Mobile communications have long ceased to be just a means for short conversations. In the modern business rhythm, a situation often arises when, during an important conversation, you receive a second call that cannot be ignored. The ability to quickly switch between callers and pause the other person is a basic skill that significantly increases the effectiveness of communication. However, the interface of different versions of the operating system and manufacturers' shells may differ, which sometimes confuses users.
The Call Hold function is a GSM standard and is supported by almost all smartphones. It allows you to pause a conversation with one person to answer another or simply take a break to search for information. Working mechanism This option is tied to the servers of the telecom operator, but it is controlled directly through the software interface of your device. Understanding the principles of operation will help you avoid awkward situations when the subscriber thinks that he was abandoned, and you were just looking for the right button.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate the hold, from standard buttons to special codes. We will also touch on the features of the function on devices of different brands and consider possible connection problems. Regardless of whether you use Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi or pure Android, you will learn how to masterfully manage incoming and outgoing call flows.
The standard way to manage calls
In the vast majority of cases, call management occurs in an intuitive way. When you are in a call and a second call comes in, a notification automatically appears on the screen. The interface offers two main options: end the current conversation or put it on hold. To activate the standby mode, you need to press the button “Hold and accept” or a similar option, which may be called “Accept and hold.”
After pressing the corresponding button, the first interlocutor will hear beeps or music, depending on the settings of your operator. The smartphone screen will change at this moment: you will see the timer of the current conversation and the ability to switch back. To return to the first caller, simply click on their name or number in the list of active calls. This action will automatically put the second party on hold.
⚠️ Attention: The sound quality that the subscriber on hold hears (beeps, silence or music) depends solely on the tariff plan and settings of the telecom operator, and not on your phone.
It is important to note that talking to both subscribers at the same time is standard The GSM protocol does not allow without the use of special conference calling services. Therefore, the system always keeps one of the participants in standby mode. Switching between them happens instantly, but requires your active participation. If you hang up while the second call is on hold, the first caller will remain on hold until the reset timer expires.
Organizing a conference call
Often, placing a call on hold is only an intermediate step to creating a conference call. If your goal is to unite three or more people into one conversation, the algorithm will be slightly different. After you put the first call on hold and accepted the second, a new button will appear on the screen - “Merge” (Merge). Clicking on it will connect all participants into one group.
In conference mode, management becomes more complex. You can kick individual participants, place them on individual hold, or end the call all at once. The Android interface usually displays a list of all connected numbers. Next to each of them there may be additional control buttons. For example, by clicking on a specific contact, you can select the “Split” option to talk to him privately while others wait.
- 📞 Click “Accept and Hold” for a second incoming call.
- 🔗 Select the “Merge” option to create a conference call.
- 👥 Manage participants through the list of active calls.
- ❌ End a conversation with everyone at once or selectively.
It is worth considering technical limitations. The maximum number of conference participants depends on the supported standards of your operator and smartphone model. Usually this is 5 people, but in some networks the limit may be lower. Also, when merging calls, you may be charged double, since you are actually spending minutes on two simultaneous communication lines.
Before starting an important conference call, make sure that your account balance allows for long calls, since charging is per second for each line.
Using USSD codes and commands
For users who prefer hidden settings or encounter problems with the graphical interface, there are USSD codes. These commands allow you to manage services directly through the operator's network. Codes may vary by region and provider, but the basic commands are often universal. The code is entered using a standard telephone dialer.
One of the useful functions is to activate or deactivate the Call Waiting service. Without this option enabled, the second party will simply hear a busy signal, and you will not even know that a connection is being attempted. To check the status and manage the service, a code *#43#is often used. After dialing and pressing the call button, you will receive a response from the network about the current status of the function.
*43# - activation of the service#43# - deactivation of the service
*#43# - checking the status
There are also codes for redirecting calls if the line is busy. This is a related feature that can be useful in business scenarios. For example, you can set up forwarding to voicemail or a secretary if you can't answer a second call. Commands for this usually begin with **67* or 67, followed by the phone number to which you want to redirect the call.
⚠️ Attention: The use of some USSD codes may be paid or require prior activation of the service from the telecom operator. Check the current tariffs in your personal account.
If you are in an area of poor signal, the command may not be executed. Unlike the graphical interface, there is no visual confirmation of the action before receiving an SMS or text response from the network. Command syntax Must be followed exactly, without unnecessary spaces or symbols.
What to do if the code does not work?
If the standard codes do not are valid, your operator may be using non-standard combinations. Try to find information in the “Help” section on the operator’s website or call the support service. Also, the code may be blocked at corporate rates.
