The basics of transferring a call
Transferring a call means moving an active phone conversation from one line or device to another. On a landline, you press a button labeled "Transfer" or "Xfer", dial the number where you want the call to go, wait for the person to answer, and then hang up or press a button to complete the transfer. On a mobile phone, the process depends on your carrier and phone type, but usually involves putting the current call on hold, dialing the new number, and then merging the calls or switching between them.
The exact steps vary because phone systems differ — a traditional home phone works differently from a smartphone, and a business phone system works differently from both. What stays the same is the core idea: you need to pause the first conversation, reach out to a second person, and then connect them without dropping either call.
Key Takeaways
- On a landline, press the Transfer or Xfer button, dial the destination number, wait for an answer, and then press Transfer again or hang up to complete the move.
- On an iPhone, use the "Add Call" button to dial a second number, then press "Merge Calls" to connect both parties, or press the first call to switch between them.
- On an Android phone, tap the "Add Call" or plus-sign icon to dial a second number, then look for a merge or combine option in your phone's call screen.
- If the person you are transferring to does not answer, you can usually press a button to return to the original caller without losing the connection.
- Business phone systems often require you to announce the transfer to the receiving person before completing it, so they know who is coming.
How to transfer a call on a landline
Pick up the handset and press the button labeled "Transfer," "Xfer," or sometimes "Flash" — the exact label depends on your phone model and service provider. This puts your current caller on hold. You will usually hear a dial tone or a brief silence.
Dial the phone number of the person or place you want to transfer the call to. Wait for them to answer. Once they pick up, you can either announce who is calling and why, or simply press the Transfer button again to complete the handoff. Some systems require you to hang up the handset to finish the transfer; others let you stay on the line until you confirm the transfer is complete.
If the person you are calling does not answer or the line is busy, press the Transfer button again or press a button labeled "Return" or "Recall" to go back to your original caller. They will still be on hold, and you can tell them the transfer did not go through.
How to transfer a call on an iPhone
While you are on an active call, look at the bottom of the screen for a button labeled "Add Call" or a plus-sign icon. Tap it. Your current call will automatically go on hold, and the phone will open the keypad so you can dial.
Type the phone number you want to reach. Tap the green call button to dial. When the person answers, you can speak with them briefly to let them know who is coming, or you can immediately proceed to the next step.
Once you are ready to connect both calls, look for a button labeled "Merge Calls" on the screen. Tap it. Both parties will now be on the same call together. If you want to switch back and forth between the two calls instead of merging them, tap the name or number of the call you want to speak to.
If the second call does not connect or the person does not answer, tap "End" to hang up that call and return to your original caller.
How to transfer a call on an Android phone
During an active call, look at the call screen for a button labeled "Add Call," a plus-sign icon, or sometimes a menu icon (three dots). Tap it. Your current call will go on hold.
Dial the number you want to transfer the call to using the keypad that appears. Tap the green call button or the button labeled "Call" to dial. Wait for the person to answer.
Once the second call connects, look for a button or option labeled "Merge," "Combine Calls," or "Merge Calls." The exact wording and location depend on your phone model and Android version. Tap it to connect both callers to the same conversation. If you prefer to switch between calls instead, tap the name or number of the call you want to speak to at any time.
If the second call fails to connect, tap "End Call" or "Disconnect" to hang up that attempt and return to your original caller.
Transferring calls in a business phone system
Business phone systems — whether they use desk phones, a cloud-based service, or a hybrid setup — usually follow the same basic steps as a landline: press Transfer, dial the extension or outside number, wait for an answer, and press Transfer again to complete the handoff. However, business systems often expect you to announce the transfer before you complete it.
This means speaking briefly with the person receiving the call to let them know who is on the line and why they are being transferred. For example: "I have Sarah Chen calling about the Johnson account — can you take this?" Once they agree, press the Transfer button to hand off the call. This practice prevents the receiving person from being surprised and gives them context before they pick up.
If your business uses a phone system you are unfamiliar with, check the phone itself for a quick-reference card or label, or ask a colleague to walk you through the steps once. Most business phones have the Transfer button in the same location on every model.
What to do if a transfer fails
If the person you are trying to transfer to does not answer, is on another call, or the line is busy, you will usually hear a busy signal or a recorded message. Press the button to return to your original caller — this is often labeled "Return," "Recall," "Back," or simply has an arrow pointing left. Your first caller will still be on hold and will come back on the line.
Tell them the transfer did not work and offer an alternative: you can take a message, try a different number, or ask them to call back later. Do not leave a caller on hold for more than a minute or two while you troubleshoot; it creates frustration and makes them feel forgotten.
If you accidentally disconnect a call while trying to transfer it, apologize and offer to call them back immediately. Have their number ready so you can reconnect quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the person I am transferring to hear me while I am on hold?
No. When you put a call on hold to transfer it, the person on the original call cannot hear you speaking to the person you are transferring to. They hear silence, hold music, or a recorded message. This is why you can speak privately with the receiving person before completing the transfer.
What if I want to stay on the call after transferring?
On most systems, you can stay on the line after pressing Transfer the first time. Do not press Transfer again or hang up — instead, stay connected and listen. Once the receiving person answers and you have confirmed they will take the call, you can then hang up or press a button to drop off. Some business phones have a "Conference" button that lets all three of you stay on the call together.
Why does my phone not have an Add Call button?
Older phones or phones on certain carriers may not support call merging or call transfer through the standard method. Check your phone's settings or call your carrier to see if the feature is available on your plan. Some carriers charge extra for this feature, though most modern plans include it at no additional cost.
Can I transfer a call to someone outside my company or home?
Yes. You can transfer to any phone number — a cell phone, another landline, a business, or anywhere else. The steps are the same. The person receiving the transfer will see your phone number or your company's main number on their caller ID, depending on how your phone system is set up.
What is the difference between transferring and conferencing?
Transferring moves the call away from you — you drop off and the two other people talk. Conferencing keeps you on the line with both of them. Most phones let you do either one: transfer by hanging up after pressing Transfer, or conference by staying on the line and pressing a Merge or Conference button instead.