How to Create Free Answering Machine Messages [Audio Samples Included]

I want to change the voice of my answering machine greeting!

When you make a call, an answering machine greeting sometimes plays, doesn't it?

You can change the answering machine voice of your smartphone or business phone to any content you like.

Actually, by using an AI text-to-speech service, you can easily create answering machine greetings.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to change the voice of your answering machine greeting.

We will introduce not only how to change the voice on iPhone but also the voicemail setting methods for each carrier such as docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile, along with ready-to-use sample phrases.

If you want to change the voice of your answering machine greeting, why not try setting it up for free by referring to this article?

[Free] Recommended Latest AI Text-to-Speech Services for Changing Answering Machine Voices

If you want to change the voice of your answering machine greeting, Ondoku is recommended!

Ondoku is a free AI service using the latest speech synthesis engine that allows anyone to easily create read-aloud audio.

Since it is a web app used from a browser, it can be used easily with no installation required.

It can read aloud in a wide range of voices, including female and male voices (Click here for Japanese voice samples).

Because it can read aloud with clear and easy-to-hear audio unique to the latest AI, it is perfect for answering machine greetings.

It can be used for business phones as well as iPhone standard functions and carrier-specific greetings for docomo, au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile, and more.

What's more, Ondoku allows you to create answering machine greetings for free!

When using it for free, please include a message at the end of the audio stating that you are using Ondoku.

A paid plan contract is required for commercial use (Click here for details on commercial use).

If you want to change the voice of your answering machine greeting, why not try using Ondoku?

[Free] Explaining How to Create Answering Machine Greetings with the Latest AI

I want to try making an answering machine greeting with AI!

If you are making an answering machine greeting, the AI text-to-speech service Ondoku is recommended.

By using Ondoku, you can have your greeting read aloud in a female or male voice and change the audio for free.

Let’s immediately explain how to create greetings that can be used on iPhone, docomo, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile.

1. [Sample Phrases Included] Writing the Script Text for the Answering Machine Greeting

First, create the script text for the greeting to be read aloud by Ondoku.

The key is to keep the content of the greeting concise and easy to understand.

You can use any software or app, such as Notepad or Word.

We will introduce sample phrases for answering machine greetings, so please refer to them and write the perfect greeting for your needs.

Sample Phrase for Personal Answering Machine Greeting

When changing the answering machine greeting for a personal smartphone, simple content like this sample phrase is recommended.

I am unable to answer the phone right now. Please leave a message after the beep.

Sample Phrase for Out-of-Hours Answering Machine Greeting

An answering machine greeting is an important element that determines the first impression for the person calling.

When changing the greeting for an IVR system or business phone at a store or office, polite and easy-to-understand content like this sample phrase is recommended.

Thank you for calling. This is ○○ Co., Ltd. We are currently outside of business hours. Our business hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please call back during business hours.

Sample Phrase for Regular Holiday Answering Machine Greeting

To provide detailed service, it is also recommended to create separate greetings for after-hours and regular holidays.

For example, a sample phrase like this is recommended.

Thank you for calling. This is ○○ Co., Ltd. We are very sorry, but we are closed today for our regular holiday. Our shop is closed every Wednesday and the third Thursday. We are open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on business days. We apologize for the trouble, but please contact us again on a business day.

Sample Phrase for Temporary Closure Answering Machine Greeting

By using an AI text-to-speech app, you can quickly prepare audio even for sudden closures.

Why not try creating audio by referring to this sample phrase?

Thank you for calling. This is ○○ Co., Ltd. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we are temporarily closed today. We will resume normal business hours from tomorrow, [Month] [Day]. Thank you for your understanding.

Sample Phrase for Year-End and New Year Answering Machine Greeting

Even for year-end and New Year holidays, it is recommended to utilize answering machine greetings like this sample phrase.

Thank you for calling. This is ○○. We would like to inform you about our year-end and New Year holiday hours. We will be open until 5:00 PM on December 28th. We will resume business from 10:00 AM on January 5th. Thank you for your continued patronage this year. We wish you a healthy and happy new year.

