What Is the Verizon Voicemail Number? (Wireless, Fios & Landline)

Here are the direct numbers you need to access your Verizon voicemail and answering service.

• For Verizon Wireless (Mobile Phones): Dial *86 (or *VM) from your device.
• For Verizon Fios & Landline (Home Phones): Dial 1.888.234.6786.
• To Check from Another Phone: Dial your own 10-digit phone number and press # when your greeting starts.

This guide provides a quick breakdown of which number to use for your specific service, how to set up your mailbox, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

 

The Core Numbers: Wireless VM vs. Home Answering Service

 

The most common mistake is using the wrong number for your service. Verizon’s mobile and home phone systems are separate.

 

1. The Verizon Wireless Voicemail Number

 

For all mobile phone customers, the primary access code is *86.

• What it is: This is the verizon wireless vm number that connects you directly to your voice mailbox.
• How to Use: Simply dial *86 from your Verizon mobile phone and press “call.” You can also press and hold the 1 key on your phone’s dial pad as a shortcut.

 

2. The Verizon Fios & Landline Voicemail Number

 

If you have a Verizon home phone (Fios Digital Voice or a traditional landline), you must use a different number.

• What it is: This is the universal verizon answering service number for home phone customers.
• How to Use: Dial 1.888.234.6786 from your home phone to access your verizon answering machine number and messages.

 

How to Check Verizon Voicemail from Another Phone (Universal Method)

 

This is the most critical method to know when you don’t have your phone. This process works for both wireless and landline services.

1. Using any other phone, dial your own 10-digit Verizon phone number.
2. Wait for your personal voicemail greeting to begin.
3. As soon as you hear it, press the Pound key (#) to interrupt the greeting.
4. You will then be prompted to enter your Verizon voicemail password to access your messages.

 

Step-by-Step Voicemail Setup & Management

 

Once you know your number, here is how to manage your mailbox.

 

How to Set Up Your Voicemail (First Time)

 

You must set up your voicemail within 60 days, or the feature may be removed.

For Wireless Phones:

1. From your mobile phone, call *86.
2. Follow the prompts to choose a language.
3. Create a secure 4-7 digit password (cannot be repeating digits like 1111 or sequential like 1234).
4. Record your name (signature) and a personal greeting.

For Fios & Landline Phones:

1. From your home phone, dial the verizon answering service number: 1.888.234.6786.
2. Enter the default passcode (usually the last four digits of your phone number) when prompted.
3. Follow the instructions to create a new, secure password and record your greetings.

 

How to Reset a Forgotten Verizon Voicemail Password

 

It’s easy to forget your password. Here are the simplest ways to reset it.

• The Easiest Way (Online): Log in to your My Verizon account (website or app). Navigate to “Account Settings” and find the option to “Manage voicemail password.”
• By Phone (Wireless): Dial *611 from your mobile phone and say “reset voicemail password” at the prompt.
• By Phone (Landline): Call general support at 1.800.VERIZON.

 

Basic vs. Visual Voicemail

 

Verizon offers two types of voicemail for mobile users.

• Basic Voicemail: This is the free, traditional service accessed by dialing *86. You use keypad commands to listen to and manage messages.
• Visual Voicemail: Available on all smartphones, this shows your messages in a list (like an email inbox). You can see who called and listen in any order. Basic Visual Voicemail is free, but a premium version that transcribes messages to text is available for a monthly fee.

 

Troubleshooting Common Voicemail Problems

 

If your voicemail isn’t working, try these steps first.

• Problem: My phone goes straight to voicemail.
  • Fix: You may have “Do Not Disturb” turned on. Alternatively, you may have Call Forwarding active. Dial *73 from your phone to disable Call Forwarding.
• Problem: My mailbox is full.
  • Fix: Call your voicemail and delete old messages. Press 7 during a message’s playback to delete it.
• Problem: I can’t access voicemail.
  • Fix: Restart your phone. This fixes most temporary software glitches. Also, check that you have a stable cellular connection.
• Problem: Can I recover deleted voicemails?
  • Fix: No. Once a voicemail is deleted and you end the call, it is permanently erased from Verizon’s servers. The only exception is the “Trash” folder in some Visual Voicemail apps, which may hold messages for a short time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q1: What is the Verizon voicemail number to call from another phone? A: To check your Verizon voicemail from another phone, dial your own 10-digit phone number. When your greeting starts, press the Pound key (#) and enter your password.

Q2: What is the Verizon answering service number for a home phone? A: The main number for Verizon Fios and landline (home phone) answering services is 1.888.234.6786.

Q3: How do I reset my Verizon voicemail password? A: The fastest way is through the My Verizon app or website. You can also dial *611 from your mobile phone and follow the automated prompts.