How to enter an additional number. How to dial an extension phone number? Why do you need extensions in business and how to set them up?

In this article we would like to address the question of how to call from a mobile phone to a home phone. We were inspired to write it by questions on many forums, where users ask to describe the correct typing process telephone numbers in cases where you need to call from mobile to home. Probably many users do not experience difficulties in this process, but there are still subtleties in it, so you should familiarize yourself with the information that we have prepared for you.

How to call correctly from mobile to home?

Mobile and home numbers are very similar in structure and to make a call you should dial in the following sequence:

  1. Code of the country(so for Russia it is 8 or +7).
  2. Operator code for mobile and area code for home.
  3. The user's phone number(in mobile numbers these are the last 7 digits, but in home numbers the number of digits can vary from five to seven).

To dial a landline number from a cell phone, you need to dial a full set of numbers, unlike dialing between two city subscribers, when dialing the country and city codes is abolished in order to make a call.


Before making a call from a mobile phone, you need to make sure that you have the required amount of funds in your personal account, since such calls are charged much more expensive than within the mobile network.

In Russia there are differences in recruitment home phone depending on the subscriber's location.

You can call from the same city where the contact is located without using the international format - just put the number 8 in front of the city identifier. The long-distance format is necessary for subscribers who have traveled outside the region.

Long-distance communication format for mobile and landline numbers

Once Alexander M. left the city of Yaroslavl for Moscow on business. And now I urgently needed to contact my mother, and since old man I was an opponent of modern mobile phones, so I only used a home stationary device. As a result, the son, who was already unaccustomed to such “gadgets,” was a little confused in this situation - he had to contact his neighbors (fortunately, they were more technically advanced). But when faced with a problem, Alexander nevertheless decided to find out what the process of dialing a phone is when connecting mobile and home subscribers.

Video instruction:

For long-distance calls, city identifiers are provided, which can be found in any address directory. Also, many sites on the Internet will help you find the necessary information. For our part, we will indicate the most popular destinations in Russia:

RegionRegionRegion
Moscow and region495 Omsk381 Voronezh473
St. Petersburg and region812 Chelyabinsk351 Saratov845
Novosibirsk383 Rostov-on-Don863 Tolyatti848
Ekaterinburg343 Ufa347 Krasnodar861
Nizhny Novgorod831 Permian342 Izhevsk341
Samara846 Volgograd844 Yaroslavl485
Kazan843 Krasnoyarsk391 Ryazan491

Reference! In addition to the main regional code many of its administrative units (cities, towns, villages, etc.) add a few more numbers identifying locality. Before contacting a home telephone subscriber, be sure to find out the code of his locality.

How to dial a home number in international format?

To call from a mobile phone to your home phone while you are outside the country, you must dial in a special order, which is developed in accordance with international standards.

IN Russian Federation Home numbers are dialed as follows:

  • XXX XX XX – when you need to call from home to home (country and city encoding is omitted).
  • 8 (UUU) XXX XX XX – dialed for long-distance mobile and landline connections, where UUU is the “address” of the city.
  • +7 UUU XXX XX XX – combination landline subscriber in an international format (+7 – international code Russia).

The same principle applies when you need to call a home phone registered abroad. Here are some popular destination codes:

A countryA countryA country
Armenia374 Czech420 Kazakhstan7
Austria43 Finland358 Kyrgyzstan996
Azerbaijan994 France33 Latvia371
Belarus375 Georgia995 Lithuania370
Bulgaria359 Germany49 Poland48
China86 Greece30 Ukraine380
Croatia375 Israel372 USA1
Uzbekistan998 Portugal351 Great Britain44

During calls to multi-channel numbers of office centers and large corporations it becomes necessary to enter an extension number to contact the required specialist. Cellular and landline phone subscribers are faced with the use of this option.

The need to introduce extension numbers is due to line congestion. Many calls are received to the general number of an enterprise or organization; in order not to occupy the line, but to immediately redirect the caller to the right employee, additional combinations of numbers have been entered. A specific code is attached to each line device, knowing which you can easily reach the subscriber you are interested in.

How to find out if you need to enter an extension number in your case:

  • the number can be indicated as the contact information of the organization, and it is enclosed in brackets;
  • The company's official website on the Internet may contain detailed instructions how to contact each of the specialists;
  • call the administrator and clarify the contact information of the person you are interested in;
  • during a call on the specified phone number The voice informant will inform you about the need to select an additional number to connect with a specialized specialist.

You can enter the desired combination of numbers manually or using automatic mode. Smartphones and tablets are equipped with programs that allow you to save numbers with an additional combination of numbers and pauses. This is convenient if you often make calls to specialized multi-channel numbers of social services and various institutions.

