Have you ever tapped in *86 on your phone and ended up in your voicemail? 🎯

Yeah, that little code isn’t just some random star number combo, it’s your fast pass to checking messages without all the extra steps. No app diving, no weird menus, just straight to the point.

But wait… what is *86, really? 🤔
It’s more than a shortcut. It’s your voicemail’s front door—and it works like a charm for both casual users and busy bees juggling business lines and outgoing calls.

In this blog, we’ll break down the *86 before dialing the trick in the simplest way possible. You’ll get the how, the why, and the “oh wow, I didn’t know that!” moments—with tips to make voicemail feel less like a chore and more like a win. 🚀

🔑Key Highlights

– `*86 before dialing` is the fastest to reach your voicemail with no extra hassle.

– Works through even when Visual Voicemail or your phone app blows it.

– Works on most devices—mobile devices, landlines, even business phones.

– Just dial, enter the password to unlock, and zap—voicemail messages are unlocked.

– It still functions even while traveling or when your network settings misbehave.

– And yep, `*86 = VM` on your keypad. Mind blown, huh????

What is a code *86?

Voicemail Details being displayed in monitor with telephone in side.

It is your key to voicemail heaven! Just dial, and voila, you’re straight into your voicemail mailbox with no hectic codes to remember. ✨

Perfect for business lines when the speed of messages is critical, and just as perfect for home calls where convenience is the key. You can be at home or out of home; just dial `*86` and enter your PIN to access voicemail with ease! 🤌

How Does *86 Work?

The *86 code is an abbreviated code for direct dialing of your voicemail. You can directly dial your voicemail system using *86 in your phone app without calling yourself. It is utilized in different phones, such as Samsung Galaxy S25 and others, for easy checking of voicemail messages.

The code works by connecting your phone to the voicemail box, in which you can save, listen, or erase messages. Whether you use Visual Voice Mail or the traditional Voicemail feature, *86 is an easy way to check your Voice Mail.

How to Use *86 Like a Pro (Without Overthinking It)

1) Dial the Code: Just dial the code `*86` at first. Then, the system welcomes you to its voicemail entrance with a simple *86 command.

2) Wait for the Greetings: The next step requires waiting until your voicemail system announces the greeting. The system operates similarly to voicemail when it picks up phone calls.

3)Access to the PIN Code: Your voicemail system will request your secret code, which is also known as your PIN, during this step. Your personal access code to voicemail service usually consists of 4 to 6 digits.

4) Activating Playback Mode: The process to listen to your messages begins with entering *86 followed by the system greeting. You can activate playback mode by selecting the given option to listen to your messages.

5) Securing Voicemail Messages: You will now need to write the PIN that you set up earlier. It’s not just for show. The security PIN protects both your voicemail messages and your call-forwarding settings from unauthorized access.

6) The Last Part: The best part? The combination of visual voicemail call forward, and business lines function seamlessly on your device without requiring excessive effort.

Pros of *86 Before Dialing

Calling in advance using *86 has some advantages when accessing your voicemail. It is simple and easy to reach your voicemail box.It is faster and ideal for quick message retrieval.

a) Quick and easy convenience

With the use of *86, you avoid the process of dialing your phone number yourself. You also don’t need to be checking your voicemail settings regularly. This is useful when you want to listen to voicemail message calls quickly.

b) No manual setup is necessary.

Calling *86 eliminates the need for call forwarding configuration. Dialing merely connects you directly to your voicemail. This is an easy feature for phones and landlines, one that makes voicemail convenient and simple.

c) Works With Most Devices

Regardless of whether you have a Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Ultra, iPhone, or any other phone, calling *86 is accessible on almost all phones, as well as some business phones.

d) Avoids Voicemail Setup Errors

Even if Google contacts and visual voicemail settings do not sync properly, calling *86 enables you to listen to your voicemail box without any problems. Whether for personal lines or business lines, this star code provides ease of use.

Where to Use *86?

With *86, checking your voicemail feels less like a burden and more like a quick hack. You can use it from all sorts of devices and in all kinds of situations. It keeps things simple, so you never miss an important message.

📶 Without a SIM card, your phone won’t connect to the mobile network, so dialing *86 won’t go anywhere. To make the most of it, here’s where you can use the *86 code:

i) On Your Mobile Device

You can most often use *86 by dialing it directly from your cell phone. Using `*86` allows you to access your voicemail inbox on all Samsungs, iPhones, and mobile phones.

ii) For Business Lines

The simple dialing code *86′ is helpful for swiftly listening to voicemail messages on your business line.

iii) When on the Road

The ability to access voicemail by dialing `*86` remains functional. It does not even matter if your network is weak. The use of this code lets you access your voicemail no matter where you are.

iv) When Visual Voicemail is Unavailable

Visual Voicemail setup or functionality can fail to work properly under some circumstances. This method (*86) functions as a valid backup system, which enables users to access messages when their app experiences some difficulties.

v) For Accessing Voicemail Messages Remotely

The code *86 enables you to access your voicemail through any phone if you call from your own number. This kind of feature comes in handy when you cannot access your regular device.

