The fastest way is to call your own number and use your PIN
When you call your own phone number from a different phone, most carriers let you access your voicemail by pressing a key (usually 0 or *) or waiting for a prompt. You'll then enter your PIN — a security code you set up with your voicemail service. After you enter the PIN, you can listen to, delete, or save messages.
The exact steps depend on your carrier. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and regional carriers all use slightly different systems, but the core method is the same: call yourself, press the key to access voicemail, and enter your PIN. If you don't remember your PIN, you can reset it through your carrier's website or by calling customer service from your registered phone number.
This method works from any phone — a landline, another person's cell phone, a payphone, or a phone in a different country. You're charged for the call itself, but not for accessing your voicemail once you're in.
Key Takeaways
- Call your own phone number from another phone, then press 0 or * when prompted to enter voicemail.
- You'll need your PIN, which is a code you created when you set up voicemail on your account.
- If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through your carrier's website or by calling customer service from your own phone.
- This method works from any phone anywhere, though you pay for the call itself like any other call.
- Some carriers let you check voicemail through their app or website instead, without calling your number.
What to do if you don't know your PIN
If you've never set a PIN or you've forgotten it, you can reset it through your carrier's website. Log in with your account credentials, find the voicemail settings, and follow the steps to create a new PIN. Most carriers let you do this in under a minute.
If you don't have access to your account online, call your carrier's customer service from your registered phone number — the one associated with your voicemail. They can verify your identity and reset your PIN over the phone. You'll need to answer security questions or provide information like your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Using your carrier's app or website instead
Many carriers now let you listen to voicemail through their mobile app or website without calling your number. Verizon's app shows your voicemail inbox with a list of messages you can play directly. AT&T and T-Mobile offer similar features in their apps. This method is faster than calling and doesn't use your phone's minutes.
To use this option, download your carrier's app and log in with your account information. Look for a voicemail or messages section. Not all carriers offer this feature for all account types, so check your carrier's app to see if it's available to you.
Checking voicemail while traveling internationally
Calling your own number from another country works the same way, but the cost is different. You'll be charged international calling rates for the call to your home country, which can be expensive. A five-minute call from Europe to the United States, for example, might cost $2 to $5 depending on your carrier and the country you're calling from.
If you're traveling, using your carrier's app or website is cheaper because it uses data instead of a phone call. You can also ask your carrier about international voicemail plans or roaming packages that might lower the cost. Some carriers include voicemail access in their travel passes.
What happens if you enter your PIN wrong
Most systems let you try your PIN three times before the call disconnects. If you enter it wrong three times, you'll have to hang up and call back. There's no lockout period — you can try again immediately.
If you're locked out because you've tried too many times, or if the system won't accept your PIN even though you're sure it's correct, call your carrier's customer service. They can verify your identity and either reset your PIN or help you troubleshoot the problem.
Accessing voicemail from a work phone or borrowed phone
You can check your personal voicemail from any phone, including a work phone or a friend's phone. The process is the same: call your own number, press the key to enter voicemail, and enter your PIN. Your carrier doesn't know or care which phone you're calling from.
Keep in mind that if you're using a work phone, your employer may be able to see that you called your personal number, depending on how their phone system is set up. If privacy is a concern, use a personal phone or a phone you know is private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What key do I press to enter voicemail when I call my own number?
It's usually 0 or *, but it depends on your carrier. When you call your number, the system will prompt you with instructions. If nothing happens after a few seconds, try pressing 0. If that doesn't work, hang up and call your carrier's customer service line to ask what key to use.
Can I check my voicemail if I don't have a PIN?
No. Your PIN is required to access your voicemail from another phone. If you've never set one up, you'll need to create one through your carrier's website or by calling customer service from your registered phone number.
Will checking voicemail from another phone cost me anything?
You'll be charged for the phone call itself, just like any other call. Checking voicemail through your carrier's app or website uses data instead and doesn't cost extra if you have a data plan. International calls are charged at international rates.
What if my carrier's app doesn't show a voicemail option?
Not all carriers offer voicemail through their app. Call your carrier's customer service to ask if the feature is available for your account type. If it's not, calling your own number with your PIN is your only option.
Can someone else check my voicemail if they know my PIN?
Yes. Your PIN is the only thing protecting your voicemail, so keep it private. If you think someone knows your PIN, change it through your carrier's website or by calling customer service. Choose a PIN that's not easy to guess, like your birthday or a sequence of numbers.