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  • How do I add or change calling features and Boosts?

  • How do I manage my Calling Circle online?

    • You can register up to a combination of sixteen numbers to your Calling Circle, including:

      • Up to 11 UK mobile numbers / UK landline nubmers (10% discount)
      • Up to 6 international numbers (10% discount)
      • One 0845 number (33% discount)

      One of your Calling Circle numers can be a primary number and you can receive an additional 10% discount on top of the standard Calling Circle discount.

      The Calling Circle is free to all TalkTalk customers, so ensure to set yours up to benefit from these discounts.

      To set up or manage your Calling Circle online, follow these steps:

      1. Sign in to My Account with your registered Email address and Password.
      2. Click Phone & broadband on the left menu.
      3. Click Calling Circle.
      4. This page lists all of the numbers that are currently in your Calling Circle. You can Add or Remove numbers by clicking the relevant options.

      Remember that all calls to TalkTalk landlines are free of charge, so you don't need to add these to your Calling Circle.

      If you are unable to set up your Calling Circle online, or have any questions about this service, please Contact us.

    • View More: TalkTalk How do I manage my Calling Circle online?

  • How do I use Three-Way Calling?

    • Three-Way Calling enables you to speak to two people on separate phone lines at once. This is a charged-for service and must be activated on your line before it can be used. For more information on this and other calling features, including prices, please see: Boosts - Enhance Your Service.

      Using Three-Way Calling

      To use your Three-Way Calling facility, take the following steps:

      1. Pick up your telephone handset, dial the phone number of the first person you want to call, and wait for them to answer.
      2. Press the R or Recall button.
      3. Wait for a dial tone. Then dial the second number and wait for the person to answer.
      4. When the second person answers, press the R or Recall button again.
      5. Press 3 to talk to both parties at the same time, or press 2 to speak to them separately.
      6. To end the call with the first person, press the R or Recall button, wait for a tone and press5.
      7. To end the call with the second person, press the R or Recall button, wait for a tone and press 7.

      Problems using Three-Way Calling

      If your service isn't working correctly, please try the following steps:

      1. Disconnect all telephony equipment that is connected to your phone line, such as phones, fax machines, microfilters, Sky Digital, modems and so on.
      2. Connect a telephone (preferably a corded phone) to your master phone socket and try using the service again.

      If the service works correctly, some of your other telephony equipment may be the cause of the problem. Reconnect your pieces of equipment one-by-one to check which one is causing the problem.

      If the service still doesn't work when only one telephone is connected to your phone line, please call us on 0870 087 8777* so that we can investigate the problem further.

      *This number is free of charge when dialled from your TalkTalk landline.

    • View More: TalkTalk How do I use Three-Way Calling?

  • How do I use my calling features?

    • If you wish, you can also download and print off a copy of the information below in the PDF attached to the bottom of the page.

      Voicemail

      Voicemail is an opt-in service. When you pick up the phone, you will hear an interrupted or "stuttered" dial tone alert if you have a new message. To retrieve a message, dial: 1571.

      Voicemail Plus

      Your phone will ring when you have a new message.

      To access Voicemail Plus from your phone, dial: 1571
      To change your personal options, press: 2. These include:

      Record your personal greeting message.
      Changing your PIN number.
      Listen to details of caller who left no message
      To access Voicemail Plus from another phone, dial your own number. When you hear your greeting, press *, then enter your PIN. This will bring you to the main menu.

      If we have upgraded you to the TalkTalk network, your PIN will be default to 1234. You will need to change your PIN number of your own from your homeline before you can remotely access your network.

      Call Divert

      Call Divert is an opt-in service

      To switch on the divert facility, dial: * [Code Number] * [Number to Divert To] #
      To switch off the divert facility, dial: # [Code Number] #
      To check the divert service's status, dial: * # [Code Number] #
      Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of the diverted call from your landline to your chosen destination.

      Code Numbers

      To divert all calls, dial: 21
      To divert unanswered calls after 21 seconds, dial: 61
      To divert calls when the line is engaged, dial: 67

      You will be billed for the cost of the diverted call.

