Putting someone on hold on your iPhone is a task that can be completed in just a few taps. Whether you’re on a personal call or handling business, knowing how to place a call on hold is essential. After reading this brief overview, you’ll be ready to manage your calls like a pro.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Put Someone on Hold on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that putting a call on hold will mute your microphone and stop any audio from the call coming through your speaker or earpiece. This allows you to address something else momentarily without hanging up on the caller.
Step 1: During a call, press the ‘Hold’ button
When you are in a call, look for the ‘Hold’ button on your iPhone’s call screen.
The ‘Hold’ button may not be immediately visible on all iPhone models. If you don’t see it, tap on the screen to reveal additional call options where the ‘Hold’ button should appear.
Step 2: Inform the caller you’re putting them on hold
It’s polite to let the person know that you are going to put them on hold.
While this isn’t a step that involves your iPhone’s functionality, it’s an important part of phone etiquette. Simply saying, “Can you hold for a moment, please?” is usually sufficient.
Step 3: Tap the ‘Hold’ button again to resume the call
Once you are ready to continue the call, press the ‘Hold’ button again.
This will reactivate the call, and you can continue the conversation right where you left off. Ensure that the caller knows they’re back on the line by saying something like, “Thank you for holding.”
After you complete the action of putting someone on hold, the call will be paused until you choose to resume it. The caller won’t be able to hear anything from your end, but be mindful that they can still be disconnected, so don’t leave them hanging for too long!
Tips for Putting Someone on Hold on iPhone
- Always inform the person on the other end of the line before putting them on hold.
- Make sure you’re in a spot with good signal strength to avoid dropping the call when it’s on hold.
- Be aware that you cannot put emergency calls on hold.
- If you need to address another call coming in, you can use the ‘Hold & Accept’ button instead.
- Remember to check back frequently if you’ve placed someone on hold, as they may not wait for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my iPhone doesn’t have a ‘Hold’ button?
Some network carriers or iPhone models might not have a dedicated ‘Hold’ option. In this case, use the mute function to silence your microphone temporarily.
Can I access other apps while someone is on hold?
Yes, you can use other apps on your iPhone while someone is on hold, but be sure to keep an eye on the call status.
Will the person on hold hear hold music?
Typically, no. Hold music is a feature that businesses often use with their phone systems, but it’s not a standard feature on iPhones.
Can I put a FaceTime call on hold?
No, the hold function is not available for FaceTime calls. You can, however, mute the microphone or pause the video.
Is there a time limit for how long I can put someone on hold?
There’s no set time limit, but as a courtesy, try not to leave someone on hold for an extended period.
Summary
- Press the ‘Hold’ button during a call
- Inform the caller you’re putting them on hold
- Tap the ‘Hold’ button again to resume the call
Conclusion
Putting someone on hold on your iPhone is a handy feature that takes just a few seconds to execute. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to pause a conversation briefly without ending the call. Whether you’re multitasking or need a moment to gather your thoughts, knowing how to put a call on hold is a valuable skill in our fast-paced world. Always remember to communicate clearly with the person on the other end of the line, and they’ll likely appreciate your consideration. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can manage your calls with ease and professionalism. And who knows? Maybe next time you’re on the receiving end of a call on hold, you’ll be a little more patient, knowing exactly what’s happening on the other side of the line.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.