period before the new password becomes active. If you still can’t access your voicemail after 24 hours, contact your carrier.
FAQs About Voicemail Passwords
- Can I access my voicemail without a password? Generally, no. Voicemail passwords are a security measure to protect your messages from unauthorized access.
- Will resetting my voicemail password delete my messages? In most cases, no. However, it’s always a good idea to save any important messages before resetting your password, just in case. If you’ve accidentally deleted important voicemails, you might be able to recover deleted voicemail on iPhone.
- How long does it take to reset a voicemail password? The time can vary depending on your method and carrier. Using phone settings or quick codes can be almost instant, while going through customer service might take a few minutes to an hour.
- Is it safe to use the same password for multiple accounts? It’s generally not recommended. Using unique passwords for different accounts enhances your overall security.
- Can I use letters in my voicemail password? Most voicemail systems only allow numerical passwords. However, some visual voicemail apps might allow alphanumeric passwords.
- Can I leave a voicemail without calling? Yes, there are ways to leave a voicemail without calling. This can be useful in certain situations, such as when you don’t want to disturb someone but need to leave an important message.
Key Takeaways
- Forgetting your voicemail password is common, but there are several ways to reset it.
- The reset process varies depending on your device (Android or iPhone) and carrier.
- Most carriers offer online, app-based, or phone-based methods to reset your voicemail password.
- Creating a strong, memorable password and managing it securely can prevent future issues.
- If you’re unable to reset your password using the provided methods, contacting your carrier’s customer support is your best option.
Remember, your voicemail password is an important security measure. By following these instructions and best practices, you can ensure that you always have access to your voicemail while keeping your messages secure.