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Easiest Ways to Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number

How to Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number: Extension numbers allow large companies to connect callers to dozens of different departments and staff. While calling client extension numbers there are several ways to save time. You can even configure smartphones to dial extensions for you, thanks to advanced operating systems.

How to Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number

If you’re trying to call a specific department or person in a large organization (ie trying to Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number), you’re likely aware of how overwhelming this process can be, particularly when you’re forced to wade through a set of voice menus.

Though these menu systems serve the much-needed task of guiding individuals to the correct office with specific queries, they create a series of needless obstacles for callers who already know who to talk to.

In fact, those menu systems are nothing more than a means of connecting a caller with the correct number of extensions.

If you already know the extension number you need to hit, you might forego the process entirely. Learning how to dial an extension can save precious energy and time.

Simple Ways to Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number

One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to make a direct call to an extension number that you already know is to use the interactive voice menu system.

Often, these gatekeepers provide an opportunity for you to input the extension number you want to reach before launching into their voice menus.

If given this opportunity, this is a relatively straightforward approach to completing your desired aim.

If you are trying to find the extension number so you can avoid these menus at a later point, ask for the correct extension number from the individual or office you are calling after you are connected.

Dialing the Extension Directly

Modern cell phones provide users with a way to dial an extension number directly.

To accomplish this, you first enter the primary telephone number you are calling.

After you do this, insert a comma after the primary number by holding down the * key until the comma appears.

Then, input the extension number you want to reach.

When you complete the process by dialing the number series, you are directly connected with the extension.

When a comma is entered in a phone number, it instructs your phone to dial the following extension after an initial connection is made with the primary phone number.

This simple method of automation can help you avoid unnecessary wait times and ensure that you reach your intended audience as quickly as possible.

This process can be used with almost all modern cell phones.

For obvious reasons, this method cannot be used if you are making your call from an older landline phone that does not allow for complete number entry before dialing.

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Step By Step Ways to Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number

Using a SmartPhone

Make a Straight Call to an Extension Number Using a SmartPhone

1. Dial the number that you want to call. Open the dialer app and enter the number that you want to call.

2. Add a “pause” if you’ll be entering the extension as soon as the line picks up.

If the number you are calling allows you to enter the extension immediately after picking up, the “pause” function will automatically enter the extension after waiting a moment:

  • Press and hold the * button to add a comma (,) to the end of the number. This symbol indicates a two-second pause before the extension will be dialed. If pressing and holding the * button does not work, tap the (⋮) button next to the number and select “Add pause.” If that doesn’t work either, tap the number field to open your on-screen keyboard, then type a comma.
  • You can add multiple commas to wait longer. This may be useful for phone systems that have a delay before you can enter the extension.

3. Add a “wait” if the extension can only be dialed after the whole menu plays. 

Some extensions cannot be entered until the entire automated menu service plays, or until a certain option is selected.

The “wait” function will display the extension on your screen and you’ll indicate when it should be entered.

  • Press and hold the # button to add a semicolon (;) to the end of the number. This symbol indicates a “wait,” and the subsequent extension will not be dialed until you say so.
  • If you’re using a Windows phone, you’ll need to add a “w” instead of a “;”. This will need to be copied and pasted from another app that allows you to type.

4. Type the extension number after your symbol.

After adding the wait or pause symbol, type the extension that you want your phone to automatically dial.

5. Call the number. Your phone will dial the number.

After dialing the number, depending on the symbol you used, it will then either dial the extension you entered (,) or you’ll be prompted to show when the extension should be dialed (;).

  • If you chose the wait (;) option, you’ll be able to navigate to the portion of the menu that allows you to enter the extension first. Once you’re in the right part of the menu, tap “Send” in the window to dial the extension.

6. Add numbers with extensions to your contacts.

If you dial this extension a lot, you can add the number to your phone’s contacts.

All of the extension symbols and numbers will be saved along with it.

Using a Landline

1. Dial the number as you normally would.

You don’t have any dial pausing options with a landline, so you’ll just have to dial the number as you normally would.

2. Try entering the extension as soon as the line picks up.

For many menu systems, you can start entering the extension as soon as the call is picked up.

Try entering your extension now to see if it dials.

3. Listen to the menu options if your extension doesn’t work.

If you can’t immediately dial the extension, listen to the menu options.

You may have to pick an option to be allowed to enter an extension.

4. Add a pause and an extension to your speed dial (if possible).

Some phones that have a speed dial function will also have a Pause key you can use when programming a speed dial number.

The existence and location of this button vary from model to model.

If you can add pauses, enter the base number, two pauses, and then the extension number.

Save the entire thing to your speed dial entry.

If the number you are calling supports entering the extension immediately, you’ll be able to use this speed dial entry to call the extension directly.

5. Try replacing the last digits of the base number with the extension.

If the extension is a four-digit number, you may dial it directly by replacing the last four digits of the base number with it.

For example, if the company number is 1-800-555-2222, and the extension is 1234, try dialing 1-800-555-1234.

How to Dial an Extension on iPhone

How to Dial an Extension on iPhone

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Dial the main number you’re calling.
  • Then hold down the * (asterisk) until a comma appears.
  • Now enter the extension number after the comma.
  • Tap the green Call button and you’ll dial straight to the person you’re trying to reach.

When you do this, make sure you hold down the * long enough to turn it into a comma.

The comma acts as a pause and lets your phone know it’s dialing an extension.

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