      Last Caller - 1471

      To get the phone number, time and date of the last person to call you, dial: 1471
      This will bring you to the main menu.
      To return the call, press: 3
      This is a chargeable service that will be added to the cost of the call itself.

      Call Waiting

      Call Waiting is an opt-in service

      You need to activate Call Waiting once it is provided on your line.

      To activate Call Waiting, dial: * 43 #
      To deactivate Call Waiting, dial: # 43 #
      To check whether Call Waiting is activated, dial: * # 43 #
      During a call, when you hear a special beep notifying you that there's a call waiting, press R (Recall) to switch between calls.
      To end the call for both parties, simply hang up.

      Ringback

      Ringback is an opt-in service

      If you can't get through to a number at first, you can be notified when the call is connected.
      When you hear an engaged tone, press 5 and then hang up the phone. You will be alerted by a special ring as soon as the number you were trying to reach is connected on the other end. This automatic redial feature will continue to retry the number for 45 minutes.
      To cancel the auto redial, dial: # 37 #
      To check the status of the auto redial, dial: * # 37 #
      This feature is also available on a pay-per-use basis.

      Withold Number - 141

      To withhold your number before a call, dial 141 before the call.

      Withold Number on All Calls

      To withhold number on all calls please login to MyAccount and select Manage services.

      Disclose Number - 1470

      If you have your number withheld on all calls, but want to disclose your number on a particular call, dial 1470 before making the call.

      Last Caller - 1471 Erasure

      To remove the last number from your 1471 list, dial 1475 and hang up.
      You will hear a short ring on your phone, which is a confirmation of the removal.

      Anonymous Caller Reject

      Anonymous Caller Reject is an opt-in service.

      To reject all callers who have withheld their number, dial: * 227 #
      To deactivate this feature, dial: # 227 #
      To check whether this feature is activated, dial: * # 227 #

      Last Caller Barring

      Last Caller Barring is an opt-in service

      To no longer receive calls from the last person who called you, dial: 14258
      To confirm that you want to bar calls from that number, press: **

      To bar other numbers, dial 14258 and enter your PIN.
      In the main menu, you can:

      Review your barred numbers list.
      Add or delete a number on the list. (Maximum is 10 numbers.)
      Change your PIN.
      Please note, your PIN is defaulted to 1234 until you change it.

      Caller Display

      Otherwise called Privacy Pack, Caller Display is an opt-in service. You will need a compatible phone to avail of this feature.

      Reminder Call

      Reminder call is an opt-in service>

      To set up a reminder call, dial: * 55 * [Time] #

      To set up a regular reminder call, dial: * 56 * [Time] * [Option] #

      Option available: (1: Monday / 2: Tuesday / 3: Wednesday / 4: Thursday / 5: Friday / 6: Saturday / 7: Sunday / 8: Monday to Friday / 9: Everyday)

      To cancel all regular reminder call, dial: #56#

      To enter the time, use the 24-hour clock.
      E.g. to set up a reminder for 4:19pm, you would dial *55*1619#
      To set up a daily reminder call, dial: * 56 * [Time] #

      To check if a reminder call is activated, dial: * # 55 #
      To cancel a reminder call, dial: # 55 #
      This feature is also available on a pay-per-use basis.

      Three Way Calling

      Three way calling is an opt-in service.

      To set up a three way call, dial the first party's number and press R (Recall).
      Wait for a dial tone, then dial the second party's number.
      When they answer, dial R 3 to talk to both parties at the same time.
      (If you want to talk to the second party separately, dial R 2 instead).

      To end the call with the first party only, dial R, wait for a dial tone and press 5
      To end the call with the second party only, dial R, wait for a dial tone and press 7
      To completely end the call, simply hang up.

      A touchtone phone is required to use this service.
      This feature is also available on a pay-per-use basis.

      Get further help on this topic at the Customer Service & Billing forum.
    • View More: TalkTalk How do I use my calling features?

  • What is Call Diversion?

    • Call Diversion lets you divert your calls to almost any phone, including your mobile. Call Diversion can also divert calls while your phone line is in use.

      You have to pay a monthly charge for this Calling Feature. For prices see:www.bt.com/callingfeatures.

