Modern mobile communications require flexibility from the user, especially when you are busy with an important conversation, and at the same time another call comes in. A typical situation looks like this: you're on a call and there's a waiting tone, but there's no accept button on the screen, or worse, the caller gets busy tones. This happens because on many devices the feature second call may be disabled by default or incorrectly activated by the provider. Every smartphone owner needs to understand how to enable a second call on Androidso as not to miss urgent calls from colleagues or loved ones.
The activation process is quite simple and does not require receiving root access or deep knowledge of programming. However, the interface may differ significantly depending on the version of the operating system and the shell installed by the manufacturer, be it pure or pure. In some cases, the problem lies not in the phone, but in the services of the cellular operator, which require a separate check. We will consider all possible methods for solving this problem, starting from standard settings and ending with the use of special commands. Android and the shell installed by the manufacturer, be it MIUI, One UI or clean Android. In some cases, the problem lies not in the phone, but in the services of the cellular operator, which require a separate check. We will consider all possible methods for solving this problem, starting from standard settings and ending with the use of special commands.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the function does not work, the problem may be on the side of the telecom operator. Make sure that Call Waiting is enabled in your tariff plan, as some older or specific tariffs may limit this feature.
Why call waiting is needed
Call waiting is a standard telecommunications service that allows you to not interrupt your current conversation when a new call arrives. When it is active, you will hear a characteristic sound signal, and a notification with the number of the incoming subscriber will appear on the screen. This gives you the opportunity to put the current caller on hold (call hold) and switch to a new caller, or reject the second call, continuing the conversation with the first.
Without this setting, your phone will behave like a regular wired line of the last century: if the line is busy, the incoming call will simply not go through. For business people and those who use a smartphone as their main work tool, this is critical. The ability to quickly switch between dialogues saves time and allows you to solve several issues in parallel, without forcing your interlocutors to call back.
It is worth noting that the operation of this function depends on support from the operator’s network. Even if everything is turned on in the phone settings, but the service is not activated on the provider’s side, you will not hear a waiting signal. Therefore, the first step should always be to check the status of the service through your personal account or call your operator’s support service.
Activation through the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to enable call waiting is to use the phone’s built-in menu. The path to this option may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same for most Androidbased devices. You need to open the application Phone (dialer) through which you make calls and go to its settings.
Usually the settings are hidden behind three dots in the upper right corner or a gear icon. Inside the menu, look for a section related to additional services or call settings. In modern versions Android 12-14 this item is often called “Advanced settings” or “Operator services”. This is where the switch responsible for call waiting is located..
If you cannot find the item you need right away, use the search inside the settings of the smartphone itself. Enter the word “call” or “waiting” into the search bar, and the system should prompt you to the desired section. This is especially convenient on phones with complex shells, where the menu can be overloaded with unnecessary options.
If you have a dual-SIM phone, make sure that you check the settings for the SIM card on which call waiting does not work. The settings for each SIM card can be independent of each other.
Once you have found the switch, simply activate it. The system can send a request to the operator's network to confirm the change in service status. This process takes a few seconds, after which a notification about successful activation will appear on the screen.
☑️ Checking call settings
Using USSD codes for activation
Sometimes the graphical interface crashes or does not display the desired option. In such cases, special codes that are sent directly to the operator’s network, bypassing the phone settings, come to the rescue. This is a universal method that works on any device, even on the oldest models USSD commands — special codes that are sent directly to the operator’s network, bypassing the phone settings. This is a universal method that works on any device, even the oldest models Samsung or Xiaomi.
To enable call waiting, a standard code accepted in most countries of the world is used. You need to open the dial pad and enter the following sequence:
*43#After entering, press the call button. After a few seconds, a message from the network will appear on the screen confirming that the service has been activated. If you want to check the current service status without changing it, use the command:
*#43#This query will show whether call waiting is currently enabled for your number. If the service is disabled, the system will prompt you to activate it or simply report the current status. Disabling the function is similar, but using a code #43#.
What to do if the code does not work?
If when you enter *43# you receive a connection error or a message about the lack of service, this means that your operator is blocking control via USSD or the service is not available in your region. In this case, the only solution is to call technical support.
