Connecting more than one phone
Guide reference: HG-0037
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 3 min read
Use multiple handsets on one line. Extension sockets will not work on our digital lines.
Don't worry if you want more than one phone in the house. On a digital line, the supported way is a cordless phone system with one master base station.
Quick answer
Extension sockets will not work on our digital lines. Plug one cordless base station into Phone1 on the router, then use the extra handsets around your home.
More detail
The router phone socket supports one cable. That is where your phone or cordless base must connect.
Extension sockets around the home will not work on Simple Telecoms digital lines. Do not plug phones or extra bases into old wall sockets.
The only supported way to cover several rooms is a cordless phone system: one master base station on Phone1, with additional handsets on their charging bases elsewhere.
We do not support wired extension sockets, splitters, or daisy-chained wiring on digital lines.
Each handset uses the same line and home number.
What you'll need
- Working dial tone on Phone1 on the router
- Cordless phone system with one master base and extra handsets
- Phone cable from base to router in good condition
Before you begin
- Read extension sockets different if old wall phones stopped working.
- Charge all cordless handsets before testing.
Set up multiple handsets
Start with one phone working on Phone1 before adding handsets.
Buy or use a cordless phone system with one master base station and one or more handsets.
Plug only the master base station into Phone1 on the router, not into a wall socket.
Place the extra cordless handsets on their charging bases in other rooms.
Do not plug a second base station into an old extension socket.
Test each handset can dial out and receive calls.
Label which handset is the main one for voicemail if needed.
What success looks like
Every cordless handset rings on incoming calls and can dial out with a clear line, all through one base on Phone1.
Common mistakes
- Plugging phones or base stations into old extension wall sockets.
- Using splitters or extension wiring between the router and wall sockets.
- Plugging more than one base station into different sockets expecting them all to work.
- Expecting wired phones in other rooms to work without a cordless system.
Things to know
- See One phone works, one doesn't if only one handset fails.
- See Why extension sockets may work differently for why wall sockets no longer work.
- Care alarms may need the primary socket; ask your alarm provider.
Frequently asked questions
How many handsets can I use?
Cordless systems often support four or more handsets from one base. Ask the phone maker.
Will all handsets ring?
Yes, when they are registered to the one base station on Phone1.
Can I use extension sockets?
No. Extension sockets are not supported on our digital lines. Use a cordless system instead.