Call Waiting lets you know when someone is trying to call while you're already on the phone. Learn how to turn it on, turn it off and manage it.
Switch off Call Waiting if you use a fax machine or modem on the same line.
Call Waiting is not compatible with Internet Call Waiting.
Manage Call Waiting on Digital Voice
Using a Digital Voice handset
- Open Calling Features.
- Select Call Waiting.
- Choose the handset if more than one is registered.
- Select On, Off, or Check status.
- Press Select to confirm.
Using another handset on your Digital Voice service
- Turn Call Waiting on: *43# (star, 4, 3, hash)
- Check status: *#43# (star, hash, 4, 3, hash)
- Turn Call Waiting off: #43# (hash, 4, 3, hash)
Using My BT
- Log in to My BT.
- Select Manage on the Digital Voice tile.
- Find Call Waiting under Digital Voice features.
- Select Manage and follow the instructions.
Manage Call Waiting on Landline
You can add or remove Calling Features online.
Check Call Waiting is on
Dial: *#43# (star, hash, 4, 3, hash) from your telephone keypad.
Switch Call Waiting on or off
Turn on: *43# (star, 4, 3, hash)
Turn off: #43# (hash, 4, 3, hash)
How to switch between callers
While you're using Call Waiting, you'll hear a beep indicating that a second caller is waiting to speak to you.
To switch to your second caller:
- press the recall button on your phone keypad
- to return to your first caller, press recall again
- when you've finished your call, just hang up.
Call Waiting costs
Digital Voice: Call Waiting is free for Digital Voice customers.
Other landline: For current charges, see the BT Residential Phone Tariff.
How Call Waiting works with Voicemail
If Voicemail is active and you're already on a call:
- You'll hear an intrusion tone indicating another caller is waiting.
- The caller will hear the Call Waiting announcement.
- If you don't answer, the call will be diverted to Voicemail after 21 seconds.
Download our landline calling features guide (PDF, 113kb)