Interface features of different manufacturers
Although Android is a single platform, smartphone manufacturers are actively modifying the shell, changing the location of the buttons and the operating logic. This also applies to call management. Owners of devices Samsung with the One UI shell see the interface differently than users Xiaomi with MIUI or Huawei with EMUI. Understanding these differences will help you navigate faster at a critical moment.
On devices Samsung the hold button is often represented by a pause icon or a text “Hold” button. When a second call arrives, the interface offers large buttons for answering. In some firmware versions, you can configure the default action when swiping. The Xiaomi i Poco interface is more minimalistic, and the buttons can be hidden in an additional menu, opened by swiping or tapping the screen.
Comparison of the location of controls:
| Brand / Shell | Button location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Center of screen / Swipe | Large buttons, color coding |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Bottom of screen | Minimalism, sometimes hidden menu |
| Google Pixel (Stock) | Standard Android | Material design, clear icons |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Side panels | Additional functions in the side menu |
Users of custom firmware may find that the standard phone is replaced by third-party analogue, for example Truephone or Simple Dialer. In such applications, the operating logic may be radically different. Often in the settings of the dialer application itself you can find the item “Behavior on second call”, where you can set automatic hold or reject. This provides flexibility not available in stock solutions.
Configuration and control through the system menu
Deep customization of call parameters is hidden in the phone’s system menu. Here you can change the behavior of the device for incoming calls, set up call forwarding and manage the blocking list. To get to these settings, you need to open the Phone app, tap on the three dots in the corner and select Settings. The path may vary: Settings → Calls → Additional settings.
This section contains the “Call Waiting” switch. If it is turned off, the second subscriber will not be able to reach you while you are busy. You can also configure “if busy” forwarding here. This is useful if you don't want to put people on hold, but rather have them go straight to voicemail or a colleague's number.
☑️ Checking call settings
Some manufacturers are adding smart hold functions. For example, a smartphone can automatically put the first call on hold if you put the device to your ear during the second call, or vice versa - ignore the second call if the proximity sensor is active. Studying these settings allows you to adapt your phone to your communication style.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may change after updating the operating system. If you do not find the item, try searching for settings by entering the word “call” or “call”.
In corporate smartphones with security profiles (MDM) installed, access to these settings may be limited by the administrator. If this happens, you won't be able to change your hold or forward settings. This is often found in devices issued by companies for work, where security policy takes precedence over user convenience.
Solution and troubleshooting
Despite the mature technology, users sometimes encounter problems. The most common of them is that the second call is not received, and the subscriber hears “busy”, although the function seems to be enabled. This may be due to the fact that the service is not activated on the operator's side. Even if the toggle switch is lit in the phone settings, the network may block the second channel.
Another common problem is the inability to switch between calls. Buttons may become inactive or grayed out. This often happens when the network signal is poor or when using VoLTE (calling over 4G) in areas with unstable coverage. In such cases, the network may not be able to keep up with the call status. Switching to 3G or 2G mode sometimes solves the problem, since these networks are more stable for voice communications.
- 📶 Check the network signal strength.
- 🔄 Restart the device to reset the network settings.
- 📞 Call the operator to check the services.
- 📱 Update the Phone application via Google Play.
If the problem persists, it is worth checking whether the phone application is conflicting with other apps. For example, call recording apps or caller ID can hijack call control and block standard Android features. Try to temporarily disable such applications and check the hold operation.
In 90% of cases, the problem with call holding is solved by reactivating the "Call Waiting" service via a USSD code or calling the operator.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee for finding a subscriber on withholding?
Yes, charging usually continues. For the telecom operator, you are busy with the channel, even if you are silent. Call minutes are included in your tariff plan or package of minutes. Music or beeps that the caller hears are also part of the call.
Can you put more than two people on hold?
Technically, you can put one on hold while you talk to another. To bring more people together, you need to use the conference calling feature. Standard GSM allows you to combine up to 5 participants, but the exact number depends on the operator and phone model.
Why is the “Hold” button not active?
This can happen for several reasons: the “Call Waiting” service is not activated by the operator, a weak network signal, or you are using a messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram) instead of regular telephony, where the functions are implemented otherwise.
Does holding a call work via Wi-Fi Calling?
In most modern smartphones and operators, support for Wi-Fi Calling includes working with a second call. However, functionality may be limited compared to regular cellular communication, especially when switching between Wi-Fi and a mobile network during a call.
How do I know if the other person is putting me on hold?
Usually you hear intermittent beeps, silence, or a specially set melody. On some networks, you may hear a voice message saying “Your call is waiting to be answered.” The exact sound signal depends on the settings of the operator of your interlocutor.