How to Automatically Dial Extensions on Android

This article describes two methods for adding an extension number to a contact's phone number on any Android phone so that it's dialed automatically.

Two Extension-Adding Methods

There are two ways to add extension numbers to contacts. If you can enter the extension as soon as the call is answered, use the Pause method. If you have to wait for an automated message to finish, use the Wait method.

Once you are familiar with a contact's business phone system, you'll know how to add the extension properly.

Use the Pause Method

Use the Pause method to add extension numbers to a contact's phone number when the extension number can be entered as soon as the call has been answered.

Here's how to add an extension number to a contact's phone number using the Pause method:

1. Open the Contacts app on your Android phone, then find the contact whose extension you'd like to add. The contacts list can be opened from the phone dialer.

2. Tap the person's name. On the Phone app, the contact information slides into view. On the Contacts app, the contact information page displays.

3. Tap the Pencil icon.

4. Tap the phone number field and place the cursor at the end of the phone number. The on-screen keyboard appears.

5. Insert a single comma to the right of the phone number.

   On some devices, including the comma may be replaced with a Pause button. Other devices may have both.

6. After the comma (or pause), without leaving a space, type the extension number for the contact. For example, if the number is 01234555999 and the extension number is 255, the complete number is 01234555999,255.

7. Save the contact information.

8. The next time you call that contact, their extension number automatically dials when the call is answered.

Troubleshoot the Pause Method

When using the Pause method, you may find that the extension dials too quickly, meaning the automated phone system does not detect the extension. Normally, when automated phone systems are used, the call is answered almost immediately. In some cases, however, the phone may ring once or twice before the automated system picks up.

If this is the case, insert more than one comma between the phone number and the extension number. Each comma adds a two-second pause before the extension number is dialed.

Use the Wait Method

The Wait method of adding an extension to a contact's phone number should be used in cases where the extension number cannot be entered until the end of the automated message.

1. Open the Contacts app on your Android phone and tap the contact whose extension you'd like to add. The contacts list can be opened from the Phone app.

2. Tap the Pencil icon.

3. Select the phone number field, then place the cursor at the end of the phone number.

4. Use the Android keyboard to insert a single semicolon to the right of the phone number.

   Some keyboards use a Wait button instead of a semicolon. Some have both.

5. After the semicolon, without leaving a space, type the extension number for the contact. For example, if the number is 01234333666 and the extension number is 288, the complete number is 01234333666;288.

6. Save the contact.

7. When using the Wait method, a notice appears on the screen when the automated message has finished. This prompts you to dial the extension number to proceed or to cancel the call.