      To use Call Diversion, you'll need a touch tone phone switched to tone dialling. Just about all recent models of phone are compatible. 

      How to divert calls

      To divert your calls, press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad followed the appropriate code depending on what type of divert you want to set up, and then the star key again. Enter the phone number you want to divert your calls to including the full dialling code and press the hash key (#). An announcement will tell you that you've set it up successfully.

      • To divert all calls: *21*(phone number you want to divert to)#
      • To divert any calls you don't manage to answer within 15 seconds: *61*(phone number you want to divert to)#
      • To divert calls when your phone is engaged: *67*(phone number you want to divert to)#

      How to check which numbers you're diverting calls to

      To check what numbers you've set up, press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad followed by the hash key (#), the appropriate code, and then the hash key again.

      • To check the number you've set up for divert all calls: *#21#
      • To check the number you've set up for calls you don't manage to answer within 15 seconds: *#61#
      • To check the number you've set up when your phone is engaged: *#67#

      Switching off Call Diversion

      To switch off Call Diversion, press the hash key (#) on your telephone keypad followed by the appropriate code depending on which type of diversion you want to switch off, and then the hash key again.

      • To switch off "divert all calls": #21#
      • To switch off a diversion you've set up for calls you don't manage to answer within 15 seconds: #61#
      • To switch off a diversion you've set up when your phone is engaged: #67#

      Using Call Diversion and Call Barring together

      If you've got Call Barring and want to use it with Call Diversion, you must switch Call Diversion on first.

      Call Diversion and BT Text

      When Call Diversion is used in conjunction with BT Text, your telephone line will need re-registering for BT Text after Call Diversion is removed. To do this you will need to send a text saying 'register' to 00000.

      Call Diversion with Call Minder or BT Answer 1571

      If you use Call Diversion with either of these services, then Call Diversion will take priority over the handling of the incoming call.

      When you have both Call Diversion and BT Answer 1571 and choose to activate Call Diversion, you will not hear the usual interrupted dial tone to indicate that the diversion is active. You'll only hear a change in dial tone when there is a new message on BT Answer 1571.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT What is Call Diversion?

  • BT Answer 1571 on your home phone

    • What is BT Answer 1571?

      BT Answer 1571 is an answering service that will answer calls when you are either away from the phone or engaged on another call. It then alerts you that there is a new message waiting in your mailbox by placing a stutter dial tone on the line. You can create your own personal greeting for callers to hear and change this as often as you like.


      How do I get BT Answer 1571?

      To order BT Answer 1571, please go to www.bt.com/callingfeatures or simply dial 1571 from your home phone.


      How do I record a personal greeting on my line?

      • From your fixed line, dial 1571 using a telephone set for touch-tone dialling
      • Press 2 from the main menu to use a personal greeting
      • In the next menu press 1
      • You'll hear a system message advising you that you have no personal greeting and that to record a personal greeting you must press 1
      • After you press 1 you'll hear the system prompt: 'Please record your greeting after the tone. When you’ve finished recording press square (#)'
      • After you hear the tone please record your personal greeting as required and then press square (#)
      • You'll then hear another system prompt: 'To listen to your greeting press 1. To use it, press 2. To record a new greeting press 3, or, to cancel recording and return to the greeting menu, press star (*)'

      How do I remove BT Answer 1571 from my line?

      You can do this online. Visit www.bt.com/callingfeatures and click the 'Change features' button. Otherwise please call us on 0800 800 150 (Monday to Saturday 7:30 am – 10pm and Sunday 9am to 6pm


      How do I know when BT Answer 1571 has been provided on my line?

      After ordering, BT Answer 1571 will be in place within two working days. You can check whether it is on your line by dialling 1571 and listening for the BT Answer mailbox greeting.


      How do I access my BT Answer 1571 messages?

      Once the service is activated, simply dial 1571 from your home phone to connect to your BT Answer 1571 mailbox.


      Is BT Answer 1571 free of charge?

      BT Answer 1571 is available at no extra cost when you sign up, for customers who make calls with BT. If you are billed monthly, then you must make at least two chargeable calls with BT each month or if you are billed quarterly, then you must make at least six chargeable calls with BT within that quarter. If you use the service and don't make these calls with BT you will be charged for this service. See www.bt.com/callingfeatures for further information.


