How to Change the Retrieval Number on an Answering Machine

The retrieval number for your answering machine can be used to gain access to your messages while you are away from home. Manufacturers usually set a generic number that you may want to change when you begin to use your answering machine for security purposes. Changing that number is quite easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Telephone
• Answering machine

1. Select a number that you will use as your new retrieval number before you begin. Check your manual to see if there is a range of numbers that you can use. Some answering machines are set up to accept only numbers between 500 and 999.
2. Press the "On/Off" button on your answering machine to turn it on.
3. Press the "Change" button. This is the button you must press first to adjust any of the settings on the answering machine. The button on your brand may be labeled differently.
4. Locate the "Setup" button. Press and hold this button down until you hear an automated voice announce the current retrieval number. Release the button.
5. Locate the "Skip/Scan" and "Repeat/Scan" buttons. These are the buttons you will need to scan through and select the digits that will make up your retrieval number. Check your manual for alternative names if you can't find these buttons.
6. Select the first digit. Use "Skip/Scan" or "Repeat/Scan" to scroll through to the number you want. Press "Setup" to advance to the next digit.
7. Press "Skip/Scan" or "Repeat/Scan" until you get to the number you want for the second digit. Press "Setup" to proceed to the third digit.
8. Change the third digit using the "Skip/Scan" and "Repeat/Scan" buttons. Press "Setup" to save your new retrieval number. An automated voice will announce the new number after it has been saved.
9. Check your manual for further instructions on changing the retrieval number on your answering machine. If you have any problems, contact the manufacturer by phone or get help from their website.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are selecting a new retrieval number, choose something that will not be easy for others to guess but will be easy for you to remember.
• Just as with other important information, in order to protect access to your important messages, guard your retrieval number carefully. If you do write the number down, do not put the paper in an area where it can be seen easily.

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