Apple has introduced the Live Voicemail feature in India as part of the latest iOS 18 update. This innovative feature serves as a modern voicemail system, allowing users to receive and manage missed call messages efficiently. With real-time transcription and playback options, the feature enhances communication for iPhone users by ensuring no important updates are missed.
Understanding the Live Voicemail Feature:
Live Voicemail builds upon the traditional voicemail system by offering real-time transcription of messages as callers leave them. This allows users to screen and prioritise calls even before answering. The feature seamlessly integrates with the Phone app, enabling users to listen to recordings or view transcriptions within the app itself.
Key Functionalities:
- Recording Messages: The system records the caller’s message when a call is unanswered or unreachable.
- Real-Time Transcription: Messages are transcribed as they are being recorded, appearing instantly on the iPhone screen.
- Custom Greetings: Users can personalise their voicemail greetings for a professional or friendly touch.
- Spam Detection: Calls flagged as spam by carriers are automatically declined and excluded from voicemail recordings.
- Message Archiving: Voicemails and their transcriptions can be saved for future reference.
How to Enable Live Voicemail:
Live Voicemail is typically enabled by default on iPhones running iOS 17 or later. If it isn’t active, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone App: Launch the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Voicemail: Tap the “Voicemail” tab at the bottom-right corner.
- Set Up Voicemail: Select “Set Up Now.”
- Create a Password: Input a password for your voicemail system.
- Choose a Greeting: Opt for the default system greeting or record a custom one.
- Save Settings: Confirm and save your voicemail settings.
Tip: Test the voicemail setup by calling your own number to ensure the greeting works as expected. Adjust custom greetings if necessary.
How to Disable Live Voicemail:
For users who prefer not to use voicemail, disabling the feature is straightforward but may vary depending on the carrier:
- Through iPhone Settings:
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Navigate to “Phone.”
- Locate the “Live Voicemail” option and toggle it off.
- Via Carrier Assistance:
- Contact your carrier’s customer service.
- Use specific dialled codes or online tools provided by the carrier to disable voicemail.
Note: Visual Voicemail settings may also require carrier intervention for complete deactivation.
Benefits of Live Voicemail:
The Live Voicemail feature is a game-changer for both personal and professional communication management. Here’s why:
- Efficiency: Screen calls and decide on their importance in real-time.
- Convenience: Retrieve and manage messages directly within the Phone app.
- Spam Protection: Avoid clutter with automatic spam call filtering.
- Professionalism: Custom greetings provide a polished communication experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the use of voicemail on iPhone?
Voicemail ensures you never miss important communications by recording messages from callers when you cannot answer.
How do I add a custom voicemail?
Record a custom greeting through the Phone app by selecting Voicemail > Set Up Now > Custom Greeting and following the prompts.
Is iPhone voicemail free?
Most carriers include voicemail in their plans, but charges for access or retrieval may apply. Check with your service provider for details.
Do voicemails delete automatically?
Some carriers delete voicemails after a specific period. To preserve important messages, save them externally.