How to use the Samsung Direct Voicemail feature

Learn how to use Samsung Direct Voicemail, a feature launched with the One UI 8.5 operating system update.

Good to know

For the time being, Videotron customers only have access to the Direct Voicemail feature in Canada. The feature cannot be used while travelling in the United States or other countries.


Using an iPhone? Visit the page about Apple Live Voicemail instead.

What is Direct Voicemail?

Direct Voicemail is a new feature from One UI 8.5 which provides users with a real-time transcription of the voice messages they receive, without passing through the mobile provider’s voicemail. They can reply immediately or leave the message in their voicemail. Real‑time transcription and message summaries are available only on select Galaxy models equipped with Galaxy AI features.

Note: When Direct Voicemail is enabled, Videotron Voicemail no longer handles messages.

How do I use Direct Voicemail?

  1. When you receive a call, tap the More options button.
  2. Select Direct Voicemail or choose a quick answer to send to the caller.
  3. Direct Voicemail will automatically transcribe the message in writing using Galaxy AI, if supported by your device, and you can pick up the call if you wish.

The audio file and transcript will be saved in the Phone app, in the contact history.

For more information on using the Direct Voicemail feature, see Samsung technical support.

How to enable or disable Direct Voicemail

The feature is disabled by default in One UI 8.5. It needs to be enabled manually.

  1. Open the Phone app and go to Call Settings, using the Options menu at the top-right corner of the screen.
  2. Select Direct Voicemail.
  3. Drag the button to the right  (On) or left (Off), to enable or disable the feature.
  4. Enable or disable the calls auto send to voicemail option, if desired.
  5. You can set an automatic send‑to‑voicemail delay of between 1 and 20 seconds.

Which Samsung models support Direct Voicemail?

Direct Voicemail is available on all Samsung devices that can be updated to One UI 8.5. The rollout will begin with the first devices shipping with this version, including:

  • Samsung Galaxy S26
  • Samsung Galaxy S26+
  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Other models eligible for the One UI 8.5 update will receive the feature gradually as their software update becomes available.

Frequently asked questions about Direct Voicemail

If you don’t see the Direct Voicemail option in your device settings:

  1. Make sure your device model is included in the list of supported models above.
  2. Verify that the operating system has been updated to the latest version (One UI 8.5).
  3. If the option still doesn’t appear, try restarting your device or check for available software updates. Some features may vary depending on the model or region.

Contact Samsung technical support as needed.

Messages received via Direct Voicemail are saved in the Phone app, in the contact history. They are also available in the Samsung Voice Recorder app.

When Direct Voicemail is enabled, Videotron Voicemail no longer handles calls unless your phone is out of service or you’re out of the country. To restore your Videotron Voicemail, you must disable Direct Voicemail.

Yes, as Videotron Voicemail continues to handle calls when your phone is out of service (turned off or without network coverage) or when you’re outside Canada.

No. Unwanted calls detected by your operator are declined by default. However, if you receive a suspicious call, you can read the transcript of the Direct Voicemail message and decide whether or not to reply. Learn how to block unwanted calls.

When Direct Voicemail is enabled, callers hear the automated greeting provided by Samsung before leaving you a message. See Samsung technical support to learn how to change the greeting.

Messages can last up to 2 minutes.

The message continues recording unless you answer the second call. If you answer, the Direct Voicemail session ends automatically, and the first call is not put on hold.

No. If the caller attempts to switch to a video call, the request is automatically denied.

Known limitations of Direct Voicemail

  • Does not work when the device is out of service, powered off, or without network coverage.
  • Does not work while roaming internationally.
  • Does not support video calls.
  • Recording may fail if storage is nearly full.
  • Transcription and summary are available only on Galaxy AI devices.

More support

Setting up Voicemail on a mobile phone
How to listen to your messages
Using the Apple Live Voicemail feature
How to use Visual Voicemail for iPhone

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