As technology continues to evolve, voicemail remains an essential feature in the world of IP telephony. Cisco phones, specifically the 6800, 7800, and 8800 Series IP Multiplatform Phones, offer users the convenience of voicemail storage capabilities. Whether you’re a business professional or a student, setting up voicemail on your Cisco phone is a straightforward process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions to help you set up and personalize your voicemail on Cisco phones.
Voicemail is a fundamental feature in IP telephony, allowing users to receive and manage messages efficiently. Cisco phones, such as the 6800, 7800, and 8800 Series IP Multiplatform Phones, provide users with voicemail storage capabilities. Whether you’re using these phones for business or personal purposes, setting up voicemail is essential for ensuring you never miss an important message.
In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up voicemail on your Cisco phone. We’ll also cover additional features, such as changing voicemail settings and accessing voicemail from different devices.
Phones with Multiplatform Firmware
Cisco Multiplatform Phones (MPP) require either service from an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP) or an IP Private Branch Exchange (PBX) call control server. Examples of ITSPs include WebEx Calling, Ring Central, and Verizon. On the other hand, IP PBX services like Asterisk, Centile, and Metaswitch platforms are compatible with Cisco MPP phones.
It’s important to note that since MPP phones do not use a specific call controller, the access and procedures for voicemail may vary depending on the call controller you’re using. For detailed instructions and assistance with your specific voicemail commands, refer to the help sites provided by your chosen service provider. If you have an administrator, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for further guidance and possible training.
Setting Up Personal Voicemail
To set up your personal voicemail on a Cisco phone, follow these steps:
Step 1: Pick up the Handset or Press the Speaker Icon
To initiate the voicemail setup process, pick up the handset or press the speaker icon on your Cisco phone.
Step 2: Access Voicemail
Enter the key combination to access your voicemail. Common options include *98 or *99. Consult your network administrator or service provider for the specific key combination to access voicemail on your Cisco phone.
Step 3: Enter Extension
You will be prompted to enter your extension. In most cases, your extension will be the same as the number assigned to your phone. However, there may be instances where you’re provided with a different extension. If you’re unsure about your extension, consult your voice administrator or service provider for clarification.
Step 4: Enter Password
Next, enter the password associated with your voicemail. This password can either be the number of your phone extension or a password provided to you by your service provider. Enter the password as prompted.
Step 5: Record Your Name
The system will prompt you to state your name. Speak clearly into the phone and click the pound key (#) when you’re done. You will have the option to save, listen to, or re-record your name.
Step 6: Record a Greeting
After recording your name, you will be prompted to record a greeting for your voicemail. Follow the instructions and click the pound key (#) when you’re finished. Like before, you can save, listen to, or re-record your greeting.
Step 7: Record a Busy Message (Optional)
If desired, you can also record a busy message for callers who reach your voicemail while you’re on another call. Follow the system prompts to record your busy message.
Step 8: Complete the Setup Process
Once you’ve recorded your name, greeting, and optional busy message, you have successfully set up your personal voicemail on your Cisco phone. Your voicemail box is now ready to receive messages.
Changing Voicemail Settings
To change your voicemail settings on a Cisco phone, follow these steps:
Step 1: Access Voicemail
Pick up the handset or press the speaker icon on your Cisco phone to initiate the voicemail setup process.
Step 2: Enter Voicemail Access Code
Enter the key combination to access your voicemail. This code may vary depending on your network configuration. Consult your network administrator or service provider for the specific code to access voicemail on your Cisco phone.
Step 3: Change Mailbox Settings
Once you’re inside your voicemail mailbox, listen to the prompts to learn which numbers to press in order to change your mailbox settings. The system will guide you through the process of modifying your voicemail preferences, such as changing your greeting or password.
Accessing Voicemail from a Cisco Telephone
If you prefer to access your voicemail directly from your Cisco telephone, follow these steps:
Step 1: Pick up the Handset
Pick up the handset of your Cisco telephone to prepare for voicemail access.