Sample Phrase for Obon Holiday Answering Machine Greeting

Here is a sample phrase for Obon holiday closures.

Thank you for calling. This is ○○ Co., Ltd. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we will be closed for summer holidays from August [Day] to August [Day]. We will resume normal business from August [Day]. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Sample Phrase for Answering Machine Greeting During Renovation/Construction

Guidance can also be provided via greeting messages in the case of renovations or construction.

For example, a sample phrase like this is recommended.

Thank you for calling. This is ○○ Co., Ltd. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we are closed from [Month] [Day] to [Month] [Day] for store renovations. We will resume normal business from [Month] [Day]. We look forward to seeing you again. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

2. [Free] Reading Aloud the Answering Machine Greeting with Ondoku

After writing the script text for the answering machine greeting, read it aloud for free with Ondoku.

Using the free AI text-to-speech app Ondoku is very simple.

First, open the Ondoku top page.

Paste the script text into the text box on the top page.

In this example, we will read aloud a personal answering machine greeting from the sample phrases.

Since we are reading it aloud for free this time, we have added content at the end of the script text to convey that it is "being read aloud by Ondoku."

Choose the language and voice.

In the case of Japanese, you can select from over 16 types of voices, including female and male! (Click here for voice samples)

This time, we will use "Nanami (Guidance)," which is ideal for answering machine greetings.

Ondoku also allows you to adjust the reading speed and pitch, but for the first time, the default settings are fine.

Now, preparation is complete.

Press "Read Aloud" to start the free speech synthesis.

Speech synthesis is completed in just a few seconds with the latest AI.

The screen will switch, and an audio player will be displayed.

By reading this script text, the following audio was generated.

If you listen to it and there are no problems, press the "Download" button to save the MP3 audio file.

*Download in WAV format is also possible from the history page.

With this, you have successfully synthesized the audio file for the answering machine greeting for free using Ondoku.

3. Changing the Voice of the Answering Machine Greeting

Finally, use the created audio file to change the voice of the answering machine greeting.

How to Change Voice for IVR Systems, Cloud PBX, and Business Phones

In the case of store or office IVR systems, cloud PBX, or business phones, you can change the greeting by directly importing MP3 or WAV files.

Simply open the answering machine settings from the management screen and upload the created MP3 or WAV file.

It is possible to set an answering machine greeting that matches the company's image, using either female or male voices.

Since IVR systems, cloud PBX, and business phones can read audio files directly, you can easily change the voice with an AI reading app.

For more about IVR system audio, please see this article as well.

AI Speech Synthesis is Recommended for Phone IVR (Interactive Voice Response)! Detailed Explanation of How to Make It and Recommended Points

Explaining the mechanism and introduction method of IVR (Interactive Voice Response system). We will introduce in detail how to make automated response audio with AI speech synthesis, the benefits of call center operational efficiency, and tools that can be used for free.

How to Change Voice for iPhone, docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile

In the case of iPhone's standard functions or answering machine services from carriers like docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile, change the greeting via the settings screen or phone guidance.

Even if there is no function to directly upload an audio file, you can change the voice by playing the audio file on a smartphone or computer while recording it with the answering machine's recording function.

*Later in this article, we will introduce the voice change methods for iPhone, docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile.

In this way, by using the AI text-to-speech service Ondoku, anyone can easily create answering machine greetings for free!

When using it personally, it is OK to use it for free as long as you include "using Ondoku" in the audio!

A paid plan contract is required for commercial use (Click here for details on commercial use).

You can read aloud right now without any installation, so why don't you experience Ondoku's AI reading for free?

How to Change the Voice of iPhone Answering Machine Greetings

From here, we will explain the voice change method for iPhone and for carrier services like docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile.

First is the method for changing the standard iPhone answering machine voice.

How to Change the Voice of iPhone Answering Machine Greetings

To change the iPhone answering machine greeting, first open the Phone app.

The following flow differs depending on whether you are using the unified layout or the classic layout.

