How to Fix “Voicemail Error – Try Again Later” on iPhone with Google Fi (Post July 2025 Update)

Google Fi has started routing all voicemails directly to the iPhone’s built-in Phone app instead of the Google Fi app. If you’re getting a “Voicemail Error – Try Again Later” when setting up voicemail, it’s due to this transition and Apple’s Visual Voicemail feature not activating properly with Google Fi.

Method 1: Restart and Let the New Voicemail System Propagate

1. Make sure your Google Fi account is active and working properly in the Fi app.
2. Power off your iPhone completely, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on.
3. Wait 1–7 days after July 2 for voicemail to fully transition to the Phone app per Google’s instructions.
4. Open the Phone app and tap the Voicemail tab—if you see the voicemail setup screen, continue with the steps below.

Method 2: Set Up Voicemail in the iPhone Phone App

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap Voicemail at the bottom right.
3. If prompted to create a voicemail password, enter a PIN and tap Done.
4. Choose Custom or Default for your greeting and tap Save.
5. If you see the “Voicemail Error – Try Again Later” again, proceed with Method 3.

Method 3: Turn Off Wi-Fi and Use Cellular Only During Setup

1. Swipe down from the top right of your screen and turn off Wi-Fi.
2. Ensure you have strong cellular signal (2+ bars).
3. Open the Phone app > Voicemail and try setting up again.

Method 4: Manually Access Voicemail via Google Fi Voicemail Number

1. Until Visual Voicemail fully syncs, call Google Fi’s voicemail number directly: +1-512-865-6206.
2. Follow the prompts to access or set up your voicemail.
3. You can still leave and listen to voicemails this way even if Visual Voicemail hasn’t activated.

Method 5: Update Carrier Settings Manually

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. If a popup appears saying “Carrier Settings Update Available,” tap Update.
3. Wait for it to finish and try voicemail setup again.

Method 6: Save Old Voicemails from Google Fi App Before August 13, 2025

1. Visit Google Takeout.
2. Select only Google Fi data to export.
3. Choose .zip as the format, then click Create export.
4. Download the archive to save any voicemails that were in the Google Fi app before they are deleted.

Important Notes:

• Google Fi is phasing voicemail out of the Fi app completely by August 13, 2025.
• From July 2, 2025, all new voicemails are expected to show up in the iOS Phone app only.
• If voicemail still doesn’t work, contact Google Fi support via the app or at fi.google.com and request that voicemail be re-provisioned for your account.

These updated steps ensure that your voicemail is correctly set up on iPhone under Google Fi’s new system.