How to Dial an Extension on Android, iPhone, and Landline

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Make extension calls using your default phone app

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Using an Automated Menu
|
• Using an Android
|
• Using an iPhone
|
• Using a Landline
|
• Video
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• Q&A
|
• Tips

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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

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1. 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. 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.”
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using an Android

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1. 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. 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. 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. 4
   Enter the extension. Extensions are typically 3 or 4 digits long. Type in the additional numbers on the keypad.
5. 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.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using an iPhone

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1. 1
   Enter the main number. In your Phone app, dial the initial part of the number—e.g., (123) 456-7890.
2. 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. 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. 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.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using a Landline

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1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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Community Q&A

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• 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).

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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.
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