How to Change Voice When the iPhone Phone App is in Unified Layout

When the iPhone Phone app is in unified layout, first tap "Recents" and then tap "Edit".

On the "Edit" screen, tap "Edit Answering Machine Greeting".

On the screen that opens:

Tap "Custom" → "Record"

to record the greeting.

By playing the created audio file on a PC or smartphone and recording it on the iPhone, you can change the voice of the greeting.

How to Change Voice When the iPhone Phone App is in Classic Layout

When the iPhone Phone app is in classic layout (where the bottom is divided into "Recents," "Contacts," etc.), first tap "Voicemail".

Tap "Greeting" at the top right of the "Voicemail" screen to open the menu.

In the menu that opens:

Tap "Custom" → "Record"

to record the greeting.

By playing the created audio file on a PC or smartphone and recording it on this screen, you can change the voice of the greeting.

iPhone Answering Machine Greetings Can Be Easily Changed in the Phone App

In this way, iPhone answering machine greetings can be easily changed within the Phone app.

This is a recommended feature for iPhone users because it can be changed more easily than carrier voicemail services like docomo, au, SoftBank, or Rakuten Mobile.

[By Carrier] How to Change Voice for docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile

Next, we will explain how to change the answering machine greeting for each carrier: docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile.

How to Change docomo Answering Machine Greeting Voice

If you are using a docomo mobile line, you change the answering machine greeting by calling docomo's automated response number.

At this time, make sure the created audio file can be played on a computer or another smartphone.

1. Open the Phone app and call the docomo voicemail service number "1416".
2. An automated response message will play; press "9" (Change service details).
3. When the next automated response plays, press "2" (Check/Change greeting message).
4. When the following automated response plays, press "2" (Record in your own voice).
5. Then, you can record the greeting after the tone.
6. Play the audio file on a computer or another smartphone and record the greeting.
7. When finished recording, press "#" to end the recording.
8. The recorded content will play; check it, and if there are no problems, press "1" (Press "2" to record again).
9. Guidance audio will play, so press "*", "*", and the "End Call" button to finish.

This is the flow to change the greeting voice for docomo's voicemail service.

In the case of docomo, recording up to 3 minutes is possible.

How to Change au Answering Machine Greeting Voice

On an au mobile line, if you are subscribed to "Answering Service EX," you can change the greeting voice.

Changing the Answering Service EX greeting is done by calling au's automated response number from the Phone app.

Ensure beforehand that the created audio file can be played on a computer or another smartphone.

1. Call the au voicemail service number "1414" from the Phone app.
2. When the automated response plays, press "1".
3. Press "1" again at the next automated response.
4. Recording will start, so play the audio file on a computer or another smartphone and record the greeting.
5. When finished recording, press "#" to end.
6. An automated response will play; press "#".
7. Press the End Call button to hang up.

Through this flow, it is possible to change the greeting voice for au's "Answering Service EX."

In the case of au, recording up to 3 minutes is also possible.

How to Change SoftBank Answering Machine Greeting Voice

When changing the answering machine greeting voice on a SoftBank mobile line, it is also done by calling SoftBank's automated response number from the Phone app.

Ensure beforehand that the created audio file can be played on a computer or another smartphone.

1. Call the SoftBank voicemail service number "1416" from the Phone app.
2. When the automated response plays, press "2" (Change service settings).
3. When the next automated response plays, press "3" (Record/Delete/Play original greeting).
4. Press "3" (Record original greeting) at the following automated response.
5. Recording will start after the tone, so play the audio file and record the greeting.
6. Press "#" when finished recording.
7. An automated response will play; press "9" (Register recorded message).
8. Press "#" to register the recorded audio as the greeting message.
9. When the automated response plays, press "2" (Greeting message settings).
10. Press "2" (Set to original greeting) at the following automated response.

With this, the SoftBank answering machine greeting voice has been changed.

In the case of SoftBank, recording up to 1 minute is possible.

