# Live Voicemail on iPhone: How It Works URL: https://byshahid.com/blog/live-voicemail-iphone/ App: Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322) Author: Muhammad Shahid Updated: 2026-11-04 > See a live transcript while someone leaves a message. Introduced in iOS 17. When a caller is diverted to voicemail, your iPhone shows their words on screen in real time and lets you pick up mid-message. Transcription happens on device, so the audio is not sent anywhere for processing. - **What it does:** See a live transcript while someone leaves a message. - **Published for:** any iPhone - **Type:** iOS setting See a live transcript while someone leaves a message. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to. I build **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier**, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, [get Secret Codes on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322). ## What is Live Voicemail? Introduced in iOS 17. When a caller is diverted to voicemail, your iPhone shows their words on screen in real time and lets you pick up mid-message. Transcription happens on device, so the audio is not sent anywhere for processing. ## How do I do it? - Open the Settings app. - Tap Apps, then Phone (or tap Phone directly on earlier versions of iOS). - Tap Live Voicemail. - Turn the switch on. ## Which carriers does this apply to? | Published for | any iPhone | | Type | iOS setting | | Good to know | iOS 17 and later on iPhone models that support on-device transcription. Not available on every carrier or in every region. | _Screenshot: The Secret Codes detail screen shows the steps, the carriers and an Open in Phone button._ ## Related voicemail - [Use Visual Voicemail](/blog/use-visual-voicemail-iphone/) - [Check Voicemail From Another Phone (Verizon)](/blog/check-voicemail-from-another-phone-verizon-iphone/) - [Change Your Voicemail Password](/blog/change-your-voicemail-password-iphone/) - [Check Voicemail From Another Phone (AT&T)](/blog/check-voicemail-from-another-phone-att-iphone/) - [**5005*86*[number]#: Set The Voicemail Number](/blog/set-the-voicemail-number-star-star-5005-star-86-iphone/) - [Check Voicemail From Another Phone (T-Mobile)](/blog/check-voicemail-from-another-phone-t-mobile-iphone/) See all [voicemail](/blog/iphone-codes/voicemail/) or [every category of iPhone codes](/blog/iphone-codes/). ## How Secret Codes helps Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier** is free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322 ## FAQ ### What is Live Voicemail on iPhone? See a live transcript while someone leaves a message. Introduced in iOS 17. When a caller is diverted to voicemail, your iPhone shows their words on screen in real time and lets you pick up mid-message. ### What else should I know about Live Voicemail? Transcription happens on device, so the audio is not sent anywhere for processing. ### What are the steps for Live Voicemail? 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then Phone (or tap Phone directly on earlier versions of iOS). 3. Tap Live Voicemail. 4. Turn the switch on. ### Where do I find Live Voicemail? In the Settings app on your iPhone. ### Is there a dial code for Live Voicemail? No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead. ### Which carriers does Live Voicemail work on? It is published for any iPhone. iOS 17 and later on iPhone models that support on-device transcription. Not available on every carrier or in every region. ### Does Live Voicemail work on Android phones too? These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus. ### Will Live Voicemail work outside the US? The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region. ### What if Live Voicemail does not work on my iPhone? Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier. ### What is related to Live Voicemail? Use Visual Voicemail. Read your messages as a list instead of dialling in. ### What else is in this category? Check Voicemail From Another Phone (Verizon). Reach your Verizon mailbox when you don't have your iPhone. ### Can I find Live Voicemail in an app? Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details. ## Sources - [3GPP TS 22.030: Man-Machine Interface of the phone](https://www.3gpp.org/dynareport/22030.htm) - [Apple Support: iPhone User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios)