PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Telephones
Telecommunications Service Providers
Telephone Numbers
How to Dial an Extension on Android, iPhone, and Landline Download Article Make extension calls using your default phone app Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD
Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked
Download Article
Using an Automated Menu
|
Using an Android
|
Using an iPhone
|
Using a Landline
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,085,571 times. Learn more...
Do you need to reach someone by dialing an extension? Extensions allow companies to route callers to various departments through a single phone number. Most automated phone menus let you enter an extension after dialing the main number, but sometimes, you have to dial an extension directly. This tutorial will show you how to dial someone's direct extension from your landline or cell phone.
How to Dial an Extension: Fast Facts
There’s typically no need to dial an extension directly. Call the main number and follow the prompts.
On an Android, key in the main number, then tap ⋮ > Add 2-sec pause followed by the extension.
On an iPhone, tap and hold * after keying in the main number, then enter the extension and dial the number.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Using an Automated Menu
Download Article
1 Dial the main number and wait for the call to pick up. Most businesses that use extensions allow you to dial the extension from the automated menu. This method will work from any phone. Call the main number and wait for the automated system to pick up your call.
If you get a human operator, they can probably transfer you to the extension you want.
2 Follow the instructions for dialing an extension. These instructions may vary depending on the phone answering system. Listen carefully and follow the prompts to make sure your call goes through correctly. For example, you might hear something like:
“If you know your party’s extension, you may dial it at any time.”
“Enter your party’s extension, followed by the pound (#) sign.”
“Press 1 to dial an extension.”
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 4:
Using an Android
Download Article
1 Enter the main number. In the Phone app, type in the main number you want to dial. If you’re in the US, for example, this would be the 3-digit area code plus the 7-digit phone number in the format (123) 456-7890.
2 Tap the ⋮ menu button. This button is usually located at the top of the screen or just above the telephone keypad in the Phone app, although its location may vary depending on your version of the Android OS. A menu will expand.
3 Select Add 2-sec pause. This is the first option in the pop-out menu.
Selecting this option will add a comma to the end of the number you keyed in, which will cause the dialer to pause briefly before dialing any additional numbers.
On some Android phones, you may see “Add 3-sec pause” instead.
Alternatively, select Add wait. This will add a semicolon (;) after the number. In this case, the phone will prompt you to tap a button before it continues dialing.
4 Enter the extension. Extensions are typically 3 or 4 digits long. Type in the additional numbers on the keypad.
5 Tap the call button. Your phone will dial the main number, then the extension.
If you want to dial the extension more easily in the future, you can save the full number with the extension to your contacts.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 4:
Using an iPhone
Download Article
1 Enter the main number. In your Phone app, dial the initial part of the number—e.g., (123) 456-7890.
2 Press and hold *. This key is located at the bottom left side of the telephone keypad. After a couple seconds, a comma will appear at the end of the number you entered.
This comma will command your phone app to pause for 2 seconds before dialing the extension.
Alternatively, press and hold the # key until a semi-colon (;) appears at the end of the number. This will insert a wait between the main number and the extension. You’ll be prompted to tap a button to dial the extension after dialing the main number.
3 Enter the extension. Most extensions are 3 or 4 digits long. Key the extension in on your keypad after the main number and the pause or wait command.
4 Tap the call button. This will dial the main number, followed by the extension.
To dial the extension more easily in the future, add the full number with the extension to your contacts after placing the call.
Advertisement Method 4 Method 4 of 4:
Using a Landline
Download Article
1 Dial the number as you normally would. You don't have any dial pausing options with a landline, so you'll have to dial the number as you normally would.
2 Try entering the extension as soon as the line picks up. For many menu systems, you can start entering the extension as soon as the call is picked up. Try entering your extension now to see if it dials.
3 Listen to the menu options if your extension doesn't work. If you can't immediately dial the extension, listen to the menu options. You may have to pick an option to be allowed to enter an extension.
4 Add a pause and the extension to your speed dial (if possible). Some phones that have a speed dial function will also have a Pause key that you can use when programming a speed dial number. The existence and location of this button varies from model to model.
If you can add pauses, enter the base number, two pauses, and then the extension number.
Save the entire thing to your speed dial entry. If the number you are calling supports entering the extension immediately, you'll be able to use this speed dial entry to call the extension directly.
