How to make a call
Guide reference: HG-0042
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Approx. 2 min read
Dialing and using your home phone. P
Don't worry. Making a call on your home phone works much like it always has once your line is set up.
Quick answer
Pick up the handset, dial the full number including the area code, press send or call if your phone has that button, and wait for ringing or dialling tones.
More detail
Your home phone uses the same dialling you remember, but on a digital line you must dial the full number including the area code every time.
On digital lines you may hear a steady dial tone, silence, or nothing obvious when you pick up. That is normal on many phones.
Rapid beeps or an engaged tone before you dial usually mean the line is not ready.
If a call fails, check no dial tone or cant make calls guides.
Make a call
Lift the handset or press the call button on a cordless phone.
You may hear a steady dial tone or silence. Both can be normal on digital lines.
Dial the full phone number including the area code every time.
Press send or call if your phone has that button, then wait for ringing or dialling tones.
For international calls, dial 00 then the country code and number.
Replace the handset to end the call.
Common mistakes
- Assuming silence means the line is broken before trying to dial.
- Forgetting the area code when dialling local numbers.
- Using old short dialling codes that no longer work.
Things to know
- See Making international calls for dialling abroad.
- See Premium rate numbers before calling 09 numbers.
- See Redial to call the last number again quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I dial 0 for an outside line?
No on home phones. That is for office systems.
How do I test the line?
Make a short call to a mobile, then ask someone to call your home number back.
I hear silence when I pick up. Is that broken?
Not always on digital lines. Dial a full number, press send or call if needed, and wait for ringing or dialling tones before assuming the line has failed.