Voicemail
Voicemail, or message recording, is a feature that stores incoming calls when you aren’t able to answer. Below, we’ll explain how the service works for both mobiles and landlines, how to listen to your stored messages, and what to do if you need to deactivate the service.
How do you access mobile voicemail?
If you sign up for a mobile plan, the service should be activated automatically when you receive your new phone or download your eSIM. If you’ve purchased a handset outright from a retail store, you may need to activate voicemail yourself. We recommend contacting your telco for further help. You can also check your phone’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to find out how to activate voicemail on your specific model.
After recording your own personalised greeting and setting a PIN for security, you can access your stored messages by calling a dedicated number (or simply holding down the “1” key for speed dial), which is unique to each provider. You will be presented with an automated menu with a number of options; simply choose what you wish to do and follow the voice prompts.
Info! Calls to manage or listen to your voicemail are usually included in your monthly call allowance if you are on a standard SIM only postpaid plan. For prepaid plans, standard call charges may apply and be deducted from your credit. We recommend reviewing your provider’s pricing terms, as these can vary between different telcos. However, you will never be charged for receiving a message if you do not call in to listen to it.
Secure your voicemail with a PIN
Most providers recommend protecting your voicemail with a PIN. With your PIN, you’ll be able to listen to messages from any phone, and a PIN is usually required to access your voicemail when you’re travelling overseas. Voicemail usually comes with a pre-set default PIN, but this is not secure and you should change it to your own private code as soon as possible.
How to change your mobile voicemail PIN
- Call your provider’s voicemail access number.
- Select the option to change your PIN or “Security Settings” and follow the prompts.
- Enter your new code and finish with the hash (#) key if required.
- Enter your new code again to confirm.
The number of digits in a PIN can vary, but most Aussie telcos require at least four. Avoid easy-to-guess combinations like “1111” or “1234,” as many systems will reject these. You should also avoid using part of your mobile number or your date of birth. Remember to keep the code private and update it regularly.
Can you listen to messages on another phone?
Yes, you should be able to access your voicemail from another phone. In most cases, the process involves calling your own mobile number, pressing a specific key (usually * or #) while your greeting is playing, and then entering your PIN.
Can you divert calls to mobile voicemail?
You can easily divert calls to your voicemail. The exact steps depend on your phone type and operating system. You can usually manage this in your phone’s Call Settings. If you’re unsure, your provider’s app or website will have a guide for your specific device.
Is call-back included?
Many voicemail services include a “call-back” function. This allows you to return a call to the person who left a message directly from the voicemail menu without needing to dial the number manually. If you use call-back, standard rates for outgoing calls apply.
When should you turn off mobile voicemail?
If you’re heading overseas, it can be useful to temporarily switch off voicemail to avoid international roaming charges. While receiving a message is generally free, any call diversion to your voicemail while overseas may trigger your provider’s daily international roaming fee. Turning off voicemail before you board your flight can help you avoid these accidental daily charges.
Always check your provider’s roaming rates or “travel packs” before you leave Australia.
How to turn off mobile voicemail
How you turn off voicemail depends on your telco. With many providers, you can deactivate it via their official app or by logging into your account online. Some also allow you to use a “short code” (like ##002#) on your keypad. If you run into any issues, contact your provider’s support team.
What is visual voicemail?
With visual voicemail, you get direct access to your messages via a visual interface. This displays a list of received messages along with the caller’s number and the duration, allowing you to play them in any order – just like an email inbox. Visual voicemail uses mobile data rather than a phone call.
Info! Many modern smartphones also support Live Voicemail. This allows you to see a real-time transcription of the message as the caller is leaving it, giving you the option to pick up the call mid-message if it’s urgent
In 2026, visual voicemail is widely available on iPhones and most flagship Android devices (like the Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel) across the major networks.
How to activate visual voicemail on iPhone
- Ensure your iPhone has the latest version of iOS.
- Enable mobile data (it usually won’t activate over Wi-Fi).
- Open the phone app and select the Voicemail tab.
- Select Set Up Now, create a password, and tap Done.
- Record a custom greeting or select Default and tap Save.
How does visual voicemail work on Android?
Most modern Android phones support this feature through the native phone app. You can usually find it under Settings > Voicemail > Visual Voicemail. If the option is missing, it may not be included in your specific prepaid or postpaid plan, so it’s worth checking with your provider
Voicemail for home phones
With almost all Australian landlines now running over the NBN, voicemail is typically a standard part of your home phone plan. While most providers include it for free, some budget-friendly options might still charge a small monthly fee to have the service active. Most modern services allow you to store up to 20 messages and record your own personalised greeting.
Please note! If you use a monitored medical alert or a back-to-base security alarm, it is important to check with your alarm provider before enabling voicemail. In some cases, these digital systems can clash with voicemail features on an NBN line.
Many plans also come with scam protection built-in; this automatically filters out known nuisance calls and sends them straight to a spam folder so they don’t disturb you.This is part of the Australian government’s ongoing push to reduce phone scams, with telcos now required to block known fraudulent numbers at a network level before they even reach your voicemail.
Can you access voicemail for a home phone on the go?
Yes, you can usually listen to your home voicemail while on the go by calling a remote access number and entering a PIN. You’ll need to set up this PIN from your home handset before you can use it remotely. Check your provider’s website for their specific “remote access” instructions.