How to Change Rakuten Mobile Answering Machine Greeting Voice (For Business)

If you are using Rakuten Mobile personally, you can only use the standard greetings provided.

If you have a business contract, you can change the greeting voice in the Rakuten Link Office app.

1. First, open the Rakuten Link Office app.
2. Tap "Settings" from the menu.
3. Tap "Calls and Messages" in "Settings."
4. Tap "Answering Machine Settings" in "Calls and Messages."
5. Tap "Recorded Audio" in "Answering Machine Settings."
6. The recording screen will open.
7. Press the microphone button on the recording screen to start recording.
8. Play the audio file on a PC or another smartphone and record it.
9. Tap the microphone button to stop recording.
10. Enter a name for the greeting and save the recorded audio.
11. Tap "Complete Recording."

With this, the answering machine greeting voice has been changed in Rakuten Mobile's Rakuten Link Office app.

Explaining Recommended Points When Making Answering Machine Greetings

When creating an answering machine greeting, it is recommended to pay attention to a few points.

From here, we will explain tips for making answering machine greetings.

What are the points for choosing a voice? Characteristics of female and male voices

A key factor when making an answering machine greeting is whether to choose a female voice or a male voice.

Each has different characteristics, so it is recommended to choose based on the application or purpose.

Female voices provide a soft and approachable impression

Female voices are characterized by their ability to give a soft and approachable impression.

Female voices are especially recommended for answering machines in the hospitality and service industries.

By choosing a female voice, you can create a warm greeting.

Many types of female voices are also available on Ondoku.

For example, the female voice "Nanami (Guidance)," which is ideal for announcements, is perfect for changing answering machine greetings.

If you are unsure about the type of voice, choosing a female voice is recommended.

Male voices are characterized by trustworthiness and stability

Male voices are characterized by providing a sense of trustworthiness and stability.

For answering machines in highly specialized industries such as law firms or consulting firms, a male voice is recommended.

Many types of male voices are also available on Ondoku, so you can create a greeting with a male voice that matches the nature of your business.

Choosing female or male voices according to corporate brand image is also recommended

It is also recommended to choose female or male voices based on the corporate brand image.

For a young and vibrant company, a bright female voice is recommended.

For a company that values prestige, a calm male voice with a lower tone is ideal.

A wide variety of female and male voices are available on Ondoku.

Voice samples are introduced in this article, so please take a look.

Listen to 16 types of voices from the text-to-speech software Ondoku for free. Change the impression with pitch variations

Ondoku has 16 types of Japanese voices. Of course, both male and female voices are available. We have made it possible to listen to 8 commonly used Japanese voices and the variations when the pitch of each voice is adjusted.

We Recommend Keeping the Greeting Message Short

One thing to be careful about with answering machine greetings is not making them too long.

Carriers like docomo, au, and SoftBank allow recording for up to 1 to 3 minutes, but in practice, it is recommended to keep it much shorter.

The optimal length for an answering machine greeting is about 15 to 30 seconds.

Since the person calling wants to convey their business quickly, a greeting that is too long causes stress.

When thinking about the content of the greeting, it is recommended to convey the necessary information in a short length.

For a store or office answering machine:

• Company name
• Current status (out-of-hours, temporary closure, etc.)
• Business hours

It is recommended to convey such content.

In the case of a personal answering machine:

• Absence
• Returning the call

Conveying just these is enough.

With the AI text-to-speech app Ondoku, you can remake the greeting as many times as you like, so it is recommended to make various greetings and actually listen to them.

Why Not Change Your Answering Machine Greeting Voice with the Latest AI?

As you can see, answering machine greetings can be easily created with the AI text-to-speech app Ondoku.

By choosing your preferred voice, such as a female or male voice, you can create a greeting that is easy to hear.

For business phones and IVR systems, you can easily change the voice by importing audio files.

On iPhone, docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile, you can also change the greeting to your preferred content.

To provide detailed service at a store or office, creating greetings with the latest AI is recommended.

Why don't you try making an answering machine greeting for free with the AI reading app Ondoku?