How to Use the Live Voicemail Feature in iOS 17 and iOS 18

Apple has significantly expanded call management in iOS 17 and iOS 18 by introducing the Live Voicemail feature. This tool allows users to handle incoming calls in real time, reading transcribed messages as they are left. In practice, it transforms voicemail from a static recording into an interactive process, offering both convenience and more control over communication. Below you will find a detailed guide explaining how it works, what settings are available, and why it has become an important function for iPhone users in 2025.

Understanding Live Voicemail in iOS

Live Voicemail is designed to give users immediate visibility into the content of a voicemail as it is being recorded. Instead of waiting for a caller to finish leaving a message and then playing it back, the system generates a live transcription that appears directly on the screen. This means you can decide instantly whether the call requires your attention or can be handled later.

Since its introduction in iOS 17, Live Voicemail has been praised for improving efficiency. Users often receive calls from unknown numbers or during inconvenient moments, and this feature reduces the guesswork by providing context. For example, if the caller is a delivery service or a business appointment reminder, you can see it immediately without answering.

Apple has also taken care to ensure that Live Voicemail is private and secure. Transcriptions are processed on the device itself, which means the content is not transmitted to Apple servers. This local processing is aligned with the company’s broader approach to privacy protection.

Key Benefits of Live Voicemail

One of the primary advantages is time management. By seeing the message in text format, you do not need to listen to long or unclear audio recordings. This streamlines everyday communication and helps filter important messages quickly.

Another benefit is accessibility. Users with hearing difficulties can now read the message in real time, ensuring inclusivity. The feature essentially bridges the gap between audio and text communication for a wider range of users.

Finally, Live Voicemail reduces the risk of missing urgent information. If the transcription shows that a call relates to a critical matter, you can pick up immediately, even before the voicemail ends. This real-time decision-making aspect is a practical improvement over traditional voicemail systems.

How to Enable and Customise Live Voicemail

Activating Live Voicemail on an iPhone running iOS 17 or iOS 18 is straightforward. The setting is located in the Phone app under Voicemail, where you can toggle the function on or off. Once enabled, any incoming call sent to voicemail will automatically trigger live transcription on your screen.

Customisation is another strength of the feature. You can set preferences for how transcriptions appear, such as font size or screen display options, making the system adaptable to different user needs. Some iPhone models also support language selection for transcription, which is particularly useful in multilingual regions.

Additionally, integration with Focus modes ensures that Live Voicemail works seamlessly with personalised call settings. For instance, during work hours you might silence most calls but still rely on transcription to ensure you are not missing something essential.

Practical Steps for Setup

To activate, open the Settings app, scroll to Phone, and select Live Voicemail. Switch the toggle to “On.” From this menu, you can also adjust transcription languages and visual preferences. These adjustments make it easy to tailor the experience.

If you frequently receive calls from international numbers, enabling multi-language support ensures that transcription remains accurate. This reflects Apple’s effort to support global communication needs.

Finally, test the system by asking a contact to leave a message. Watching the transcription appear in real time provides a clear idea of how it functions in practice, confirming that the setup is complete.

Live Voicemail in Daily Use

For many users, Live Voicemail has become part of their daily communication habits. Professionals benefit by avoiding unnecessary interruptions while still staying informed about incoming calls. Parents use it to quickly identify calls from schools or services without needing to pick up immediately.

Another use case is for screening unwanted or suspicious calls. Because the transcription starts immediately, you can determine if the caller is a legitimate contact or a spam attempt. This makes the feature a useful tool for enhancing security.

As of iOS 18 in 2025, Apple has also introduced improvements in accuracy, reducing the chances of transcription errors. The system now handles more complex speech patterns and regional accents, ensuring reliability in diverse contexts.

Why Live Voicemail Matters in 2025

The feature reflects a shift towards smarter communication tools that save time and enhance user control. With the increasing volume of calls people receive, filtering messages efficiently has become a necessity rather than a luxury.

Live Voicemail also contributes to digital well-being. By reducing the need to answer every unknown call, users can manage interruptions more effectively, maintaining focus during work or leisure.

Looking ahead, experts suggest that this function may evolve further, potentially integrating with other accessibility tools or Apple’s AI-driven assistants. In its current form, however, it already represents a major step forward for iPhone users.