Voicemail transcription, a feature that Apple introduced with iOS 10, converts voicemail messages into text, so you can read them rather than listen. However, like any tech feature, there might be times when it doesn’t work as expected. If you’re experiencing issues with voicemail transcription on your iPhone, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the problem.
1. Ensure Your Device Supports Voicemail Transcription
- Not all iPhones support this feature. Check Apple’s official website or user manual to see if your model does.
2. Verify the Service Availability
- Voicemail transcription might not be available in all countries or with all carriers. Ensure your region and service provider supports this feature.
3. Confirm iOS Version
- Make sure you’re running iOS 10 or later. Older versions of iOS do not have this feature.
- Consider updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version, as bugs related to transcription may have been addressed in newer updates.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
- Voicemail transcription requires a stable internet connection. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have cellular data enabled.
5. Listen to the Entire Voicemail
- The transcription service works best when it has the entire message to process. Ensure you’ve listened to the voicemail message in full.
6. Reset Network Settings
- Sometimes, network-related issues can hinder voicemail transcription.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings.
7. Ensure Sufficient Storage
- If your iPhone is running low on storage, it might not transcribe voicemails. Delete unnecessary files, apps, or messages to free up some space.
8. Check for Clarity of the Voicemail
- If the caller left a muffled or unclear message, the iPhone might struggle to transcribe it accurately.
9. Restart Your iPhone
- Like the classic “turn it off and on again” advice, sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor software hiccups.
10. Reset Voicemail Password
- Occasionally, resetting your voicemail password can help. Navigate to Settings > Phone > Change Voicemail Password.
Conclusion
Voicemail transcription is a handy feature that allows you to quickly glance at your messages without the need to listen to them. If it’s not working, the reasons can range from software issues to the clarity of the messages you receive. Use the steps above to troubleshoot, and if all else fails, consider reaching out to Apple Support or your cellular provider for further assistance.

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
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