How to Change the Voicemail on a Samsung S21: A Complete Guide

Changing your voicemail greeting on your Samsung S21 is a simple process, but let’s break it down to ensure you’re projecting the right image to your callers. You can easily customize your voicemail directly from your phone’s dialer app, and the best thing is, it only takes a few minutes.

Here’s how to change your voicemail on a Samsung S21:

1. Open the Phone App: Locate and tap the phone icon on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Access the Voicemail Tab: At the bottom of the screen, you’ll typically see icons such as “Keypad,” “Recents,” and “Contacts.” Look for the “Voicemail” icon (often a cassette tape or a small square with a soundwave) and tap it. If you don’t see a dedicated Voicemail tab, there is another way, you will find it under the 3 dots menu.
3. Open the Voicemail Settings: Once you’re in the voicemail section, find the settings menu. This is usually represented by three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Tap on it. A menu will appear, listing various options.
4. Select Voicemail Settings: In the menu, look for an option like “Settings,” “Voicemail Settings,” or something similar. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your carrier and Android version.
5. Change Voicemail Greeting: Within the Voicemail Settings, you should find an option related to your greeting. This might be labeled “Voicemail Greeting,” “Greeting Setup,” or “Record Greeting.” Tap on it.
6. Choose Greeting Type: You’ll likely have two options: “Default Greeting” and “Custom Greeting.”
   • Default Greeting: This uses a generic, automated greeting provided by your carrier. It’s usually your phone number spoken in a robotic voice.
   • Custom Greeting: This allows you to record your own personalized message. Select this option if you want to create a unique greeting.
7. Record Your New Greeting: If you chose “Custom Greeting,” tap the “Record” or “Record New Greeting” button. The phone app will begin recording. Speak clearly and concisely into the phone’s microphone. Most people aim to get the wording right before they record. Some people write the wording out on a sheet of paper so they don’t get nervous and say “um”. Try to keep the greeting short and to the point.
8. Stop and Review: Once you’re finished recording, tap the “Stop” button. You should then have the option to “Play” or “Review” your recording. Listen to it carefully to ensure it sounds clear, professional, and exactly how you want it.
9. Save or Re-Record: If you’re happy with your recording, tap “Save,” “Set as Greeting,” or a similar option. If you’re not satisfied, tap “Re-record” and repeat steps 7 and 8 until you get the perfect greeting.
10. Confirmation: Your phone should display a confirmation message indicating that your voicemail greeting has been successfully updated.

That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your voicemail greeting on your Samsung S21. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to address any lingering concerns and provide additional tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I access voicemail settings if I don’t see a Voicemail tab?

Sometimes, the Voicemail tab is missing. In this case, open the Phone app, tap the three dots menu (usually in the upper right corner), and select “Settings.” Then, look for “Voicemail” or “Voicemail Settings” within the settings menu. From there, you should be able to access the greeting options.

My Samsung S21 says “Visual Voicemail is not supported.” What does this mean?

This message usually indicates that your mobile carrier doesn’t support Visual Voicemail on your specific plan or in your region. Visual Voicemail allows you to see a list of your voicemails and play them in any order, without having to dial a voicemail number. If you see this message, you’ll likely need to access your voicemails by dialing your voicemail number directly (usually by pressing and holding the “1” key on your dialer). Also, check with your carrier if Visual Voicemail is a feature you can add to your plan.

How do I delete a voicemail on my Samsung S21?

Deleting a voicemail is usually straightforward. If you have Visual Voicemail, simply tap the voicemail you want to delete and look for a “Delete” icon (usually a trash can). If you access your voicemail by dialing your voicemail number, follow the prompts provided by the automated system. Typically, there will be an option to delete the current message.

Can I have different voicemail greetings for different contacts?

Unfortunately, Samsung S21 phones don’t natively support setting different voicemail greetings for different contacts. This is a feature that’s more common in business phone systems. However, some third-party apps claim to offer this functionality, so you might want to explore those options in the Google Play Store, but be wary of their data privacy policies.

My voicemail greeting keeps reverting to the default. How can I fix this?

This issue can be frustrating. Here are a few things to try:

• Ensure the greeting is properly saved: Double-check that you followed all the steps and that the greeting was successfully saved.
• Restart your phone: A simple restart can sometimes resolve glitches.
• Check your carrier settings: Contact your mobile carrier to ensure there are no issues with your voicemail service.
• Clear cache and data: Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Storage and tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.” Note that clearing data might reset some of your phone app settings.
• Update your software: Make sure your phone is running the latest software version.

How long should my voicemail greeting be?

Keep it short and sweet. Aim for a greeting that’s no longer than 15-20 seconds. Callers are less likely to leave a message if they have to listen to a lengthy greeting.

What should I say in my voicemail greeting?

A good voicemail greeting should include the following:

• Your name: “Hi, this is [Your Name].”
• A brief statement: “I’m unable to answer the phone right now.”
• Instructions: “Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call as soon as possible.”
• Optional: “Thank you.”

Can I record my voicemail greeting in a different language?

Yes, you can! Just record your custom greeting in the language of your choice. However, keep in mind that the automated system prompts will still be in the default language of your carrier.

How do I know if someone has left me a voicemail?

Your phone will usually display a voicemail notification in the notification bar. You might also see a voicemail icon on the phone app icon. Some carriers also send text message notifications when you receive a voicemail.

Can I download my voicemail messages?

With Visual Voicemail, you can often download your voicemail messages as audio files (e.g., .mp3 or .wav). Look for a “Download” or “Save” option when viewing the voicemail. If you access your voicemail by dialing your voicemail number, this feature might not be available.

Is there a fee for using voicemail?

Voicemail service is usually included in your mobile phone plan. However, some carriers may charge for exceeding a certain storage limit or for international voicemail access. Check with your carrier for details.

I’m traveling internationally. Will my voicemail still work?

Yes, your voicemail should still work while you’re traveling internationally, but roaming charges might apply. Check with your carrier to understand the costs associated with accessing your voicemail while abroad. You may also want to consider disabling voicemail while traveling to avoid unexpected charges.

By following these steps and addressing these FAQs, you should be well-equipped to manage your voicemail on your Samsung S21 effectively, ensuring you never miss an important message.