For example, the code may differ for certain virtual operators. If the standard command did not work, check the current code on the official website of your provider.
Setting features for different brands
Despite the uniform basis Android, smartphone manufacturers often change the arrangement of interface elements. This can be confusing for a user who is used to a certain menu structure. Below are the navigation features for the most popular brands.
On devices Samsung with a shell One UI the path to the settings is as follows: open Phone, click the three dots, select Settings, then Additional services. Here you will see the "Call Waiting" option. Please note that on dual-SIM devices you will need to select a SIM card before enabling the function.
In smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi i Poco with a shell MIUI or HyperOS the logic is slightly different. Go to Phone, click on the settings gear, select Operator settings (or "Advanced settings"). Sometimes this item is hidden and requires clicking on the name of the SIM card. The system may require you to wait a few seconds while data from the operator is loaded.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi when you try to enter the operator settings, the phone may freeze for a few seconds. This is normal because the device is sending a request to the network. Do not force close the application during loading.
Devices from Google Pixel and other manufacturers with clean Android have the most logical structure. The path is usually like this: Phone → three dots → Settings → Calls → Additional settings → Call waiting. Here the interface is as minimalistic and clear as possible.
Solving problems with menu items disappearing
A fairly common situation is when the user simply does not see the “Call Waiting” item in the settings. This does not always mean the phone is broken. Often the reason lies in the absence of a SIM card in the slot, a damaged contact, or problems with registration in the network.
If you inserted a new SIM card, wait 5-10 minutes. The phone must register on the network and load the operator’s service profile. Only after this additional settings will become active. Also try rebooting the device - this is a trivial but effective way to reset temporary network errors.
Another reason may be the use of an outdated version of the Phone application. Go to Google Play Market or Galaxy Store and check for updates for system applications that make calls. Sometimes developers fix bugs that hide important functions in updates.
| Problem | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Menu item is gray (inactive) | No network or SIM card not detected | Check network availability, rearrange SIM |
| Menu item missing | Outdated dialer software | Update the Phone application in the store |
| Error when turning on | The service is not connected to the operator | Use USSD code *43# or call operator |
| The function turns off spontaneously | Network profile failure | Resetting network settings in the phone menu |
Resetting network settings as a last resort
If none of the above methods helped, and the problem is clearly not on the operator’s side, you can try resetting the network settings. This action will return all connection settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network) to factory settings, but will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.
To perform a reset, go to the general Settings smartphone. Find the section System or General settings, then select Reset. In the list of options, find Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth. Confirm the action and wait for the communication modules to reboot.
After the reboot, the phone will re-register on the network. Often this solves the problem with “stuck” operator settings, due to which the call waiting option could become unavailable. Don't forget to re-enter the passwords for your Wi-Fi networks.
Resetting network settings does not delete your personal data, photos or contacts. It only affects connection settings, so it is a safe step for diagnosing software failures.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can't I hear a call waiting tone even though the feature is turned on?
This may be due to the volume settings or sound profile. Check to see if Silent or Vibrate mode is turned on. Also make sure that the media or call volume is not turned down to zero. In rare cases, changing the ringtone to a standard one helps.
Does the inclusion of a second call affect the cost of the call?
The call waiting function itself is usually free and included in the standard service package. However, if you switch to the second party and talk with him, this time will be charged according to your plan. Holding the first call is usually also free, but it is better to check the conditions with the operator.
Is it possible to enable call waiting for video calls?
Yes, the function also works for video calls if they are made through the standard phone book and are supported by the operator (VoLTE/ViLTE). For calls via instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), this setting does not apply, since they use the Internet channel.
What to do if the code *43# gives a connection error?
A connection error when entering the USSD code most often means that there is currently no stable network signal. Try going out into the open or rebooting your phone. If the error persists, contact your operator's support - it is possible that control of the service via USSD is blocked for your tariff.
Is the setting reset when changing the SIM card?
Yes, the call waiting setting is tied to the phone number and SIM card profile in the operator's network. If you insert another SIM card, you will need to activate the function again for this new number, since the settings are not transferred between different subscribers.