How to Empty Voicemail on an iPhone: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re staring at that dreaded little red badge on your Phone app, a digital monument to unlistened-to voicemails. We’ve all been there. Emptying voicemail on an iPhone isn’t rocket science, but knowing the nuances can save you precious time and storage space.

Here’s the direct answer: To delete voicemail on your iPhone, open the Phone app, tap the Voicemail tab at the bottom right, select the voicemail message you want to delete, and tap the Delete button (trash can icon). For Visual Voicemail users, this removes the message permanently. If you don’t have Visual Voicemail, you’ll likely hear a prompt to delete the message after listening to it.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the strategies, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions that will turn you into a voicemail-vanquishing virtuoso.

The Voicemail Landscape: Visual vs. Non-Visual

The key to understanding voicemail on iPhone lies in distinguishing between Visual Voicemail and the older, more traditional non-Visual Voicemail.

• Visual Voicemail: This feature, offered by most modern carriers, presents your voicemails in a list format within the Phone app. You can see the caller ID, date, and time of each message, and you can listen to them in any order you choose. This makes deleting specific messages a breeze.
• Non-Visual Voicemail (Traditional Voicemail): This is the old-school system where you call a specific number (usually *86 or 1) to access your voicemail. You then navigate a series of prompts to listen to, save, or delete messages. It’s less convenient but still functional.

Your carrier determines which type of voicemail you have. Visual Voicemail typically requires an iPhone and a compatible cellular plan.

Step-by-Step: Deleting Voicemail with Visual Voicemail

This is the most common and straightforward method:

1. Open the Phone App: Tap the green phone icon on your home screen.
2. Tap the Voicemail Tab: Located at the bottom right of the screen. You’ll see a list of your voicemails (if you have any).
3. Select the Voicemail to Delete: Tap the message you want to remove.
4. Tap the Delete Button: A trash can icon will appear, usually near the bottom of the screen. Tap it.
5. Deleted Messages: The message is now moved to the “Deleted Messages” section (sometimes called “Recently Deleted”).

Permanently Deleting Voicemail from the “Deleted Messages” Folder

Even after tapping “Delete,” your voicemails aren’t truly gone. They sit in the “Deleted Messages” folder, taking up space and potentially containing sensitive information. To permanently remove them:

1. In the Voicemail Tab: Scroll to the bottom of the list.
2. Tap “Deleted Messages”: This opens the folder containing your recently deleted voicemails.
3. Tap “Clear All”: Located in the upper right corner.
4. Confirm Deletion: A pop-up will ask if you’re sure you want to permanently delete the messages. Tap “Clear All” again to confirm.

Important Note: Once you clear the “Deleted Messages” folder, the voicemails are gone forever. There’s no going back!

Deleting Voicemail Without Visual Voicemail

If you don’t have Visual Voicemail, you’ll need to use the traditional method:

1. Dial Your Voicemail Number: This is usually *86 or 1. Your carrier’s instructions will provide the correct number.
2. Enter Your PIN: If prompted, enter your voicemail PIN.
3. Follow the Prompts: Listen carefully to the automated instructions. You’ll typically hear options like “Press 1 to listen to new messages,” “Press 2 to save a message,” and “Press 7 to delete a message.”
4. Delete the Message: Follow the prompts to delete the message you’ve just listened to.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process for each voicemail you want to delete.

This method is less user-friendly, but it’s still a reliable way to manage your voicemail.

Troubleshooting Common Voicemail Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. Here are some common voicemail problems and how to fix them:

• Visual Voicemail Not Working: Ensure Visual Voicemail is provisioned on your account with your carrier. Try restarting your iPhone. Check for carrier settings updates (Settings > General > About).
• Voicemail Icon Not Clearing: After deleting all voicemails, the red badge might persist. Try restarting your iPhone. Sometimes, calling your voicemail and listening to any greetings will clear the notification.
• Can’t Access Voicemail: Check your cellular connection. If you’re traveling internationally, ensure you have the correct international dialing code.
• Forgotten Voicemail PIN: Contact your carrier’s customer support to reset your voicemail PIN.

FAQs: Your Voicemail Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your voicemail mastery:

1. Can I recover deleted voicemails on my iPhone?

Unfortunately, once you’ve cleared the “Deleted Messages” folder or deleted voicemails through the traditional method, they are generally unrecoverable. Some third-party data recovery tools might be able to help in specific circumstances, but success is not guaranteed.

2. How do I change my voicemail greeting on iPhone?

Open the Phone app, tap the Voicemail tab, and tap Greeting. You can then choose to record a new custom greeting or use the default greeting. Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Is Visual Voicemail free?

Visual Voicemail is typically included as part of your cellular plan with most major carriers. However, it’s always best to confirm with your carrier to avoid any unexpected charges.

4. How do I forward a voicemail from my iPhone?

You cannot directly forward a voicemail using the built-in iPhone features. However, you can record the voicemail using a screen recording app and then share the recording. Be mindful of privacy concerns and legal considerations before sharing anyone’s voicemail.

5. How much storage space does voicemail use on my iPhone?

Voicemail messages are typically stored by your carrier, not directly on your iPhone’s storage. However, the Visual Voicemail interface and metadata (caller ID, date, time) do take up a small amount of space. Regularly clearing your voicemails helps keep things tidy.

6. Why is my voicemail full even though I deleted messages?

This can happen if you haven’t cleared the “Deleted Messages” folder or if your carrier has a limit on the number of messages you can store, even in the deleted state. Clear the “Deleted Messages” folder and contact your carrier if the issue persists.

7. Can I save voicemails from my iPhone to my computer?

Yes, you can use third-party apps or software to extract voicemails from your iPhone and save them to your computer as audio files. These apps often require connecting your iPhone to your computer via USB.

8. How do I disable voicemail on my iPhone?

You cannot directly disable voicemail through your iPhone’s settings. You need to contact your carrier and request that they disable voicemail service on your account.

9. What does “Voicemail Unavailable” mean on my iPhone?

This usually indicates a problem with your cellular connection or a temporary issue with your carrier’s voicemail service. Try restarting your iPhone and checking your network connection. If the problem persists, contact your carrier.

10. Can I use a third-party voicemail app instead of the iPhone’s built-in voicemail?

Yes, there are alternative voicemail apps available on the App Store. However, their functionality and integration with your carrier may vary. Read reviews carefully before choosing an app. Some apps will use voicemail-to-text service and allow you to read your voicemails.

11. How do I know if someone left me a voicemail if I didn’t get a notification?

Periodically check the Phone app for the red badge on the Voicemail tab. You can also call your voicemail number to check for new messages.

12. What is the difference between blocking a number and preventing them from leaving a voicemail?

Blocking a number prevents them from calling or texting you. However, depending on your carrier, they may still be able to leave a voicemail. To completely prevent someone from leaving a voicemail, you may need to contact your carrier to explore additional blocking options. Some carriers allow you to completely block a number from accessing your voicemail system.

By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of voicemail on your iPhone, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your messages effectively and keep that red badge at bay! Now go forth and conquer your voicemail inbox!