How to manually enter an extension number on a cell phone

Following the following simple algorithm will help you avoid problems with manually entering a digital combination on your mobile phone keyboard:

  1. Dial the contact number.
  2. Wait for the voice informant to respond. After the recommendation to switch the device to tone dialing, you should not take any action. Modern phone models are initially configured for this mode, so you should just wait for the following recommendations.
  3. The voice of the answering machine will inform you about further options for moving to sections of the service menu or numbers of specialized specialists.
  4. All you have to do is enter the desired combination of characters or numbers and wait for a response.

Any system can fail. In this case, it is possible to connect with the administrator. In such a situation, you need to listen to the information or ask a specialist to connect you with the person you are interested in.

Automatic call settings to an extension number

All models of modern telephones provide automatic dialing of additional numbers. This function is very convenient if you often call the bank's support service, mobile operator or the office of a large company.

The option provides the ability to enter the full combination of the number and additional digits with pauses in those places where they are needed.

For example, during a call to a consultant cellular communication The voice informant prompts you to enter a combination of characters to connect to one or another profile line. While listening to information, there is a pause, after which you press the desired key. IN automatic mode this number is entered by the device.

To record a contact with an auto-dial extension, follow these steps:

  1. Open the keyboard and enter the subscriber number.
  2. Perform one press on the key with the ellipsis “…”.
  3. The window that opens will display options for dialing functions. Here you need to select “Add pause (2 seconds)” or “Add wait”.
  4. After recording the interval, enter the additional number.
  5. Now that the entry is complete, you can save the number to your device's Contacts. When dialing such a number, there is no need to enter additional symbols and numbers.

You can determine how long it takes to dial an extension number during a call. The choice of pause or wait depends on the duration of the interval. During a call using automatic dialing of an additional combination, the device will automatically dial, regardless of its duration. The pause time will be indicated on the screen by a comma “,”. Waiting is represented by a semicolon. If you select standby mode, the following punctuation mark “;” will be displayed after the number.

To understand what the automatic informant means when it asks you to switch to tone dialing mode, you need to understand this issue.

Mobile mode is effortless

After the informant's request, you are wondering: what do you need to do to switch to touch-tone dialing mode on your mobile phone? The answer is that you don't need to do anything because the mobile phone is initially set to this mode. Therefore, users mobile phones you just need to enter the extension number.

The informant's request applies exclusively to landline telephone subscribers. This is due to the fact that automatic telephone exchanges in our country operate in pulse dialing mode.

What is the difference between tone mode and pulse mode?

In tone mode, the signal is transmitted as a specific frequency. Walkie-talkies and radios work in a similar way. Similar to how you tune your car radio to your favorite wave, you dial a combination of numbers. The digits of the subscriber's phone number correspond to different frequencies.

Pulse dialing differs from tone dialing in that in this case the signal is transmitted during a certain combination of closing and opening the circuit. Each number corresponds to a specific algorithm of actions. This process is accompanied by audible clicks that the subscriber hears in the handset of a landline telephone while dialing a number. The communication system reads the digital values ​​and converts them into a number.

There are several options for switching to tone mode on a landline phone:

  • if your device has a button marked with an asterisk “*”, when you press it, the answering machine will inform you that the phone has switched to tone dialing mode;
  • if your device does not have a button with an asterisk, then the letter “T” is used instead;
  • instructions for switching to tone mode may be in the instruction manual for your device;
  • If the above methods do not suit you, you can use an Internet search engine.

To do this, you need to enter the make and model of the device. This information can be printed on the device body and packaging. After information about the device, write the word “Instructions” and activate the search. Search system will offer possible options, among which you can choose the most understandable one and find the information you need.

To switch to tone dialing mode, the “*” and “+” keys, as well as their combinations, can be used. Before you make the switch, you need to find out which option is available for your device.

How to call an extension from a landline phone

Using pulse dialing

Considering that telephone exchanges work with pulse dialing, users may have a question: how to dial to extension numbers? To do this, you must use the “*” key immediately after establishing the connection. You need to press the key at the moment when beeps are heard in the device.

It is more profitable to make calls to extension numbers from a landline phone. When calling extension numbers, charges are charged as for calls to landline numbers. Therefore, while talking on a mobile phone, your balance may run out faster than you expect.

Subtleties of tonal range adjustment

Before calling an extension from a landline, you need to figure out how to do this.

You can determine in which mode your device is operating by the characteristic sounds in the handset of the phone. The tonal sound of beeps is characteristic of the tone dialing mode. Clicking and crackling noises are heard during pulse dialing.

If your device has pulse mode enabled, you will not be able to enter an additional combination of numbers. To go to desired mode Explore the capabilities of the device from which the call is made. Using the “*” key or another key combination adapted for this device will make a one-time transition to the tone mode. All subsequent calls will be made in pulse mode.

