How to transfer a call depends on your phone type and service provider

Call transfer works differently on a landline, mobile phone, or business phone system. On most phones, you press a button or key combination to put the current caller on hold, dial the person you want to transfer to, and then complete the transfer. The exact steps change based on whether you have an older landline with a physical handset, a smartphone, or a VoIP system through your internet service provider.

The core idea is the same everywhere: you interrupt the current call without disconnecting it, reach the other person, and hand off the conversation. But the mechanics vary enough that doing it wrong can drop the call entirely. Knowing your specific phone type and having the right number ready makes the difference between a smooth handoff and an awkward "I think we got disconnected."

Key Takeaways

  • On a traditional landline, press the flash or recall button (usually labeled on the phone) to hold the current caller, then dial the transfer number.
  • On a smartphone, use the hold and merge buttons in the call screen, or use your phone's native call transfer feature if available through settings.
  • VoIP services like Ooma or Vonage have transfer buttons built into their phone handsets or apps, similar to traditional phones but sometimes requiring a specific code.
  • Always confirm the person you are transferring to is available and willing to take the call before completing the transfer.
  • If the transfer fails, you can usually reconnect to the original caller by pressing the same button again or ending the new call.

Transferring calls on a traditional landline

On a standard landline phone, look for a button labeled Flash, Recall, or Switch. Pressing this button puts your current caller on hold and gives you a dial tone so you can reach the person you want to transfer to. The exact button varies by phone model and provider, but it is usually near the handset cradle or on the phone's face.

Once you have the hold button pressed and hear the dial tone, dial the number of the person you want to transfer the call to. When they answer, tell them who is calling and ask if they can take the call. If they say yes, press the flash or switch button again to complete the transfer. If they say no, press the button once more to reconnect to your original caller.

If your phone does not have a visible flash button, check your phone's manual or call your service provider to ask which button performs this function. Some older phones use a different method, such as pressing the receiver button briefly or using a specific code like *72.

Transferring calls on a smartphone

On an iPhone, when you are on an active call, the screen shows a Hold button and a Keypad button. Tap Hold to put the current caller on hold, then tap Keypad to dial the number of the person you want to reach. When they answer, tell them about the incoming call. If they agree to take it, look for an Add Call button or a Merge Calls option, then tap it to complete the transfer.

On Android phones, the process is similar but the button labels vary by manufacturer and phone model. During an active call, look for a Hold or Pause button, tap it, then use the keypad to dial. Once the other person answers and agrees, tap Merge or Combine to join the calls. Some Android phones also have a dedicated Transfer button in the call screen.

If your phone does not show these buttons, swipe up or down on the call screen to reveal more options. You can also check your phone's settings under Phone or Call Settings to see if call transfer is turned on. Some carriers disable this feature by default, and you may need to contact them to enable it.

Transferring calls on a VoIP or internet-based phone

VoIP services like Ooma, Vonage, MagicJack, and others provide a physical handset or a software app on your computer or phone. If you have a physical handset, the transfer process is usually the same as a traditional landline: press a Flash or Switch button, dial the transfer number, and press the button again to complete the transfer. Check your handset manual or the service provider's website to find the exact button.

If you use a VoIP app on your smartphone or computer, the transfer buttons appear on the call screen, similar to a smartphone's native phone app. Look for Hold, Keypad, and Merge options. Some VoIP services also use a code-based transfer: you may need to press *72 or another code, dial the transfer number, and then press # to complete it. Your service provider's support page or app settings will show which method your account uses.

VoIP services sometimes require you to set up call transfer in your account settings before you can use it. Log into your account online or through the app and look for a Call Transfer or Call Routing section. If the feature is not available, contact your provider's support team to enable it.

What to do if the transfer fails or drops the call

If you press the transfer button and the original caller disconnects, you can usually reconnect by pressing the same button again or by ending the new call and checking your recent calls list. The original caller may still be on the line waiting, or they may have hung up thinking the call was dropped.

If the person you are transferring to does not answer, press the hold or switch button again to return to your original caller. Tell them you were unable to reach the other person and ask if they want to try again, leave a message, or stay on the line while you try a different number.

If you are not sure whether the transfer went through, call the person back to confirm. It is better to make an extra call than to leave someone wondering whether they were connected or if the call was lost. If transfers consistently fail on your phone, contact your service provider to check whether the feature is active on your account or if there is a technical issue.

Preparing for a successful call transfer

Before you attempt a transfer, have the phone number of the person you are transferring to ready and written down. Fumbling for a number while your caller is on hold creates an awkward pause and makes the transfer feel unprofessional. If you are transferring a call at work, know the extension or direct number of the department or person you are reaching.

Always tell the person on hold that you are going to transfer them and give them the name of the person or department they are being transferred to. This prevents confusion and gives them a chance to ask questions before the transfer happens. If the transfer will take more than a few seconds, let them know they may hear hold music or silence while you are connecting them.

After you complete the transfer, stay on the line for a few seconds to make sure the connection is solid and the other person has answered. This is especially important in a business setting, where a dropped transfer can frustrate a customer or client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a call if I do not know the person's phone number?

Not directly. You need a phone number or extension to dial and reach the person you want to transfer to. If you do not have it, ask your caller for the number, or tell them you will look it up and call them back. Some business phone systems have a directory you can search while on a call.

What if the person I am transferring to does not answer?

Press the hold or switch button again to reconnect to your original caller. Tell them the person did not answer and ask if they want to leave a voicemail, try a different number, or call back later. Do not leave your caller hanging while you wait for someone to pick up.

Does call transfer work on all phone plans?

Most landline and VoIP plans include call transfer, but some mobile carriers or budget plans may not. Check your service agreement or contact your provider to confirm the feature is active. If it is not, they can usually turn it on for you at no extra cost.

Can I transfer a call to someone outside my phone network?

Yes. You can transfer to any phone number, whether it is a cell phone, another landline, or a business number. The person you are transferring to does not need to be on the same service provider or network as you.

What is the difference between transferring and conferencing?

A transfer hands off the call completely — once the transfer is done, you are no longer part of the conversation. A conference call keeps you on the line with both the original caller and the person you added. Most phones let you do either one, depending on which button you press after dialing the second number.