      How does BT Answer 1571 Message Alert work?

      If you miss a call because you're on the phone or internet, BT Answer 1571 will take a message and ring you shortly after you've hung up or logged off and tell you that you have a message.


      If my BT Answer 1571 mailbox is full, what message will the next caller hear?

      If your BT Answer 1571 mailbox is full, callers will hear the following message: 'Sorry, this mailbox is full, it cannot accept any more messages.'


      How do BT Answer 1571 and Call Diversion work together?

      When you have both Call Diversion and BT Answer 1571 and choose to activate Call Diversion, you will not hear the usual interrupted dial tone to indicate that the diversion is active. You'll only hear a change in dial tone when there is a new message on BT Answer 1571.


      Does BT 1471 (Caller Return) update when a call is answered by BT Answer 1571?

      BT 1471 will update in the normal way if:

      • BT Answer 1571 picks up the call when there is no reply
      • you have Call Waiting active and are engaged on a call but choose not to take the second call

      However, please note that 1471 will not update if a call switches to BT Answer 1571 when the line is busy.


      BT Answer 1571 knocks me off the Internet. How can I stop this?

      If you find that BT Answer 1571 sometimes disconnects you from the Internet, make sure you retrieve all your BT Answer 1571 messages before connecting to your ISP. Then, either save or delete your messages.


      How do I know if I have a new message?

      When you have a new message you will hear an interrupted dial tone on the phone line. You then simply dial 1571 to listen to your new messages.


      How many messages can BT Answer 1571 store?

      BT Answer 1571 will store up to ten messages at any one time. The messages will be stored for 20 days, after which time they will automatically delete.


      How long can one message last on BT Answer 1571?

      The maximum length of time for one message on BT Answer 1571 is two minutes.


      If my BT Answer 1571 mailbox is full, what message do I receive when I dial 1571?

      If your BT Answer 1571 mailbox is full you will hear the following message on dialling 1571: 'Welcome to BT Answer. BT Answer is completely full. Please delete any unwanted messages'.


      If I set up a Reminder Call and choose not to answer it, does the Reminder Call divert to my BT Answer 1571 service?

      If you have BT Answer 1571 and set up a reminder call and then don't answer it, the call will not be diverted to the answering service.


      How does Call Waiting work with BT Answer 1571?

      If you have the BT Answer 1571 service and are on a call when a new incoming call arrives, an intrusion tone will advise you that a new call is waiting. The caller will hear the Call Waiting announcement, and, if you decide not to take the new call, after 21 seconds it will be diverted to the BT Answer 1571 service.


      What happens if I stop using my BT Answer 1571 service?

      If you do not access your BT Answer 1571 mailbox at least once every 90 days, it will be switched off and any saved messages will be lost. To reinstate the service on your landline, dial 1571 from your handset. To reinstate BT Answer 1571 for BT Broadband Talk, please login to manage your Calling Features online.

      More information on managing your BT Broadband Talk Calling Features.


      Is my alarm system compatible with BT Answer 1571?

      Some social alarm and burglar alarm equipment may not be compatible with BT Answer 1571. Please check with your alarm supplier.


      Can I have both BT Answer 1571 Personal Greeting and Message Alert on my line?

      Yes, from 25 September 2009, both services become available in the same combined service.


      Can callers hear different personalised greetings?

      No. If you use a Personal Greeting with Enhanced BT Answer 1571, callers will hear the same greeting regardless of whether the line is busy or unanswered.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT BT Answer 1571 on your home phone

  • What is Caller Display?

    • Caller Display shows you the number of the person calling, so you can decide whether to pick up the phone or leave it to your answering service.

      You'll need caller display compatible equipment in order to use this service. If you have Internet Call Waiting, then Caller Display will also work on your PC to show you who is calling.

      If the caller is listed in your Address Book, then Caller Display will also display the name of the person trying to contact you.


      What is Caller Display compatible equipment?

      To find equipment that is compatible with Caller Display, visit the BT Shop and enter the words 'Caller Display' into the search engine.


