The basic steps depend on your phone type and carrier

To change your voicemail password, call your voicemail system from your phone, navigate to settings, and enter a new password. The exact steps vary depending on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or a landline, and which carrier provides your service. Most carriers let you change your password through the voicemail menu itself without needing to contact customer support.

You will need to know your current voicemail password to make the change. If you have forgotten it, you will need to contact your carrier's customer service line to reset it first — they can verify your identity and send you a temporary password by text or email.

Key Takeaways

  • Most voicemail systems let you change your password by calling your voicemail number, pressing a menu option for settings or preferences, and following the prompts to enter a new password.
  • iPhone users with carrier voicemail can change their password through the Phone app's Voicemail tab, while Android users typically access settings through the Phone or Messages app.
  • Your new password usually needs to be a four to six digit number, though some carriers allow longer passwords with letters and numbers.
  • If you forget your current password, contact your carrier's customer service — they will verify your identity and reset it for you.

Changing your password on iPhone

Open the Phone app and tap the Voicemail tab in the bottom right corner. Tap the gear icon or "Settings" option, then look for "Change Voicemail Password" or "Voicemail Settings." Enter your current password when prompted, then type your new password twice to confirm it.

If you do not see a settings option in the Voicemail tab, call your voicemail number directly. Press the key for voicemail settings or preferences — usually the asterisk (*) or a number like 4 or 5 — then follow the prompts to change your password. The exact menu structure depends on your carrier.

Changing your password on Android

Open the Phone app or Messages app, depending on which one handles voicemail on your device. Look for a Voicemail tab or icon, then tap the three-dot menu or settings icon. Select "Voicemail Settings" or "Change Password," enter your current password, and type your new password twice.

If your phone does not have a built-in voicemail settings menu, call your voicemail number directly. Listen for the menu option for settings or preferences, press the corresponding number or symbol, and follow the voice prompts to change your password. Some Android phones use Google Voice for voicemail instead of carrier voicemail — if so, you change the password through your Google account settings, not through the phone's voicemail system.

Calling your voicemail system directly

If you cannot find the settings option in your phone's app, you can always change your password by calling your voicemail number. Press and hold the 1 key on your phone's keypad to dial voicemail automatically, or manually dial the number your carrier provided when you set up voicemail.

When you reach the voicemail menu, listen for an option like "Settings," "Preferences," "Personal Options," or "Manage Your Account." Press the corresponding number or symbol — often 4, 5, or * — then select the option to change your password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm. The system will tell you if your new password meets the requirements.

Password requirements and best practices

Most carriers require voicemail passwords to be four to six digits long and contain only numbers. Some carriers allow longer passwords with letters and numbers, which are harder to guess. Check your carrier's requirements when you create your new password — the system will reject it if it does not meet the rules.

Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess, like your birth year, the last four digits of your phone number, or a sequence like 1234. If someone knows your phone number, they may be able to guess a simple password and access your voicemail. A random four or six digit number is more secure than a pattern or date.

What to do if you forgot your password

If you cannot remember your current voicemail password, you cannot change it through the voicemail menu — the system will ask for your current password first. Contact your carrier's customer service line instead. You can find the number on your phone bill, on your carrier's website, or by calling directory assistance.

When you call, tell the representative that you forgot your voicemail password. They will verify your identity by asking for your phone number, account PIN, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened your account. Once verified, they can reset your password to a temporary one and send it to you by text message or email. You can then log into your voicemail and change it to a password you will remember.

Changing your password on a landline

If you have voicemail through a landline, call your voicemail number from your phone. Press the key for settings or preferences — usually 4, 5, or * — then select the option to change your password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. The process is the same as on a mobile phone.

Some landline voicemail systems are older and may not have a self-service password change option. If you cannot find a settings menu after calling voicemail, contact your landline provider's customer service. They can reset your password over the phone or walk you through the steps if the menu structure is different from standard systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use letters in my voicemail password?

Most carriers require voicemail passwords to be numbers only, usually four to six digits. Some newer systems allow longer passwords with letters and numbers, but you will need to check your carrier's specific rules. The voicemail system will tell you if your password does not meet the requirements when you try to set it.

How long does it take for my new password to work?

Your new voicemail password takes effect immediately after you confirm it in the system. You can use it the next time you call voicemail or when someone tries to access your voicemail remotely.

What if I change my password but it still does not work?

Wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the system needs a moment to update. If it still does not work, call your carrier's customer service to make sure the password change went through. There may be a technical issue with your voicemail system that requires their help to fix.

Do I need to change my voicemail password regularly?

There is no requirement to change your voicemail password on a set schedule, but changing it occasionally — such as once or twice a year — is a good security practice. If you think someone may know your password, change it right away.