How to read voicemail messages on iPhone and Android

On iPhone, open the Phone app, go to your voicemail and tap a message: if a transcript exists, it appears in the bottom half of the screen. On Android, Google's Phone app transcribes voicemail only in English and Spanish, and only with supported carriers. If your phone shows audio only, a separate service can create the text: in Heilo the full transcript is in the conversation view, and an optional SMS gives caller details, the phone number, the subject and a link.

How to read voicemail on iPhone

Steps from Apple's guide (checked 19 October 2026):

1. Open the Phone app.
2. In the Unified layout, tap Calls, then tap a message in the Recents list. To see only voicemail, tap the filter icon, then tap Voicemails. In the Classic layout, tap Voicemail, then tap a message.
3. If a transcript is available, it appears in the bottom half of the screen. Tap play to listen.
4. If you see only an option to call your mailbox, Visual Voicemail is not available on your line. Tap Voicemail and follow the instructions, or call your own number from another phone, press * or # (depending on your carrier) to skip the greeting, and enter your voicemail password.

Live Voicemail, which shows a message as text while the caller is still leaving it, works only in the languages and regions on Apple's feature availability list (checked 19 October 2026). Visual Voicemail itself depends on your carrier; see the visual voicemail guide.

How to read voicemail on Android

For the Google Phone app, Google's help page (checked 19 October 2026) gives these steps: open the Phone app, tap More options, then Settings, then Voicemail, and turn on Voicemail transcription. If the option is missing, turn on visual voicemail first. Google says transcription is available only in English and Spanish, needs Android 8.0 or later, and works only with the carriers listed on that page. On phones that use the manufacturer's own Phone app, check the manufacturer's and your carrier's help.

Find and read the message

1. Open the individual voicemail in the Phone app (on iPhone, as described above) and look for text below the audio.
2. If no text appears, check whether transcription is supported for your carrier, device and language. Visual Voicemail and Live Voicemail are different features.
3. In Heilo, follow the notification link or open the conversation in the dashboard.
4. Identify the request, next step and any stated date before calling back.
5. Check important names, amounts and any conditions or caveats in the message against the recording.

Why does my phone show only audio?

Support is not universal: transcription depends on your phone, carrier, plan and language. A particular iOS version or a Pixel phone does not guarantee it; the Apple and Google conditions are described above.

See converting voicemail to text for setup options. If you only need to listen, the visual list may already solve your problem.

Use SMS notifications to open the full transcript

Heilo's SMS gives you a link to the conversation rather than the full transcript. Open the conversation in Heilo to read the complete request, including any conditions or caveats. Notifications for the owner and messages to the caller are configured separately. We don't promise a specific delivery time.

For example, “quote request” may identify the right conversation, but the recording or transcript contains the scope and deadline. This example illustrates the workflow; it does not report a real customer's results.

Set up forwarding for future messages

Forwarding to Heilo applies to future messages left on its number. It does not automatically copy messages already stored with your carrier. Set up conditional forwarding and test that you can still answer calls as usual. Step-by-step guides: iPhone and Android.

Reading as a team

Decide who will call back and record the next step. To send the details to your existing CRM, configure the API and webhooks, Zapier or Make rather than copying each SMS manually. Restrict access to recordings and transcripts, and define how exported records will be retained and deleted. Heilo keeps each recording for 365 days by default, then deletes the audio; the transcript stays.

Which Heilo plan do you need?

Heilo Voicemail covers messages after missed calls. You set your carrier to forward unanswered calls to a Heilo number, the caller leaves a message, and the dashboard shows the recording, transcript and summary; an SMS notification is optional. Heilo never talks to the caller. See business voicemail.

To capture calls you answer, there are two higher plans. With Heilo Select you keep your number and add Heilo to a chosen call; your phone and carrier must support conference calls, and Heilo records from the moment it joins. Heilo Line gives each salesperson a +48 business number: incoming calls, and outgoing calls started in the dashboard with “Call via Heilo” (+48 numbers only), are recorded automatically, with a transcript, summary, suggested tasks and notes from the Conversation coach. Once you set up an integration, the results reach your CRM through the API, webhooks, Zapier or Make (call assistant). Plans and prices are on the pricing page.

FAQ

Can reading replace listening?

Reading helps you prioritise routine business messages. Check important details against the recording.

What if the transcript is blank?

Check the recording and processing status. Missing text does not prove no message was left.

Can I confirm an order from the summary alone?

Check the actual request and your availability first. Heilo collects information; your business makes the commitment.