How to Use Live Voicemail iOS 17 on iPhone 15/14

Myra updated on Mar 20, 2024 to iOS & Mac Topics

In iOS 17, you will find a new feature, Live Voicemail. With it, when someone leaves you a voicemail, you can view the real-time transcription of the message as they speak, giving you immediate context for the call.

What is Live Voicemail in iOS 17?

Apple has added a new feature on iOS 17 devices: Live Voicemail. Live Voicemail is helpful as it uses speech-to-text and presents the caller's spoken words in real time on the screen so that you can decide whether or not to answer the call. If you aren't looking at your iPhone, or it's turned off, then Live Voicemail works like regular voicemail, but it will show you the text of the message when you come to look at it.

Tip: Apple says all transcriptions happen on-device, so you don't need to worry about message leaking.

Suppose you decide to take the call after all, and the caller is still on the line. You can pick it up by pressing the "Pick Up" button while viewing the Live Voicemail transcription, and you'll immediately jump into the call.

You can also go back and listen to Live Voicemail messages later. All the Live Voicemails are stored in the Voicemail tab at the bottom right of the Phone app, alongside normal voicemails sent through your carrier.

When Do You Need Live Voicemail?

You can use Live Voicemail in many situations:

  • Live Voicemail does the job if you are too busy to answer a call but still want to know who is calling and what they're calling about.
  • This feature benefits people with hearing impairments and the ones who prefer visual information over audio.
  • Since carriers do not block 100% of spam calls on iPhone, some may make it through to iPhone Live Voicemail. Fortunately, a block button is available in the feature to block spam easily and quickly.

How to Use Live Voicemail on iOS 17 Devices

If you are using a new iPhone or switch to a new carrier, you should set up your voicemail greeting and password before you turn on the Live Voicemail feature on iPhone 13/14/15. Those who already have voicemail can jump directly to the 'How to Turn on Live Voicemail' section.

How to Turn On/Off Live Voicemail

Step 1. Go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail.

Step 2. Toggle on or off the Live Voicemail feature.

How to Set Up Voicemail

Step 1. Open the Phone app and locate the Voicemail icon at the bottom.

Step 2. Tap Set Up. You can set a 4-9 number password and tap Done. Click to know what to do when you forget the voicemail password on your iPhone.

Step 3. Confirm your password by typing them again.

Step 4. At the Greeting screen, tap Play to play the default voicemail greeting. If you're fine with the standard greeting, tap Done.

Step 5. If you wish to use a custom greeting, tap Custom > Record. Then, speak the greeting you want to use. When finished, tap Stop > Done.

Conclusion

Now, you know what Live Voicemail is in iOS 17 and how to turn it on. To use Live Voicemail, you have to set up voicemail first, and then you can go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail to turn on the iOS 17 new feature. With text on the screen, you can preview the message content before you decide to accept the call or block the caller.

If you find this post helpful, please share it with more friends in need on social media platforms.