Locate the voicemail button on your Cisco telephone. It is typically represented by an envelope icon with the word “message” above it. Press the voicemail button.
Step 3: Enter Temporary Passcode
When prompted, enter the temporary passcode provided to you by Network Services. If you need to reset your passcode, follow the instructions provided in the self-service password reset section of this guide.
Step 4: Follow the Prompts
The Unity voicemail system will guide you through the setup process. Follow the prompts to record your name, greeting, and set a new password for your voicemail.
Accessing Voicemail from Any Campus Telephone
To access your voicemail from any campus telephone, follow these steps:
Step 1: Dial the Unity Messaging System Extension
From any campus telephone, dial4002 to reach the Unity messaging system extension.
When the system answers with its welcome message, listen carefully. To access your voicemail, immediately press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad.
Step 3: Enter Voicemail ID Number
Following the prompt, enter your voicemail ID number. This will typically be the last four digits of your phone number or your 4-digit extension. Press the pound key (#) after entering your voicemail ID number.
Step 4: Enter Temporary Passcode
Enter the temporary passcode provided to you by Network Services when prompted. If you need to reset your passcode, refer to the self-service password reset instructions in this guide.
Step 5: Follow the Prompts
Once you’ve entered your voicemail ID and temporary passcode, the Unity system will guide you through the setup process. Record your name, greeting, and set a new password for your voicemail following the system prompts.
Accessing Voicemail from an Off-campus Telephone
If you’re off-campus and need to access your voicemail, follow these steps:
Step 1: Dial the Off-campus Voicemail Number
From an off-campus phone, dial 310.506.4002 to reach the Unity messaging system.
When the system answers with its welcome message, press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad.
Step 3: Enter Voicemail ID Number
Enter your voicemail ID number, typically the last four digits of your phone number or your 4-digit extension, followed by the pound key (#).
Step 4: Enter Temporary Passcode
Enter the temporary passcode provided to you by Network Services when prompted. If you need to reset your passcode, refer to the self-service password reset instructions provided in this guide.
Step 5: Follow the Prompts
Follow the system prompts to record your name, greeting, and set a new password for your voicemail.
Self-Service Password Reset
If you need to reset your voicemail password, you can use the self-service password reset feature. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Cisco Unity Assistant
Visit the following URL: https://voicemail.pepperdine.edu/ciscopca/home.do.
Step 2: Enter Your Information
Enter your NetworkID and Pepperdine password. Select the appropriate domain – “student” for students or “pepperdine” for non-students.
Step 3: Access Cisco Unity Assistant
Click on the “Cisco Unity Assistant” option once you’re logged in.
Step 4: Reset Your Phone Password
On the main page of the Cisco Unity Assistant, scroll down to the “Phone Password” fields. Enter a new 5-digit password in the “New Password” field, and re-enter it in the “Confirm New Password” field.
Step 5: Save Changes and Log Out
Click the “Save” button at the bottom of the screen to save your new password. Finally, click the “Log Out” button in the upper right-hand corner to exit the Cisco Unity Assistant.
Additional Tips and Troubleshooting
- If you encounter any issues during the voicemail setup process or experience technical difficulties with your Cisco phone, reach out to the Pepperdine Help Desk at 310.506.4357 (HELP) or Toll-free (USA): 866.767.8623. Their support team is available 24/7 to assist you.
- Remember to keep your voicemail password secure and change it regularly to ensure the privacy and security of your messages.
- If you require further assistance or have specific questions regarding your voicemail setup, contact your network administrator or service provider for personalized guidance.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully set up voicemail on your Cisco phone. With the ability to receive and manage messages through voicemail, you can stay connected and never miss important communications. Whether you’re accessing voicemail from your Cisco telephone, a campus telephone, or an off-campus phone, these step-by-step instructions will help you navigate the setup process smoothly.
Remember, if you encounter any issues or have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Pepperdine Help Desk for support. Now that your voicemail is set up, you can enjoy the convenience of managing your messages efficiently.
