There are a few different methods by which you can transfer a voicemail to MP3 and you should choose the method that is likely to work best for your needs. One of the easiest ways to make a voicemail message available as an MP3 is to utilize a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service that allows you to call your own voicemail system, and then use another program to record your messages as MP3s. You can also use software that is specifically designed to access your voicemail box and record your messages, though this may only work with new messages. It is also possible to use hardware to transfer a voicemail to MP3, by connecting it to your phone line and making a new MP3 file from a message.
One of the most flexible ways in which you can transfer voicemail to MP3 is through the use of a VoIP program. This type of software allows you to use your computer, as long as it is connected to the Internet, to make phone calls. You can use this with a secondary program designed to allow you to record audio data as it is received by your computer, and both of these types of software are available for free. To convert voicemail to MP3, you can use the VoIP program to dial your inbox, access your voicemail messages, and then record a message as you play it back using the recording software.
An easier way to transfer a voicemail to MP3 is through the use of a single software program or service that can handle the entire process for you. Such programs allow you to set up a recording service, which dials your inbox and records your messages as MP3s automatically. These services often require payment, however, so this solution may be more expensive than the first. You might not be able to transfer older messages from voicemail to MP3 with all services, since some can only make MP3s of new messages, so you should look for a service that best suits your needs.
It is also possible to use a small piece of hardware that allows you to connect your phone and phone line to your computer. This can allow you to access your voicemail through a home phone, and then record your call on your computer to transfer voicemail to MP3. Such a device can also be used to transfer recordings from a standard answering machine onto your computer, which other methods may not be able to do. Hardware needed to transfer voicemail to MP3 in this way is not free, however, though the cost may be worthwhile for the functionality provided.