How to Fix Vodafone Voicemail Not Working?

Wondering why is Vodafone voicemail not working? The answer is simple!

Vodafone voicemail allows users to listen to pre-recorded messages from previous callers that you couldn’t pick up.

When we can’t listen to the voicemail or the service is simply not activating for the caller, we need to do some investigation.

Let’s learn more about the problem!

The Vodafone voicemail will not work when the service is not previously activated by the user or its functionality is suppressed by “call diverts”. In addition, the voicemail will not work when the device is out of reception as well as when the SIM card is not recognized.

Stay with us to learn more about the Vodafone voicemail issue and how to solve it…

Voicemail Vodafone Not Working – Explained

There are a couple of fundamental factors that are directly related to Vodafone voicemail services.

You need to meet certain requirements and configure settings that can enable or disable the voicemail.

Let’s learn the reasons behind the Vodafone voicemail issues!

• Vodafone Voicemail Not Activated
• “Call-Divert” Settings are Enabled.
• The device is Out of Reception!
• The SIM card is Not Recognised
• Voicemail Porting Problem

This is everything that could impact Vodafone’s voicemail and in the solution guide below, we’re going to address each of the causes.

In addition, we’ll learn how to use the Vodafone Visual Voicemail and what to do when the service is not working as well.

Let’s jump right in!

How To Fix When Vodafone Voicemail Not Working?

To be able to solve the Vodafone voicemail issue, we’re going to cover ALL possibilities in chronological order.

Make sure not to skip any of the solutions below and follow their order for the quickest effects.

Without further ado, let’s jump in!

Solution #1 Set Up Vodafone Voicemail

The very first thing to attempt is to set up the Vodafone voicemail manually since the feature might not even be enabled.

Yes, voicemail is always included in your Vodafone plan, but the option has to be enabled by the user by setting up a security code.

To enable Vodafone voicemail, follow the steps below:

1. From your Vodafone SIM device, call “123”.
2. Select a Security Code.
3. Insert your name and time zone.
4. Adjust Notifications.
5. Switch the security code ON or OFF.

It’s recommended to keep your security code enabled, otherwise you won’t be able to listen to your voicemail from another device.

In contrast, when we’ve got the security code enabled we can easily call “0414 121 121” from any phone, to access our voicemail.

Tip: Check your voicemail on your Vodafone mobile by calling “123”.

Solution #2 Cancel Call Diverts

The missed calls on Vodafone will only be sent to the voicemail when there are no diverts configured on your device.

For example, the “call divert” settings allow you to forward an unanswered call to another number, in which case, the voicemail won’t work.

• For Vodafone Voicemail to work users need to disable ALL diverts!

Cancel Call Diverts on Android:

1. Open the Phone application.
2. Go to the Settings.
3. Tap on Voice Call.
4. Select Voice Forwarding.
5. Disable ALL Diverts!

You will see, Always Forward, Forward when Busy, Forward if Unanswered and Forward if Unreachable.

You need to make sure that ALL 4 x options are set to “Disabled”.

Cancel Call Diverts on iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. From there tap on “Phone”.
3. Select Call Forwarding.
4. Tap the activation slider to Disable.

When the call diverts are now disabled, check whether the Vodafone voicemail will start working when you don’t pick up. Have a friend call you to be able to test.

Note: The voicemail is the automatic (default) divert and the forwarding settings won’t help!

Solution #3 Improve Coverage

To be able to access and listen to your Vodafone voicemail, you need to have at least 2 bars of coverage.

You can check the cellular indicator on the top right of your screen. When you’re below 2 bars or it simply says “E”, then the cellular reception is weak or currently down.

To optimise your coverage go outside or wait until you’re back in the city!

Sadly, places such as underground tunnels, deep forests and certain areas in the city are simply out of coverage.

There is nothing you can do but move into an area with strong reception.

Note: Callers can leave you a voicemail, but you can hear it once your device gets reception.

Solution #4 Set Manual Roam!

The Vodafone voicemail could be not working because you’re automatically content to a far away mast.

Such a thing could occur after SIM activation, making your calls, SMS and voicemail really slow.

This might make the impression that the Vodafone voicemail is not working.

Luckily, there is a way to perform a manual roam, to connect to the closest mast.

Universal Manual Roam Method:

1. Open the Settings of your device.
2. Go to Mobile Networks.
3. From there choose anything else but O2-UK.
4. Your device will now lose reception.
5. Open the same menu and this time, choose O2-UK.
6. In case you’re outside the UK, select “Automatically”.

Manual Roam Method for iOS:

1. Open the iOS Settings.
2. From there go to Carrier > Mobile Data.
3. Disable the Automatic Mode.
4. Choose anything else but O2-UK.
5. Exit the menu, for the device to drop coverage.
6. Jump into the same menu and now select O2-UK.

Keep in mind that after performing a manual roam, the SMS centre number will be reset.

This is why you need to open the Messaging app and configure the settings manually.

Note: Vodafone UK SMS Centre Number “+447785016005”.

Solution #5 Reinset Vodafone SIM

In case you’ve attempted ALL of the previous solutions but your Vodafone voicemail is not working, perhaps the problem is elsewhere.

To target as many culprits as possible we need to reset the Vodafone SIM by reinserting the card into your mobile device.

Here’s how to reinsert the Vodafone SIM card:

1. Using the SIM ejector tool, reach in the pinhole.
2. Apply force to take out the SIM tray.
3. Remove the SIM card from the cardholder.
4. Gently embed the SIM card into the tray.
5. Push-in the tray into the compartment.

After a few moments, a prompt will appear, asking you to insert the Vodafone SIM PIN code which is (0000) by default.

This is a prime indication that your SIM card is being recognized and now ALL services are refreshed. Test whether the Vodafone voicemail is now working.

Tip: In case your device does not recognize the SIM card, test with another device!

Solution #6 Use Visual Voicemail

In case you didn’t know, you don’t have to dial “123” to listen to your Vodafone voicemail, instead, you could be using the user’s interface.

This will allow you to manage and view your voicemails straight from the Phone’s application at no cost even when you’re abroad.

• To install Visual Voicemail, disable your WiFi and test “STATE” to “100121”.

In case the Vodafone visual voicemail not working you need to update your device’s firmware since iOS below 12.0 is not supported.

In addition, your mobile data has to be turned ON and the WiFi disabled so the device can reach the cellular services.

When the feature is activated you’ll be able to review your Vodafone voicemail without dialling anything, only opening your Phone’s app.

In case the problem is persistent, keep reading!

Looking For Professional Help?

In case your Vodafone voicemail or visual voicemail is still not working after going through our guide, then Contact Vodafone for help.

Perhaps there is a cellular outage in your area or something with your SIM card being out of order. One way to find out is simply to ask for help!

Tip: Don’t forget to share what you’ve attempted in this guide to save time!

Quick Recap:

Thus, the Vodafone voicemail is not working because the “call diverts” settings are enabled and the voicemail is not activated. In addition, the voicemail will not be working when you’re out of coverage or when the SIM card is connected to a distant mast.

Read Next: How to Fix Vodafone Not Receiving Texts?

Final Thoughts:

Now that we know why Vodafone voicemail not working and how to solve the problem in minutes, we’re ready to utilise our voicemail.

In case things continue to be complicated and something is not working, then reach out to Vodafone and report your problem!

To discover more posts like this and troubleshoot your Vodafone issues, check out our blog!

Good Luck!