How to disable Live Voicemail feature on iPhone: A step-by-step guide

Apple’s iOS 18 update introduced Live Voicemail , a feature that allows iPhone users to receive real-time voicemail messages when they are unable to answer a call. Designed for users who prefer a more interactive voicemail experience, Live Voicemail transcribes messages as they are being left, offering users the choice to listen to the message or view a transcription instantly.

Reactions to the feature have been mixed, with some embracing the added convenience, while others are less enthusiastic. Enabled by default on iOS 18, Live Voicemail offers unique functionality aimed at enhancing user control over missed calls.


How Live Voicemail feature works on iPhone

The Live Voicemail feature is designed to help iPhone users stay connected without needing to answer every call. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:

• Automatic answering: When a call goes unanswered, the iPhone will automatically activate Live Voicemail, allowing the caller to leave a message.

• Real-time message transcription: As the caller begins to speak, Live Voicemail transcribes the message in real-time. The user can read the transcription on their screen, allowing them to gauge the urgency of the message without needing to play it back immediately.

• Message playback: Users can choose to listen to the recorded audio or simply read the transcribed text. This feature offers flexibility, especially in situations where users cannot listen to a voicemail but can read the text.

• Audio and text options: The recorded voicemail message is stored on the device, providing users with two ways to access it: by listening to the audio recording or reading the transcription. The transcription accuracy varies based on the language used, with English offering the highest quality transcription.

• Custom greetings: Users can personalise their voicemail experience by adding a custom greeting through the Phone app’s settings. This allows for a more professional or personalised touch to voicemails, catering to both personal and business use cases.

Live Voicemail recordings: Storage and privacy

One of the standout aspects of Live Voicemail is that all recordings and transcriptions are processed locally on the iPhone. This ensures that the voicemails are secure, as the information does not need to be transmitted to a server for processing. The local storage feature appeals to privacy-conscious users who prefer to keep their messages stored directly on their devices.


Live Voicemail supported languages and transcription quality

Currently, Live Voicemail’s transcription works best in English and a few other supported languages. If a caller uses a non-supported language, the transcription may appear inaccurate or scrambled. Apple is likely to expand language support over time, but for now, English provides the most reliable transcription quality.


How to disable Live Voicemail feature on iPhone

Apple has enabled Live Voicemail by default on iPhones running iOS 18, which was first introduced in iOS 17. However, users who prefer not to use the feature can disable it in a few simple steps:

• Open Settings: Start by opening the Settings app on the iPhone.
• Navigate to Phone: Go to the “Phone” section under the Apps menu.
• Disable Live Voicemail: Select “Live Voicemail” and toggle the switch to disable it.

Users can re-enable Live Voicemail at any time by returning to the same menu and toggling the switch back on.


Live Voicemail feature benefits

The Live Voicemail feature brings several benefits to iPhone users, especially those who frequently miss calls but want to remain connected:

• Convenient real-time updates: Real-time transcription allows users to see the content of voicemails as they are being recorded, which can be particularly helpful in urgent situations.
• Efficient message handling: Users can decide whether to listen to the message or read the text, providing options for discreetly handling voicemails in quiet environments.
• Enhanced privacy and security: The fact that Live Voicemail is processed locally on the iPhone minimises data exposure, providing a layer of security for personal messages.
• Personalised greetings: Custom greeting options allow for a tailored experience, which can be especially useful for business users who want to project a professional image.

User reactions on Live Voicemail on iPhone

Live Voicemail has garnered mixed reviews from users. Many have welcomed the feature for the added convenience it offers, while others are not as enthusiastic, viewing it as an unnecessary addition. For some, the ability to read voicemail messages in real time has become a valuable tool, reducing the need to listen to voicemails in situations where audio might be inconvenient. However, some users prefer traditional voicemail and have opted to disable Live Voicemail, finding it intrusive or simply redundant.

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