iPhone Extension Dialing: Automate Extension Numbers

Automating Extension Dialing on Your iPhone

Remembering extensions or conference codes can be frustrating when making calls. Instead of manually dialing these extra digits, your iPhone can be configured to do it automatically.

iPhones, like many phones before them, support special characters for dialing functions. This allows you to seamlessly integrate extensions, conference access codes, or even calling card numbers directly into a contact’s phone number.

Adding a Code to a Contact

The process for adding a code is similar whether you're creating a new contact or modifying an existing one. Begin by tapping the "add phone" button on the contact’s information screen.

Enter the complete phone number for the contact. Then, select the symbols (+*#) button to access the special dialing characters.

Pause vs. Wait Functionality

Two distinct features enable automated dialing of additional numbers:

• Pause: Inserts a comma between the phone number and the extension. This initiates a roughly three-second pause before automatically dialing the subsequent digits. This is ideal for systems that immediately accept extension codes.
• Wait: Inserts a semicolon, causing the phone to pause until you press a keypad button before sending the code. This is particularly useful for conference calls where the timing of code entry is variable.

To implement a pause, simply tap the "pause" button.

The iPhone will automatically add the comma. Then, input the desired code and tap "Done." The iPhone will then dial the number, pause, and automatically send the code when you initiate a call.

Multiple pauses can be added for a longer, consistent delay between dialing and code transmission. Each pause introduces an approximate three-second wait.

Using the Wait Feature

To utilize the wait function, tap the "wait" button after entering the phone number.

The iPhone will insert the semicolon. Enter the code you wish to dial after the wait, and then tap "Done."

When calling a contact configured with the wait feature, the iPhone will dial the number and display a "Dial" button at the bottom of the screen. Tap this button when prompted to enter the code during the call.

These pause and wait features have been available on phones for many years, and their inclusion in the iPhone provides a convenient solution to avoid manually entering extensions or codes. This streamlines the calling process and eliminates the need to search for frequently used information.