How to save important voicemails

July 27, 2025

By Kim Komando

There’s one voicemail I’ll never delete.

It’s from my mom. She’s been gone for almost four years, but every so often, I play it back. It’s nothing dramatic, just her voice asking if I could buy her a gallon of milk on my way home. (In her Brooklyn accent, “Kim, make sure it’s 2%, not the fatty whole milk please.”) 

If you’ve got a message like that saved, maybe from a spouse, parent, partner, child or friend, you know exactly what I mean. It’s like a little time capsule in your pocket. 

But here’s the part no one tells you: Your phone might delete it. Automatically. Especially if it’s a visual voicemail or stored through your carrier, it can vanish when you switch phones or if your inbox gets full.

So let’s talk about saving it the right way forever.

💾 How to save a voicemail 

Whether it’s from someone you lost or just a message that makes your heart smile, here’s how to keep it safe:

On iPhone

On Android

Pro tip: Rename the file with the person’s name and date, so you’ll always know what it is. 

🛠️ Apps that help

Want to back it up with extra security? Try:

Voices fade from memory. But these recordings? They last. 

They’re a hug you can replay. A laugh you can hear again. Don’t wait until it’s gone. Take five minutes and save it now. You’ll be so glad you did.

https://www.komando.com/news/devices/how-to-save-important-voicemails/