Understanding and troubleshooting voicemail access numbers
Learn where you can find or change the voicemail access number on your device and how to fix voicemail access issues
Your voicemail access number is a specific phone number your device uses to connect to the voicemail system. This number is usually programmed into your phone when it's activated. When you use a shortcut like pressing and holding
1
on your keypad or tapping a dedicated voicemail button, your phone dials the programmed voicemail access number to connect you to your messages.
Some devices allow you to manually change the voicemail access number. If changed incorrectly or if the number is wrong, you won’t be able to reach your voicemail mailbox and you may hear dead air when calling your voicemail.
This article provides the voicemail access numbers for TELUS, Koodo and Public Mobile customers. You’ll also find step-by-step help on how to troubleshoot voicemail access issues.
Here are three ways to access your voicemail:
Press and hold the
1
key on your phone's dialpad
Tap a voicemail icon or notification on your device
Dial your own mobile number from your phone and, if prompted, press
*
(star key) during your greeting to enter your password
The steps to view or change the programmed voicemail access number vary greatly depending on your phone's make, model and operating system (Android or iOS).
Here's where you may find and/or change the voicemail access number:
Android:
Look within your
Phone
app's settings. This might be under
Call settings
>
Voicemail settings
>
Voicemail number
or a similar path.
Some Android devices allow you to find your voicemail number by dialling
*#61#
. This often shows call forwarding information, which includes the voicemail number.
iPhone:
The voicemail access number is set through carrier settings and rarely changed manually. However, you can sometimes view the number by dialling
*
#5005*86#
.
If supported, you may be able to set the voicemail access number by dialling the code
*
5005
*
86
*
+1
"voicemail_access_number"
#
(replace
+1
"voicemail_access_number" with the correct number from the
The most reliable way to find instructions for your specific device is to check its user guide. You can usually find these on the manufacturer's website or on our
∗ While 587 and 780 area codes are listed under +13065804001, if you’re primarily in an area also covered by +15875804001 (e.g. Alberta), ensure local calling patterns are considered if manually inputting.
∗∗ Area codes 428 (New Brunswick), 742 (Ontario), 368 (British Columbia), 879 (Newfoundland and Labrador) are newer area codes. Ensure this list reflects the most current assignments if you encounter issues.
If you try to connect to your voicemail and can’t reach it or you experience dead air, try these steps:
Check the programmed access number
: If possible for your device, verify that the voicemail access number programmed in your phone matches the
: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
Dial manually
: Try dialling the full
+1
voicemail access number for your region directly from your phone's keypad.
Check your voicemail setup
: Ensure your voicemail service is fully set up with a password and greeting. If you've recently changed your plan or SIM card, you might need to set up your voicemail again.
Check your network connection
: Ensure you have a stable network connection.
If you've confirmed the access number is correct according to the