How to receive a call
Guide reference: HG-0043
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 2 min read
Answer, ignore, or send to voicemail. When the phone rings, lift the handset or press answer.
Don't worry. Answering calls on your home phone is straightforward once the line and ringer are set up.
Quick answer
When the phone rings, lift the handset or press answer. To ignore a call, leave it to ring or send to voicemail if set.
More detail
Incoming calls ring all phones connected correctly to your line.
Caller display may show the number first if your phone supports it.
If the phone never rings, See Phone not ringing or cant receive calls.
Answer a call
Wait for the ring tone on your handset.
Check caller display if available before answering.
Lift the handset or press the green answer button.
Speak normally. You do not need to shout.
To end the call, replace the handset or press end.
If you miss a call, See Using 1471 (last caller) or voicemail.
Common mistakes
- Ringer switched off or volume too low.
- Cordless handset off the charging base.
- Call divert sending calls elsewhere without realising.
Things to know
- See Call waiting if a second call arrives during a call.
- See Using voicemail for messages when you do not answer.
- See Dealing with nuisance calls if unwanted callers persist.
Frequently asked questions
Why no ring but calls arrive?
Check ringer volume and call divert. See Phone not ringing
Can I silence one handset?
Many cordless phones let you turn off ring per handset.
What is call waiting?
A beep during a call when someone else rings. See Call waiting