This guide will walk you through the different methods available for deleting voicemails on an Android phone. The process can vary slightly depending on your mobile carrier and whether you are using visual or traditional voicemail, but we will cover the most common approaches.
How to remove voicemail messages on your Android device
Follow the step-by-step instructions below for the method that best matches your phone’s setup and your mobile carrier’s service.
Method 1: Using visual voicemail
- Open the Phone app on your Android device.
- Tap on the Voicemail tab, which often looks like a cassette tape icon.
- Select the specific voicemail message you wish to remove from the list.
- Tap the delete icon, which usually appears as a trash can.
- A confirmation prompt may appear. Tap on Delete again to permanently remove the message.
Method 2: Using the traditional voicemail service
- Open your Phone app and switch to the dialer.
- Dial your voicemail access number. For many carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, this is often *86. You can also press and hold the 1 key.
- Enter your voicemail password when prompted.
- Listen to the message you want to delete. You may need to press a key to play your saved messages.
- After the message plays, press the key corresponding to the delete command. This is commonly the 7 key on most carrier systems.
- The system may ask you to confirm. Follow any additional voice prompts to finalize the deletion.
Regularly managing your voicemails is essential for ensuring you don’t miss important new messages. Most carriers impose a limit on the number of voicemails your inbox can hold. Once it’s full, callers will be unable to leave you new messages, which could lead to missed opportunities or communication breakdowns.
By periodically deleting old or unnecessary voicemails, you free up valuable space and keep your inbox organized. This habit ensures your voicemail service remains functional and reliable, allowing you to stay connected with friends, family, and professional contacts without interruption.
