We live in a digitally dependent world. Like it or not, our lives revolve around technology, and typically we use our smartphone more than any other device. As much as we love our technology, when things go wrong, they seem to go really wrong. If you’ve ever had problems retrieving or leaving a voicemail, you know how frustrating it is. Trying to leave the same voicemail over and over for a friend or colleague just makes you want to scream, and not being able to retrieve your voicemail is even worse. You pay good money for your device and mobile service, so it should work properly. These ae four possible reasons why your smartphone voicemail isn’t working.

Visual Voicemail Is Not Set Up on Your iPhone

If you own an iPhone, it’s possible that Visual Voicemail may not even be configured. First, open the phone app (as if you’re going to make a call) on your iPhone and tap on the voicemail icon on the bottom right corner of your screen. It looks like two horizontally connected circles. If it then shows “To retrieve a voicemail, first set a password and greeting” on your phone screen along with a key that says, “Set Up Now,” then Visual Voicemail has never been set up on your phone.

To set it up, tap on “Set Up Now.” Next, it will prompt you to enter a voicemail password and then confirm it. Then, it will give you the option to choose the default greeting or you can choose to record your own. If you decide to record your own greeting, tap on “Custom” and record your greeting. Once you’re done creating your password and greeting, you should be able to listen to voicemails as well as view them on the screen.

The Phone App Isn’t Working Right

As is the case with lots of troubled technology, sometimes it’s best to just reboot. Closing and then reopening the phone app allows it to shut off and start again, which often fixes a glitch in the software.

First, double press the Home button. This will open the App Switcher screen, which will show you all the apps currently open on your iPhone. The Phone app should show first. Using your finger, swipe up on the Phone app screen. Then, if it no longer shows up on the App Switcher, you’ve successfully closed it.

Your iPhone Might Be Malfunctioning

Just as you may have needed to reboot your Phone app on your mobile device, you may need to do the exact same thing to your device. Sometimes the software gets a temporary weird glitch that can be fixed by just powering it down for at least 30 seconds and then turning it back on. If you have an iPhone, press and hold the Power key until you see the power icon. Then, using your finger slide the power to the right to turn it off. Wait for 30 seconds and then power it back up. You may want to go with iPhone repair if you can’t get your phone working.

Network Problems

It’s possible that your mobile service provider is experiencing network problems or outages. Some mobile carriers’ service is more reliable than others. This is why it’s vital to select a carrier like T-Mobile with a rock solid dependable network and outstanding customer service. If you’re having trouble figuring out how to setup voicemail, see if a network issue is to blame.

You May Need to Change Your Voicemail Password

Sometimes mobile carriers require that you reset your voicemail password as a security safeguard when you purchase or start using a new phone. You may be able to update your password manually or do it online, or you might have to call your provider’s customer support line for assistance.

More than likely, your voicemail problems are being caused by one of these four issues. If you follow these instructions carefully, you can probably fix it on your own. Unfortunately, if you’re still experiencing problems after following these instructions, you’ll probably need to call technical support or even take the device in to the store for in-person assistance. We know it’s irritating and hope that you can resolve the problem quickly.