An unexpected beep in the handset instead of the interlocutor’s voice most often occurs after accidentally pressing the “Hold” button on the Android screen during a call, which immediately pauses the call and confuses the other party. Although this option is indispensable for call center operators, for the average smartphone owner it only creates awkward pauses and disrupts important dialogues, especially if it is triggered automatically due to a sensitive sensor or poor placement of controls.
In the operating system Android call control is implemented through the standard “Phone” application, the interface of which can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer devices. On smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi or “clean” Android from Google, the path to settings may look different. In addition, the very ability to turn hold on or off often depends not only on the firmware, but also on the support of the service from your cellular operator. In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to disable the function, from standard menus to using special USSD codes.
Why call hold occurs and how it works
Call Hold function is a standard part of the GSM and LTE protocol. When you activate it, the audio stream with your voice stops being transmitted to the interlocutor, but the connection is not broken. At this moment, the subscriber on the other end of the line usually hears music, advertisements or a monotonous waiting tone. Technical implementation This option requires support from both the operator’s network and the terminal equipment.
On modern touch screens, the hold button is often located next to the end call or speakerphone button. Accidental clicking occurs due to the dense layout of interface elements during a conversation. Some users also experience that when a second call comes in, the first call is automatically put on hold, which is not always convenient. Understanding the mechanics of the process helps you consciously approach setting up the device.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling the hold function in the phone settings may lead to the fact that when a second call comes in, you simply will not be able to accept it without ending the first conversation. The network may simply reject the second call or drop the first.
It is worth noting that in some tariff plans the “Call Waiting” and “Hold” services may be linked. If you completely prevent the network from placing calls on hold, this may affect the operation of forwarding or conference calls. Therefore, before making global changes to communication settings, it is recommended to check the terms of your tariff with your provider.
Disabling hold via the standard Phone application
The easiest and safest way to manage the call function is to use the built-in Dialer interface. In most modern Android shells, the settings are hidden in the additional options menu. To find them, open the calling application and pay attention to the three dots in the corner of the screen or the gear icon.
After entering the settings menu, you need to find the section responsible for additional services or call behavior. The interface may be called differently: “Advanced settings”, “Operator services” or “Call settings”. This is where the switch responsible for the hold mode is usually hidden.
The algorithm of actions may look like this:
- 📱 Open the application
Phoneand click on the menu (three dots). - ⚙️ Go to the section
SettingsorOptions. - 📞 Select item
Additional settingsorServices operator. - 🚫 Find the option Call Hold and move the switch to the inactive position.
If your smartphone menu does not have an explicit “Call Hold” item, this may mean that the manufacturer has hidden this option or transferred its management to the network command level. In this case, you must use the alternative methods described below. It’s also worth checking to see if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled or specific sound profiles that can simulate hold behavior.
If you don’t find the item you need in the menu, try searching inside the “Settings” section of the smartphone itself by entering the word “call” or “hold.”
Using USSD codes to manage operator services
The most reliable method of controlling communication services is sending special requests directly to the operator’s network. USSD codes work at the SIM card level and are valid regardless of the Android version or phone model. This is a universal solution that is suitable for devices of any brand, from budget models to flagships.
The code most often used to disable call hold and second call waiting service #43#. After dialing this combination and pressing the call button, you should receive a message indicating that the service was successfully disconnected. To check the status, you can use a code *#43#that will show whether the function is currently active.
#43#However, different telecom operators may have their own specific commands. Below is a table with the main codes for popular Russian operators that will help manage waiting and holding services:
| Operator | Disconnection code | Verification code | Enable code |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*19# |
*111*19*2# |
*111*19*1# |
| Beeline | *110*43# |
*#43# |
*43# |
| MegaFon | *110*43# |
*#43# |
*43# |
| Tele2 | *155*0043# |
*#43# |
*155*43# |
After sending the command, wait for SMS confirmation or a pop-up notification on the screen. If the command does not work, the service may already be disabled or your tariff plan does not support changing it via USSD. In such cases, it is recommended to contact the operator’s personal account or support service.
What to do if the code does not work?