Certain brands and models of devices have their own key combinations that help you change modes.

To change the dialing mode, owners of a Siemens Gigaset device must take the following steps:

  • press the “Call” button;
  • dial “10” to activate the menu;
  • press the “1” key, corresponding to the transition to tone dialing.

VoxteL phones have a different dialing option. First you need to use the programming button and enter the key combination “*”, “2”, “2”. After waiting for the sound signal, you must press the asterisk and the programming button again.

For DECT phones, the developers have provided a key to switch between dialing modes.

Modern Panasonic landline phones are equipped with a mode switch. It is located on the side of the device. The smooth switch in the form of a slider moves to the “TONE” icon to switch to tone dialing mode. In older models of this brand, the transition is performed using the menu.

There are certain nuances that are worth studying before making calls from landline phones in tone mode.

In contacts of organizations using extension numbers, an additional combination of numbers is indicated in brackets. To call such a number, use the following algorithm:

  1. Dial the main number and press the call button.
  2. Wait for the voice informant to respond.
  3. Switch your phone to touch tone mode.
  4. Dial the desired auxiliary number combination, making sure that the device is in tone mode.

Some device models are equipped with a special Pulse-Tone key, this option makes the user’s task easier. After all the manipulations, all that remains is to wait for the connection.

At one time, for us there was only a home or business telephone, also known as a landline or landline. Using it we could make local (city), intercity and international calls. In even more distant times, telephone operators worked at telephone exchanges, and we could easily turn the buzzer handle of our telephone set, hear their answer, name the subscriber we would like to hear, and receive a connection.

Now it has rapidly burst into our lives mobile connection , and with it a huge variety of brands and models of mobile phones.

However the principles of operation of mobile telephones are the same, and this despite their enormous diversity. The only difference remained in the use of separate modes of landline and mobile phones.

Many landline telephones have retained the pulse mode of operation. This is a mode where the telephone transmits signals by closing and opening the telephone line.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Switch to tone (tone) mode, i.e. after dialing and the subscriber answers, we must press the * (star) key (button) on the phone, and in some cases the + (plus) key, which means switching to tone mode.
  2. After this, dial an additional, or as they often say, extension number.

In tone mode, the phone makes a call to the subscriber by transmitting a signal at a certain frequency, where each digit is assigned its own frequency.

Telephones with extensions began to appear due to the expansion of the range of services offered by telephone equipment manufacturers. In the office of any enterprise, it is now possible to install a mini-automatic telephone exchange, which will have a main number and several hundred additional ones, which allows not only to provide telephone communications to all employees of the enterprise, but also makes their work more orderly, logical, and ultimately more productive .

Modern mini-PBXs- these are high-tech products that, with certain programming and settings, allow you to work without operator participation, automatically conduct dialogues with subscribers, and offer them a choice of connecting to one or another additional subscriber.

We have to master and accept for use such additional service communications. To make this simple and understandable, you need to imagine a fairly simple operating algorithm telephone network, where there are additional subscribers. There is only one main subscriber, and additional subscribers are assigned either directly to a specific employee, or, more often, to a specific function.

The most remarkable example, perhaps, is any large telephone company, such as MTS, Beeline, Megafon, etc. By calling any of these companies, you will hear a response from an auto operator who will tell you where you called and offer to dial one of the extension numbers depending on the purpose of your call. In addition, he will offer you to wait for a response from an operator with whom you can talk “live” and who has broader powers than an answering machine.

Knowing the additional “call sign” of a specific employee, all you have to do is ask the operator to connect you with this additional “character”. The same communication systems are installed in our time in all large banks, large public organizations, public utility services, etc.

The mobile phones we use already operate in tone mode, that is, we do not need to switch the device itself to tone mode, but follow the prompt from the operator or answering machine to press one or another number on your telephone. In some cases, you will need to press the “star” or “pound” button. The operator or auto attendant of the subscriber you called will tell you this.

Step by Step Actions

Understanding extension numbers is not difficult at all:

  1. Study the phone number of the organization you are going to call. If it consists of two parts, then the extension number will be indicated at the end of the main number in brackets, or designated as “ext.”
  2. Dial the main phone number and wait for the operator to answer. If a “live” operator answers you, then in a dialogue with him you will ask him to connect with the subscriber you need, giving him additional numbers, or express a request to connect with specific person, department or division. If the auto operator answers, listen to him to the end and follow the options he suggests. So, for example, it might be prompted: “To connect to the customer service department, press “2”, etc.

Keep in mind that the countdown of the call time, and therefore the payment, for an extension number begins from the moment the operator’s answering machine answers, and not from the moment of connection with the desired subscriber.

If you dialed, say, “large bank”, and in response the answering operator first offers advertising, and then lists a list of extension numbers, then you have to pay for all this traffic.

