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Two Methods:Dialing an Extension on a Touch-Tone PhoneDialing Extensions Automatically on Smart Phones

Extension numbers allow big companies to connect callers to dozens of different departments and employees. There are several shortcuts to save time when calling company extension numbers. Thanks to sophisticated operating systems, you can even program smart phones to dial extensions for you.

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Method 1 of 2: Dialing an Extension on a Touch-Tone Phone

  1. Call an Extension Number Step 1 Version 2.jpg
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    Call the company number. If you are using a landline, use the 1-800 toll free pre-fix to avoid long distance charges. If you are using a cell phone 1-800 numbers and other area codes will count toward your used minutes.
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  2. Call an Extension Number Step 2.jpg
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    Listen to the options. Most official company numbers have an automated system that will give you numbered options to get to the department of your choice. If you have an extension number, you do not need to listen to all the options each time.
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    Wait to be prompted to enter your extension number. In some cases, it will make you enter a number 1 through 9, in order to enter the extension number.
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    Use your keypad to enter the 3 to 5 digit extension. Wait for your call to go through.
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    Try dialing the extension automatically. If the company assigns 4-digit extension numbers, chances are that you can replace the last 4 digits in the company number to reach the extension of your choice.
    • For example, if the company number is 1-800-222-3333 and the extension is 1234, try dialing 1-800-222-1234 to bypass the automated system.

Method 2 of 2: Dialing Extensions Automatically on Smart Phones

  1. Call an Extension Number Step 6 Version 2.jpg
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    Call the company number to find out how long you must wait to enter the extension number.
    • Try entering the extension number immediately after the call picks up. If this works, you will use a pause option, or comma, when entering the number.
    • If you are required to wait for the automated system to go through the options, then you will use a wait option, or semi-colon, when entering an extension number.
    • Both Android and Apple smart phones use these conventions.
  2. Call an Extension Number Step 7 Version 2.jpg
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    Go to your Contacts application in your smart phone.
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    Click the plus sign to add a new contact, or select an existing contact number to which you want to add an extension. Tap on the existing contact and click edit.
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    Tap the area next to the phone number section. You may need to press a plus sign to enter a new number.
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    Enter the number in the space. If the main number is already entered, make sure your cursor is placed right after the original 10-digit number.
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    Press the “+*#” key at the bottom of the keypad if you are using an iPhone. If you are using an Android then skip to the next step.
  7. Call an Extension Number Step 12.jpg
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    Choose a “pause” method if you can enter the extension right away. If you are using an iPhone, press the pause button to place a comma in the field, and then enter the extension number. If you are using an Android, type a comma using the keypad and then enter the extension. [1]
    • The smart phone will automatically pause and then enter the extension after it calls the number.
  8. Call an Extension Number Step 13.jpg
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    Choose the “wait” method if you must wait for an automated system to go through the options before you can enter an extension. On an iPhone you can press the “wait” button to insert a semi-colon and then enter the extension. On an Android you can enter a semi-colon using the keypad and then enter the extension number. [2]
    • The smart phone will wait to be prompted by the system before entering the extension.
  9. Call an Extension Number Step 14 Version 2.jpg
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    Click “done” or “save changes” before you exit the contact.
  10. Call an Extension Number Step 15 Version 2.jpg
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    Tap on the contact to try the number with the extension and make the call.
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Tips

  • You can also dial extensions when using online call providers, like Skype. Call the company number. Click the dial pad icon, which is a square full of dots. Enter your extension number on the dial pad when prompted. [3]
  • If you are calling from a phone with a touch screen, put the phone on speaker, so you can easily dial the number while still listening to the options.

Things You'll Need

  • Smart phone

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.imore.com/daily-tip-automatically-dialing-extension-iphone
  2. ↑ http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57559205-285/automatically-dial-extensions-for-android-contacts/
  3. ↑ https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA22/how-do-i-dial-an-extension-during-a-call

Article Info

Categories: Phones and Gadgets

In other languages:

Русский: позвонить на добавочный номер, Italiano: Chiamare un Numero Telefonico Interno negli USA, Deutsch: Eine Durchwahl anrufen, Español: llamar a un anexo, Português: Ligar para um Ramal, Bahasa Indonesia: Menelepon Nomor Ekstensi

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