      I'm already paying for Caller Display. What happens when I take up BT Privacy at Home?

      You will no longer pay for Caller Display after subscribing to BT Privacy at Home, if you continue to make some calls with BT.

      If you are renting Caller Display as part of the BT Calling Features packs, any change to your rental charges will be adjusted automatically.

      You may, of course, want to replace Caller Display with another feature from the range of services available. You can do this when you sign up for BT Privacy at Home online.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT What is Caller Display?

  • What is Choose to Refuse?

    • Choose to Refuse lets you put a stop to nuisance or unwanted calls by stopping them from getting through to you. You can block up to ten numbers. Please note that some numbers are excluded from this service.


      How do I block numbers from calling me with Choose to Refuse?

      To bar the last call you answered with Choose to Refuse:

      Dial 14258 and press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad twice at the voice prompt.The number you’ve barred will no longer be able to get through.

      To bar other numbers at any time with Choose to Refuse:

      Dial 14258 and enter your PIN. Choose to Refuse will give you a choice of the following options:

      • Adding a number to your list - Make sure you include the area STD code before UK numbers, and press the hash key (#) at the end of the number to tell Choose to Refuse that it is the end of the number.
      • Reviewing your barred numbers list - You can check your list at any time. Choose to Refuse will tell you the number and the date that it was barred. You should also choose this option if you want to delete a number from your list.
      • Changing your PIN number - PINs in sequences such as 5678 and 2222 and PINs that use numbers in obvious patterns on your dialing keypad (such as 2580) are not allowed.


      Are there any restrictions on the Choose to Refuse service?

      Yes. Some calls from international destinations can not be barred as we do not always receive the number from the overseas network that the call originated from. Also, some business customers use a 0800 number on their outgoing calls for possible use on Caller Display rather than the network number from the lines where the call originated. Choose to Refuse does not bar the 0800 number itself but uses the underlying network number.

      Anonymous Call Rejection

      Allows the automatic rejection of all calls where the caller has actively withheld their number. (This will not reject calls where the caller cannot send a calling line identity, for instance calls from international numbers).

      You can manage these calling features online via BT Broadband Talk Self Care under the Incoming Calls section. You will need your BT Broadband Talk phone number and password to log in.

      PDF logo Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT What is Choose to Refuse?

  • What is Anonymous Call Rejection and how do I use it?

    • Anonymous Call Rejection lets you stop calls from people who have withheld their number. If a caller withholds their number so that you can’t tell what number they called from, they won’t be able to get through to you. They’ll only get through if they reveal their number.

      There is a monthly charge for this Calling Feature. Go to www.bt.com/callingfeatures to see how much it costs (click on "Home phone security features".


      How do I use Anonymous Call Rejection?

      To set up Anonymous Call Rejection, press the star (*) key on your telephone keypad, followed by the number 227 and then the hash (#) key.

      To cancel, press hash, the number 227 and then the hash key again.

      To check whether Anonynous Call Rejection is set up, press star, hash, the number and then the hash key once more.


      What will happen if I withold my number when calling someone with Anonymous Call Rejection?

      A message will notify the blocked caller that: 'the person you are calling is not accepting anonymous calls. Please redial without withholding your number'.


      Can I release my number if I want to contact someone with Anonymous Call Rejection?

      If you are prevented from contacting someone because they have Anonymous Call Rejection and you withheld your number on a call, then re-dial the number without using the ‘141’ prefix.


      Are there any calls which Anonymous Call Rejection will be unable to block?

      Anonymous Call Rejection will not block calls where the system cannot obtain the identity of the caller and the message 'Unavailable' is delivered. This would mean that the call is coming from a network that does not support Caller Display and Call Return type services. This could be from:

      • Some non-compatible exchange types (UXD5)
      • Another network provider e.g. Mercury and some mobile networks
      • A caller using a Chargecard
      • Calls where the message 'Payphone', 'International', or 'Operator' is delivered


      What are the potential security and safety concerns with Anonymous Call Rejection?

      Many public services such as the police force, the DSS, hospitals, fire brigades and public utilities will not be able to contact customers who use Anonymous Call Rejection.

