Samsung is finally catching up with Apple by introducing Live Voicemail to the Galaxy S25 series through the One UI 8.5 beta update. This game-changing feature lets you see voicemail transcriptions in real-time, making call screening effortless and intelligent.
If you’ve ever wished you could know who’s calling and why before picking up, this feature is your answer. Whether you’re in a meeting, driving, or simply avoiding spam calls, Live Voicemail gives you complete control.
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What Is Live Voicemail?
Live Voicemail (officially called Direct Voicemail) displays text transcripts as callers leave messages. Instead of wondering who’s calling, you can read what they’re saying and decide whether to pick up mid-message—exactly like iPhone’s Live Voicemail.
The best part? It works largely on-device, minimizing dependency on carrier services for faster, more private processing. This means your voicemails are transcribed directly on your phone using AI, ensuring quicker responses and better privacy protection compared to cloud-based solutions.
You can manually send calls to voicemail or set automatic timers. Once a caller starts leaving a message, the Samsung Phone app displays the transcript in real-time, allowing you to interrupt and answer if the call turns out to be important.
Feature Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | One UI 8.5 beta 4 users in Germany, UK, US, South Korea |
| Compatible Devices | Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra |
| Update Size | ~1.5GB |
| Security Patch | February 5, 2026 |
| Official Rollout | Expected with Galaxy S26 (Feb 25, 2026) |
How to Enable Live Voicemail on Galaxy S25
Setting up this feature takes just seconds:
- Open the Samsung Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu → Settings
- Select Direct voicemail and toggle it ON
- Enable Transcript Assist for real-time text display
- Optional: Set auto-voicemail timer (5/10/20 seconds)
That’s it! Incoming calls will now show live transcripts when sent to voicemail.
Additional Improvements in One UI 8.5 Beta
Beyond Live Voicemail, the One UI 8.5 beta includes important fixes that enhance overall user experience:
- Lock screen clock position fix – No more random shifting
- Better Bluetooth headset call switching – Seamless transitions between devices
- Improved Phone app search history – Find past calls faster
- AI Select bug fixes – Enhanced text and object selection
- Enhanced dialler paste functionality – Copy-paste phone numbers without glitches
Samsung has also addressed several minor bugs that were frustrating beta testers. The update brings the February 2026 security patch, ensuring your device stays protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
The One UI 8.5 update is currently rolling out to beta program participants in select markets. If you’re enrolled in the Galaxy S25 beta program in Germany, the UK, the US, or South Korea, check for the ~1.5GB update in your settings.
For more Samsung updates and tech news, stay tuned to our coverage.
FAQs
Does Live Voicemail require carrier support?
No, it works primarily on-device, reducing carrier dependency.
When will non-beta users get this feature?
Expected wide rollout with Galaxy S26 launch on February 25, 2026.