If the USSD code displays an error or the message “Command failed,” this may mean that the service is blocked on the operator’s side for your tariff, or you are in roaming, where service management is limited. Try performing the request on your home network.
Setting features on Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones
Electronics manufacturers often modify the standard Android interface by adding their own shells. This leads to the fact that the paths to call settings on devices Samsung with the One UI shell and smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI or HyperOS may differ from the stock version of the system. Users of these brands should take into account the specific nuances of the menu.
On Samsung devices, the path to settings usually looks like this: open “Phone”, click the three dots, select “Settings”, then scroll down to “Additional services”. This is where the “Call Hold” switch is located, so on some Samsung models this item may be inactive (grayed out) if the SIM card does not support managing the service through the phone menu.
In Xiaomi smartphones the situation is slightly different. Here the settings are often separated into different sections. You need to go to the “Phone” application, click on the settings gear, select “Accounts and calls” (or just “Calls”), and then “Advanced settings”. If you have a dual-SIM device, make sure that you are changing the settings for the correct SIM card by selecting it at the top of the screen.
- 🔍 On Samsung look for the section Additional services at the very bottom of the phone menu.
- 📲 On Xiaomi settings can be located inside the item
Accounts and calls. - 🔄 If you have two SIM cards, always check which one is active in the settings.
Settings in the phone menu are only interface for sending USSD requests to the operator. If the menu does not work, use the codes directly.
Problems with automatic switching and conference calling
Sometimes users confuse the hold function with automatic switching to a second call or conference mode. If when you receive a second call, the first one is dropped or put on hold without your knowledge, the problem may lie in the Call Waiting setting. This feature allows the network to notify you of a new call by automatically pausing the current conversation.
To avoid unwanted conversation interruptions, you can disable the call waiting service completely. This is done using the same methods as disabling the hold: through the settings menu or USSD code #43#. After this, all incoming calls during a call will receive a busy signal, and your current conversation will remain untouched.
You should also be careful with the call merging feature. If you accidentally click the "Add Call" or "Merge" button, you will create a conference where all participants can hear each other. Leaving a conference is usually accomplished by pressing the end call button for a specific participant, but on some models this may end the entire conversation.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and settings menus may be updated by developers. The location of buttons and the names of items may change in new versions of Android or manufacturers' shells.
Third-party applications for managing calls
If the standard “Phone” application does not provide the necessary options or does not work correctly, you can use third-party solutions from the Google Play store. There are alternative dialers that offer advanced call control, including explicit hold control buttons and call recording.
Popular applications such as Truecaller or specialized call utilities often have their own settings for handling incoming calls. When you install such an application, Android will ask permission to use it as the default calling application. After confirmation, you will have access to the new management interface.
However, using third-party software has its own risks. These apps may request excessive permissions to access your contacts, microphone, and call history. Before installation, carefully read the developer's reviews and privacy policy. In addition, some network service management features will still depend on support from your telecom operator.
☑️ Check before installing a third-party application
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why do I hear a dial tone during a call, although I did not press a button hold?
Most likely, you have activated the “Call Waiting” service. When a second party calls you, the network sends a signal to your phone, which appears as a short beep. To remove this, disable the hold service through the settings or code #43#.
Is it possible to disable hold for only one SIM card?
Yes, if your smartphone supports dual SIM cards. In the Phone app settings, you can usually select a specific SIM card to manage additional services. USSD codes can also be sent by first selecting the desired SIM card to make a call.
Does holding a call affect the tariffication of a call?
In most modern tariffs, the time spent in hold mode is charged as normal call time, since the communication channel remains open. However, some older plans may have special conditions. It is recommended that you check this information with your operator.
What to do if the hold button disappears from the screen during a call?
This may be a feature of the interface of your phone model. Try to expand the full call screen by swiping on the buttons, or check if the power saving mode is turned on, which may limit the functionality of the application. Also make sure that the service is active on the operator's side.
Are call settings reset after updating Android?
Usually, operator service settings are stored on the network side or in a protected area of the SIM card memory, so they are saved after a system update. However, the settings of the Phone application itself (for example, blocking certain numbers) can be reset to factory settings.