How to use the Apple Live Voicemail feature

Learn how to use Apple Live Voicemail, a feature launched with the iOS 17 operating system update.

Good to know

The Live Voicemail feature (called Messagerie en direct in French) is now available in both English and French with iOS 26.


Using a Samsung phone? Visit the page about Samsung’s Direct Voicemail instead.

Apple Logo

What is Live Voicemail?

Live Voicemail provides users with a real-time transcription of the voice messages they receive. They can reply immediately or leave the message in their voicemail. The feature is enabled by default on compatible devices.

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

How do I use Live Voicemail?

  1. When you receive a call, tap the Answering Machine button.
  2. The caller will leave a message that goes directly to your voicemail.
  3. Live Voicemail will automatically transcribe the message in writing.

For more information on using Live Voicemail, see Apple technical support.

check

How to enable or disable Live Voicemail

The feature is enabled by default in iOS 17 and above.
  1. Go to the Settings menu.
  2. Select Apps > Phone, then Live Voicemail.
  3. Drag the button to the right (On) or left (Off) to enable or disable the feature.
Mobile phone voicemail

Which iPhone models support Live Voicemail?

All models that can be updated to the iOS 17 operating system support Live Voicemail. According to Apple, this includes the following models:

  • iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max and newer models
  • iPhone 13/13 mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max 
  • iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max 
  • iPhone XS/XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE (2020) et iPhone SE (2022)

Frequently asked questions about Live Voicemail

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

  1. Make sure your iPhone model is included in the list of supported models above.
  2. Verify that the operating system has been updated to the latest version (under Settings > General > Software Update).

Contact Apple technical support as needed.

Messages received via Live Voicemail can be found in Visual Voicemail. You can access it by tapping the cassette icon in the Phone menu.

When Live Voicemail is enabled, Videotron Voicemail no longer handles calls, unless your phone is out of service or you’re in a country where the feature is not available. To restore your Videotron Voicemail, you must disable Live Voicemail.

Yes, as Videotron Voicemail continues to handle calls when your phone is out of service (turned off or without network coverage) or if you’re in a country where the option is not available.

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 Live Voicemail message and decide whether or not to answer. Learn how to block unwanted calls.

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

More support

Setting up Voicemail on a mobile phone
How to listen to your messages
How to use Visual Voicemail for iPhone
How to use Visual Voicemail for Android
Using the Samsung Direct Voicemail feature

Was this article helpful?

We're here to help

Contact us

Get fast, real-time service by chat or by phone.

Contact us

Ask the Community

Ask your questions on our forum and see what solutions other users have found.

Ask the Community

Find a store

Visit us in-store for friendly in-person support.

Find a store