FAQ: How to Record a Voicemail Greeting

July 20, 2015/Prior Staff Writers

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One of the questions that I get asked the most by users is how to set up voicemail. Unfortunately, there isn’t any magic bullet, as pretty much every phone is a little bit different. However, I’ll try give you some generic ideas for how to get to the voicemail to set up your own greeting and even some tips for leaving a custom greeting!

To set up voicemail on a flip phone:

  1. Go to a quiet location with good signal
  2. Dial your own number. Some phones may have a voicemail button
  3. Listen to the voice prompts to record your name or message.
  4. Save the voicemail greeting.
  5. If you get lost or don’t know what a menu option is, press 0 for an explanation

To set up voicemail on a smartphone:

  1. Go to a quiet location with good signal
  2. Open your Apps
  3. Find the Voicemail app and launch it
  4. Look for a menu to change settings or else dial voicemail
  5. Listen to the voice prompts to record your name and message
  6. Save the voicemail greeting
  7. If you get lost or don’t know what a menu option is, press 0 for an explanation

Voicemail Greeting Tips

So, you’re about to set up your voicemail, huh? Well, once you figure out how to get to that menu, then it’s a matter of deciding how to word your personal greeting. Here are some tips:
  • Go somewhere quiet to record
  • Speak clearly and slowly
  • Identify yourself
  • You can be professional, polite or funny, but make sure the tone matches the device (ie, don’t leave a voicemail joke on a work phone)
  • Write the message down so you know what to say (but don’t just read it)
  • Always listen to the message before you save it (Remember you can always re-record!)
  • Update your voicemail at least once every few years
If you’re just looking for a simple, basic message here are a couple:
“Hi, this is _____, I can’t come to my phone right now. Leave me a message!” “Hi, you’ve reached ______’s voicemail. Leave me a message with your name and number and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!”
Alternatively, if you want something that’s a little more humorous or creative, then check out this page which has some pretty funny messages for families, individuals, cell and landlines.]]>

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