      This is due to the configuration of their private switchboards. This problem will also affect many UK businesses. Discussions are underway to find a solution for these problems.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide PDF doc, 163 KB

    • View More: BT What is Anonymous Call Rejection and how do I use it?

  • How do I set up BT Broadband Talk to bar calls?

    • Note: All BT Broadband Talk calling features including 'Call barring' are managed via the BT Broadband Talk portal online. You must login to the BT Broadband Talk Portal. You will need your BT Broadband Talk number and the password to login.

      How to setup call barring:

      1. Click 'Change your settings'

        2.  

      2. Put a tick against the type of the calls needs to be barred. And then click 'Save changes'

        3.  

      3. A confirmation screen will appear. The changes normally take place immediately, however, in rare cases it might take up to 2 minutes.

      How to Remove call barring:

      1. Click 'Change your settings'

        2.  

      2. Remove the tick against the type of call it was barred against

        3.  

      3. And then click 'save changes'

        4.  

      4. A confirmation screen will appear. The changes normally take place immediately, however, in rare cases it might take up to 2 minutes.
    • View More: BT How do I set up BT Broadband Talk to bar calls?

  • What is BT Call Minder?

    • 📞

      BT Call Minder is a voicemail service that answers your landline calls when you're unavailable. It stores messages securely and lets you listen to them anytime, even remotely.

      What Is BT Call Minder?

      BT Call Minder is an enhanced voicemail service for BT landline customers. It automatically answers incoming calls when you can't pick up, records messages, and stores them in a personal mailbox. You can listen to these messages from your home phone or remotely using a PIN.

      It’s ideal for anyone who wants to stay in touch without relying on a physical answering machine.

      Key Features

      Automatic call answering when you don’t pick up.
      Secure message storage with easy access.
      Remote access via PIN from any touch-tone phone.
      Record a personal greeting for callers.
      Stores caller numbers even if no message is left.
      Optional mobile text alerts for new messages.

      How to Use BT Call Minder

      Accessing Messages: Dial 1571 from your BT landline and follow the prompts.

      Remote Access: Call your BT number, press * when Call Minder answers, and enter your PIN.

      Setting Up Your PIN: From your landline, enter message retrieval and say “no” until you reach Message Retrieval Options. Follow prompts to set or change your PIN.

      Customising Settings: Choose ring duration, caller info storage, and mobile alert preferences.

      Call Minder vs BT 1571

      Feature BT 1571 BT Call Minder
      Message storageYesYes
      Remote accessNoYes
      Custom greetingsNoYes
      Caller info (no message)NoYes
      Mobile text alertsNoYes
      PIN protectionNoYes

      Sources: BT Call Minder User Guide, BT Business Help

      Compatibility and Setup

      Call Minder works with most BT landline services, including:

      Digital Voice: Fully compatible, though menu options may vary.
      Calling Features: Works alongside Call Diversion, Call Waiting, and Call Return.

      To activate, visit BT Business Voice Messaging or contact BT support.

      Troubleshooting Tips

      Ensure Call Diversion is set to forward calls to 1571.
      Reset your PIN from your landline if forgotten.
      Use a touch-tone phone and correct PIN for remote access.

      Costs and Availability

      Call Minder is a paid add-on to your BT landline service. Pricing varies by package. Check your BT account or call customer service to confirm.

      Summary

      BT Call Minder is a powerful voicemail tool that helps you stay connected, even when you’re away from your phone. With remote access, custom greetings, and mobile alerts, it’s a smart upgrade from basic voicemail.

      Whether you’re a busy professional or just want peace of mind, Call Minder ensures you never miss an important message.

      Sources: BT Business Help, BT Call Minder User Guide, BT Community

    • View More: BT What is BT Call Minder?

  • What is Reminder Call?

    • Reminder Call acts like an alarm clock on your phone - your phone will ring at the time you program it to.

      Maybe you need a repeat reminder every day, or perhaps you need a one off call to remind you to pick up the dry cleaning. You push a couple of buttons to activate the service and then enter the time and date you want to be reminded. Amending a Reminder Call is just as easy.


