What is Ring Back?

Ring Back eliminates the frustration of having to keep redialling an engaged number.

On hearing an engaged tone, press the number 5 on your telephone keypad to request a Ring Back. A recorded message will let you know if the network is able to accept the request.

The network will then monitor the busy number for up to 45 minutes until it becomes free. Then, your phone will ring with a special distinctive ringing tone - just pick up your handset to be connected.

How do I set up Ring Back?

When you dial a number and hear an engaged tone, press 5 and wait until you hear a message confirming that your Ring Back request has been successful, before replacing the handset.

Ring Back will monitor the busy number for up to 45 minutes or until it becomes free. When it does, your phone will ring with a special distinctive ringing tone. Pick up the phone to connect the call.

My Ring Back was accepted but I didn't get called back - why not?

The Ring Back service will monitor an engaged line for a maximum of 45 minutes, after which it automatically disconnects.

You are not charged if a Ring Back is unsuccessful.

How do I check whether there is a Ring Back request on my phone?

To check whether Ring Back is on, press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad followed by the hash key (#), the number 37 and then the hash key once more.

Why is nothing happening when I press '5' to request a Ring Back?

If nothing happens when you press 5 for Ring Back, check that your telephone is set to Tone Dialling. If the telephone is set correctly you should get an acceptance or unavailable message.

If the telephone does not have tone dialling, or is definitely set to tone dialling and still not accepting the request, please try using another telephone.

Are there any situations where Ring Back won't work?

Ring Back is not available on the following types of calls:

• International calls
• Calls to other licensed operator numbers who do not have a Ring Back agreement with BT
• Calls to Direct Dialling In (DDI) and Integrated Switched Digital Network (ISDN) numbers
• Calls made with a BT Chargecard

On answering Ring Back I sometimes get an engaged tone - why?

This indicates that the called party is making a further outgoing call. This is highly likely to happen on busy business lines such as doctors' surgeries etc.

You are not charged if a Ring Back is unsuccessful.

How do I cancel a Ring Back request?

To cancel a Ring Back request, press the hash key (#) on your telephone keypad followed by the number 37, and then the hash key once more.

 Calling Features user guide  (PDF doc, 163 KB)