5 Try replacing the last digits of the base number with the extension. If the extension is a four-digit number, you may be able to dial it directly by replacing the last four digits of the base number with it. For example, if the company number is 1-800-555-2222 and the extension is 1234, try dialing 1-800-555-1234.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How can I dial a number with an extension from an Android phone? Community Answer You'd do this in the same way as you would do with an iPhone -- just instead of adding a (,) it will add a (p), indicating a pause and for the Wait (;), it will add a (w). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 38 Helpful 30
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
You can also dial extensions when using online call providers like Skype. Call the company number. During the call, click the dial pad icon, which is a square full of dots. Enter your extension number on the dial pad when prompted.[1]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How to Dial an Extension on iPhone + Save the Number as a Contact9 Ways to Make a Phone Call: Full Step-by-Step GuideHow toRedialHow toMake an Anonymous CallSimple Ways to Set Up Call Forwarding on AndroidHow to3 Way Call a PersonHow to Make International Calls from Anywhere in the World: GuideHow to Dial to the US: Complete Guide (With Pictures)How Do You Call the Philippines from the US?The Ultimate Guide to Calling Internationally from the USAHow to Talk to a Human If Calling a Business: Tips That WorkHow to Call Private: Easy Steps for Android, iPhone, & Landline7 Easy Ways to Block a Phone Contact on iPhone, Android, & MoreHow to Set Up Call Forwarding on Android, iPhone, & Landline Advertisement
Written by: Megaera Lorenz, PhD wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been viewed 2,085,571 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 7Updated: December 16, 2024 Views: 2,085,571 Categories: Telephone NumbersArticle SummaryX
To dial an extension number using a smart phone, start by dialing the number that you want to call. Then, press and hold the * button to insert a pause, and wait 2 seconds before dialing the extension. After entering your pause, type the extension number that you want your phone to automatically dial. Finally, tap the call icon to make your call. For tips on how to call an extension using a landline, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Russian Italian German Spanish Portuguese Indonesian French Thai Arabic Vietnamese Hindi Turkish Czech Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,085,571 times.
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Written by: Megaera Lorenz, PhD wikiHow Staff Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7Updated: December 16, 2024 Views: 2,085,571
Quizzes & Games
Life Path Number CalculatorHow Many Digits of Pi Do I Know QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Angel Number QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhat Is My Numerology Number QuizTake QuizAngel Number InterpreterAnalyze
You Might Also Like
How to Dial an Extension on iPhone + Save the Number as a Contact9 Ways to Make a Phone Call: Full Step-by-Step GuideHow toRedialHow toMake an Anonymous Call
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Featured Articles
115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last MinuteHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality Test
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
How toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
IQ TestTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizCognitive TestTake QuizWill I Get Together With My Crush QuizTake QuizMemory TestTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Telephones
Telecommunications Service Providers
Telephone Numbers
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Make extension calls using your default phone app Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD 
Advertisement 
Written by: Megaera Lorenz, PhD wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been viewed 2,085,571 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 7 Updated: December 16, 2024 Views: 2,085,571 Categories: Telephone Numbers Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Analyze 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
599 
1 Dial the main number and wait for the call to pick up. Most businesses that use extensions allow you to dial the extension from the automated menu. This method will work from any phone. Call the main number and wait for the automated system to pick up your call. 
2 Follow the instructions for dialing an extension. These instructions may vary depending on the phone answering system. Listen carefully and follow the prompts to make sure your call goes through correctly. For example, you might hear something like: 
1 Enter the main number. In the Phone app, type in the main number you want to dial. If you’re in the US, for example, this would be the 3-digit area code plus the 7-digit phone number in the format (123) 456-7890. 
2 Tap the ⋮ menu button. This button is usually located at the top of the screen or just above the telephone keypad in the Phone app, although its location may vary depending on your version of the Android OS. A menu will expand. 
3 Select Add 2-sec pause. This is the first option in the pop-out menu. 
4 Enter the extension. Extensions are typically 3 or 4 digits long. Type in the additional numbers on the keypad. 
5 Tap the call button. Your phone will dial the main number, then the extension. 
1 Enter the main number. In your Phone app, dial the initial part of the number—e.g., (123) 456-7890. 
2 Press and hold *. This key is located at the bottom left side of the telephone keypad. After a couple seconds, a comma will appear at the end of the number you entered. 
3 Enter the extension. Most extensions are 3 or 4 digits long. Key the extension in on your keypad after the main number and the pause or wait command. 
4 Tap the call button. This will dial the main number, followed by the extension. 
1 Dial the number as you normally would. You don't have any dial pausing options with a landline, so you'll have to dial the number as you normally would. 
2 Try entering the extension as soon as the line picks up. For many menu systems, you can start entering the extension as soon as the call is picked up. Try entering your extension now to see if it dials. 
3 Listen to the menu options if your extension doesn't work. If you can't immediately dial the extension, listen to the menu options. You may have to pick an option to be allowed to enter an extension. 
4 Add a pause and the extension to your speed dial (if possible). Some phones that have a speed dial function will also have a Pause key that you can use when programming a speed dial number. The existence and location of this button varies from model to model. 
5 Try replacing the last digits of the base number with the extension. If the extension is a four-digit number, you may be able to dial it directly by replacing the last four digits of the base number with it. For example, if the company number is 1-800-555-2222 and the extension is 1234, try dialing 1-800-555-1234. Advertisement 
Community Answer You'd do this in the same way as you would do with an iPhone -- just instead of adding a (,) it will add a (p), indicating a pause and for the Wait (;), it will add a (w). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 38 Helpful 30