Mostly specialists telephone communication It is not recommended to call an extension number from a mobile phone. This is primarily due to the irrationality of paying for traffic when, for example, you listen to an advertisement from an answering machine, but have not yet begun further steps to dial an additional number, since the answering machine has not “announced” the menu at its disposal. And in addition, the telephone equipment of the subscriber you are calling with an extension number may be outdated and may not work correctly with modern mobile communication devices.

If your device is equipped or equipped online calling program, for example, Skype, then you can call the extension subscriber and special programs for online calls, such as “Tap the dial icon (square with dots) and enter an extension digit” when necessary.

Many organizations use extension numbers, which are a numeric identifier, to communicate with various departments. However, a subscriber who needs to connect to a specific employee sometimes has difficulties. Problems especially often arise for those who call from a mobile phone.

How to determine what extension number is in front of you?

Before dialing an extension number from a mobile phone, you need to determine whether it is actually the one in front of you. In the contact information of many companies for departments with extension numbers, several numbers are indicated after the main number, which are usually enclosed in parentheses. Or the word “additional” is written in front of them. They represent an employee or department code, which is determined by the serial number of the device when connected to the PBX. At the same time, the PBX can be virtual and forward calls from Skype, mobile and regular calls located in various branches.

How to dial an extension number from a mobile phone?

Unlike a city landline, mobile phones automatically switch to In a landline, before dialing an extension phone number, you must press *, and this will help it switch to tone mode. From phones that have a dial for dialing, calls to such numbers will be difficult and are only possible if the connection is made by an operator and not an answering machine. Owners of smartphones running Android or IOS have questions. The number keys usually collapse when making a call. And before dialing an extension number from a mobile phone, you need to call up this keyboard on the screen by pressing the symbolic icon. For phones with it, it is an icon in the form of ten small squares, nine of which are located at the top in three rows, and another one at the bottom. When you dial additional numbers on your mobile phone, you will hear characteristic sounds in the speaker.

Two options for connecting to an extension number

In the first case, you will need to dial the main number to make a call. Then wait for the operator or answering machine to respond and listen to the entire message. After that, you need to dial the numbers of the extension number, and the connection will occur. You will need to call back if you end up in the wrong department and the person who answers the phone refuses to transfer you. Although usually employees large firms They are quite loyal to the callers and transfer the call to the required department. The second option for dialing an extension number from a mobile phone is not to wait for the end of the message, but to immediately continue entering additional numbers. In this case, the connection may fail or an error may occur. Owners of smartphones based on modern platforms can reduce the time spent listening to the entire message.

How to dial an extension number on a mobile phone if you have a smartphone?

For owners of mobile phones, the problem is that the operator begins to withdraw money from the phone account from the moment of connection. Therefore, if a call to the line is not free, then users try to do without listening to a message with the names of departments and numbers. Smartphone owners can dial any extension numbers using the pause button. To do this, you need to dial the necessary numbers and wait for the connection. Then press pause (its icon is usually located on the call screen) and enter additional numbers. You can try to start typing immediately after the connection, without first pressing the pause button, but this option does not always work. If there is any error in this case, it is best to hang up and call back. That's all, now you know how to dial an extension number on your mobile phone.

Most private firms and companies use extension numbers that allow you to connect to specific departments or specific employees. From the article you will learn how extension numbers work, as well as how to dial extension numbers on a mobile phone.

What is an extension number

Companies and private firms often list one or more telephone numbers. Usually this is only a mobile number or, in addition, a landline number. Or 2-3 different mobile numbers mobile operators. When calling the specified number the operator will pick up the phone or an answering machine will start asking you to select the appropriate menu item. The selected digit is the extension number.

Another example is when a live operator switches you to another specialist. At the other end of the line, a specific number is entered, after which the switch to another specialist occurs. In this case, the number dialed by the operator is also called an extension. If you enter an extension number in advance, then when you call, you will be automatically redirected to a specific employee or department, bypassing a live operator or answering machine.

How to dial an extension number

To dial an extension number, you need to know the exact combination of numbers and the dialing order. The dialing procedure should be understood as the use of “pause” or “waiting”.

A pause is set when, after dialing, you need to immediately enter an extension number. The pause symbol is indicated by a comma – “,”. So in the combination “55555.123” on the left side the phone number is 55555, and on the right side the extension number is 123.

Waiting is indicated by a semicolon ";". The wait function is used when you need to wait for the answering machine to finish talking before pressing an extension digit.

Procedure for adding pause and wait:

Open the dialer app.

Enter your phone number.

Click on the button in the form of three dots to open the hidden menu.

IN context menu Select "Add Pause (2 Seconds)" or "Add Wait."

After the sign, enter the extension number.