      How do I use Reminder Call?

      Setting up a reminder call

      Press the star (*) key on your telephone keypad followed by the number 55 and the star key again, the required time in 24 hour clock format (e.g. 7.30am should be entered as 0730), and then press the hash (#) key.

      Cancelling a reminder call

      Press the hash key, the number 55, and then the hash key once more.

      Checking the time of a reminder call
      Press star, hash, the number 55 and then hash.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT What is Reminder Call?

  • 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.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide  (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT What is Ring Back?

  • What is Call Waiting?

    • Call Waiting tells you when other callers are trying to get through. You'll hear a discreet beep when someone is trying to get through to you while you’re on the phone. You can choose whether or not to take the call.


      How do I check whether Call Waiting is on?

      To check whether Call Waiting is on, press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad followed by the hash key (#). Enter the number 43 and finish by pressing the hash key.

      Please remember: Switch off Call Waiting if you want to use a fax or modem on the same line. Call Waiting is not compatible with Internet Call Waiting.


      How does Call Waiting work with BT Answer 1571?

      If you have the BT Answer 1571 service and are on a call when a new incoming call arrives, an intrusion tone will advise you that a new call is waiting.

      The caller will hear the Call Waiting announcement, and, if you decide not to take the new call, after 21 seconds it will be diverted to the BT Answer 1571 service.


      How do I switch between callers while using Call Waiting?

      While you're using Call Waiting, you'll hear a beep to let you know that you have a second caller waiting to speak to you.

      To switch to your second caller, simply press the recall button on your telephone keypad. To return to your first caller, press recall again. When you've finished your call, just hang up.

      Please remember: Switch off Call Waiting if you want to use a fax or modem on the same line. Call Waiting is not compatible with Internet Call Waiting.


      How do I switch Call Waiting on and off?

      To switch on Call Waiting, press the star key (*) on your telephone keypad followed by 43, and then the hash key (#).

      To switch off Call Waiting, press the hash key, 43, and then the hash key again.

      Please remember: Switch off Call Waiting if you want to use a fax or modem on the same line. Call Waiting is not compatible with Internet Call Waiting.


      PDF logo Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 163 KB)

    • View More: BT What is Call Waiting?

  • How do I send, receive and pick up messages using BT Text?

    • A clear, step-by-step guide for BT customers explaining how to send text-like messages from a BT landline, how messages are delivered, and how to retrieve missed voice-delivered messages.

      This guide is written for BT customers who use the BT Text service on a compatible home phone. It explains how to send messages, how messages arrive (as written text or spoken voice), how to pick up missed messages and the key commands and numbers you might need.

      What is BT Text

      BT Text lets BT landline customers send and receive short messages using a compatible handset. Messages can appear as on-screen text when the recipient has a text-capable phone, or they can be read aloud by an electronic voice when a written display is not available.

      Before you start

      Make sure your phone is text-capable Check that your cordless or corded home phone supports text messaging and is connected to your BT line.
      Have the recipient number ready Include area code for landlines and full mobile numbers for mobiles.
      Know the character limit Messages are usually limited to 160 characters; longer content may be split.

      How to send a message from your BT landline

      Sending a message uses your handset’s keypad. Exact steps and labels vary by manufacturer, but the basic process is:

      1. Open message or SMS mode
      Press the phone button that your handset uses for texts (labelled Message, SMS or similar).
      2. Compose your message
      Type your text using the keypad. Aim for up to 160 characters for a single message.
      3. Add the recipient
      Enter the full phone number, including the area code for landlines or the full UK mobile number.
      4. Send
      Use the handset’s Send key. The handset will route the message via BT’s messaging service.

      Some handsets require a service centre number to be present for the send function to work; the service centre number used historically with BT Text may be pre-configured on many phones. If you need to enter it manually, check your phone manual or contact BT support.

      How messages are delivered

      BT Text delivers messages as either written text or as a spoken voice call:

      Text on screen If the recipient has a text-enabled phone and Caller Display, they will see the message on their handset like a mobile SMS.
      Spoken voice If the recipient does not have a compatible display, the message is delivered as a short voice call and an electronic voice reads the text aloud.