Advice on How to Use 86 to Maximize Voicemail Access

Advices on How to Use 86 to Maximize Voicemail Access.

1) Dial *86 before anything else.

You can reach your voicemail instantly by dialing *86 before making any other calls. Users can bypass both by dialing their own number.

2) Save *86 as a contact.

Establish a contact entry named “My Voicemail” with the corresponding number *86. To access your voicemail using *86, you need to include your password with pauses as shown here: *86,,1234#. One tap and you’re in.

3) The *86 code serves as a backup solution for visual voicemail problems

When visual voicemail fails to work or when the voicemail icon disappears. The function operates successfully even if your phone application fails to function.

4) Check your call forwarding settings.

The call forwarding settings must be configured to transfer unanswered calls directly to your voicemail. Your device will convert all missed calls into voicemail messages through this method.

5)Works on almost any device

All Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Ultra, and previous models, along with different networks, can access *86. This method provides dependable service regardless of your device type.

6) Useful on business lines, too

The business line code enhances message management speed particularly when you need to handle numerous outgoing calls during busy days.

7) Helpful during travel

The *86 code functions to access your voicemail regardless of signal problems that affect your landlines or phones.

Troubleshooting *86 Not Working on Your Phone

You should remain calm when *86 fails to reach your voicemail. Check both your phone application functionality and network signal strength before attempting to use *86.📱

Verify that your carrier has established your voicemail service. The system needs a reset when it fails to activate correctly. The use of outdated carrier voicemail settings creates problems with voicemail functionality.

Still not working? 😕📱You can reach your voicemail by dialing either your number or the official voicemail number provided by your carrier. Contact customer support when the problem continues to appear.

Even if visual voicemail disappears or your voicemail icon goes on vacation 🏖️, *86 is always ready to step in like a true hero! 💪 Just fix the setup once, and boom—no more voicemail drama. Save *86 as “My Voicemail” in your contacts and make life a whole lot easier.

Your future self will high-five you for it! 🙌📱💾

Fun Fact About *86

You may not realize that *86 is essentially a code for voicemail. Look at your phone keypad; numbers have letters on them. The 8 has the V, and the 6 has the M. Chain them together: 8 = V, 6 = M. So 8-6 = VM, and VM stands for Voicemail!🤪

That’s why *86 takes you straight to your voicemail. So the next time you are asked -What does 86 do, you can respond, “It literally spells voicemail. Cool, right?👌

It’s not just smart—it’s phone nerd magic! ✨ Now go ahead and impress someone with that fun fact. 😄📱💡

Final Words about *86: The Voicemail Star

Who would have thought two little characters—`*86`—would be so time-saving? Whether you’re juggling business lines or just need your voicemail messages pronto, *86 is your buddy. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

It’s reliable, functions almost anywhere, and even spells out “VM” (voicemail!) on your phone keypad. So the next time someone asks, what does *86 do?*, blow ’em away with this: “It’s voicemail’s VIP pass, baby!”😎

Now go ahead, save it as a contact, use it like a pro, and never miss another message again.🫴

FAQs

Why does dialing *86 not work on my phone?

The *86 dialing method fails when carriers do not support it, when voicemail is not activated, or when calling from a different number. Your attempt to reach voicemail through *86 may fail because of incorrect input of your PIN or voicemail password.

Do I get charged for calling *86?

Using *86 from your phone will deduct your carrier’s minutes unless you have an unlimited calling plan. 📞 Limited plan subscribers should note that *86 calls count toward their regular call quota. It is best to verify with your carrier for clarification.

How do I reset my voicemail password for *86 access?

To reset your voicemail password, dial your carrier’s voicemail number or use their app. Follow the prompts to set a new 4-6 digit PIN. If unsure, contact your carrier for help.

Is there a way to skip the voicemail password when using *86?

You can bypass the voicemail password through *86 dial-in by programming a pause and then saving it as a contact using *86, [your PIN]# (add commas for pauses). The setup allows users to bypass voicemail password entry for direct access to their messages.

What’s the difference between *86 and Visual Voicemail?

Users can reach voicemail through *86, and Visual Voicemail presents messages on-screen for users to choose and play.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.