      Choose the voice for speech delivery

      You can control whether the electronic voice is male or female when the message is delivered as speech by placing a short command at the start of the message:

      Male voice
      *M# typed before your message triggers a male voice readout.
      Default/ Female voice
      Omit the command and the service uses the default voice (usually female).

      Receiving messages on your BT line

      When someone sends you a message via BT Text, your phone behaves differently depending on your equipment and settings:

      Text-capable phone Messages appear on your handset display. You can read, save or delete them on the phone.
      No display or Caller Display off Messages come as a voice call and are read aloud by an automated voice.
      Missed answer If you don’t answer, the service usually retries and will attempt delivery for a limited period.

      Picking up missed messages

      If a message was delivered as a voice call and you missed it, BT Text historically offered short-term storage so you can retrieve the message.

      How to pick up
      Dial the message retrieval number your handset or BT documentation specifies. Messages are generally stored for a short time only.
      Storage period
      Stored messages are temporary and may be kept for a limited window (for example, 24 hours) before they’re removed.

      Useful BT Text commands and service codes

      Some special short codes can change how messages are delivered. Put these commands at the beginning of your message text if your handset and the service support them:

      *3# Force a message to be delivered as speech.
      *tts# Another command used to request text-to-speech delivery.
      *0# Request a delivery status report where supported.

      Sending to mobiles and non-BT phones

      You can send messages to UK mobiles and other landlines. If the recipient’s phone cannot show text, the message will be converted to a spoken call and read aloud. If an answering machine picks up, the spoken message may be recorded onto that machine.

      Accessibility and alternatives

      If you rely on BT Text for accessibility (for example hearing or speech support), BT and related services provide alternatives such as relay and text relay services to help voice/TTY communication. It’s a good idea to check current BT accessibility pages for supported options and any migration steps if BT changes the service offering.

      Key numbers and quick reference

      Below are commonly referenced numbers and short service codes that have been used with BT Text and related BT services. Confirm these with BT if you are unsure, as service numbers can change.

      Service centre / handset configuration
      147017094009 (may be pre-configured on many handsets)
      Message retrieval (voice storage)
      0845 602 1111 (example retrieval number; check BT for up-to-date number and call rates)
      Delivery status and force options
      *0#; *3#

      Frequently asked questions

      Can I use BT Text without Caller Display? Yes. Messages will usually be delivered as voice calls rather than on-screen text.
      Does BT Text support picture messages (MMS)? No. BT Text is for short text messages and text-to-speech delivery only.
      What if BT Text changes or closes? If BT updates or retires the service, BT typically provides information about alternatives and how to migrate, including accessibility options like relay services.

      Further help and official BT pages

      For the latest information and any service changes, check BT’s official help pages and accessibility support. The two links below are examples of where BT has published guidance about landline messaging and accessibility services:

      BT Help: Set up and use BT Text

      Relay UK (BT accessibility relay service)

      If you rely on BT Text, keep a note of any handset-specific setup instructions and confirm current service numbers with BT. Consider setting up voicemail (for example BT Answer 1571) or a mobile alternative if you need guaranteed long-term message storage.

      Last reviewed: November 2025. This article is for BT customers and explains typical behaviour of the BT Text service and commonly used codes and numbers. Confirm any service numbers, costs and availability with BT as they may change over time.

    • View More: BT How do I send, receive and pick up messages using BT Text?

  • How to setup voicemail

  • TalkTalk Care on Twitter

  • BT Twitter Page

  • BT Life Blog

    • Welcome to the BT Life blog

      BT Life is the technology and lifestyle blog from BT, with the latest on entertainment, communications, online safety and more.

    • View More: BT BT Life Blog

  • TalkTalk Facebook Page

  • BT Facebook Page

  • TalkTalk Contact Details

  • BT Phone Contact Details

    • From a landline dial:
      0800 800 150 

      From a mobile dial:
      0330 123 4150* 

      Opening hours
      Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6pm 

      If you need to call us from abroad, you can reach us on +44 179 359 6931. The cost of the call will depend on which country you are calling from.

    • View More: BT BT Phone Contact Details
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