How to extend ring time on Android & iPhone?

Have you ever missed an important call because your phone stopped ringing too quickly? By default, most smartphones ring for 15 to 20 seconds before forwarding the call to voicemail. However, you can extend the ring time to give yourself more time to answer.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to increase the ring duration on both Android and iPhone step by step.

Why Extend Your Phone’s Ring Time?

Before we dive into the steps, here are some common reasons why you might want to extend your ring time:

✅ More Time to Answer Calls – Avoid missing calls when you’re away from your phone.

✅ Easier Accessibility – Helpful for seniors or those with mobility issues.

✅ Customize Your Experience – Control how long your phone rings before going to voicemail.

✅ Avoid Unwanted Voicemail Transfers – Prevent calls from automatically going to voicemail too soon.

Now, let’s see how to extend the ring time on Android and iPhone devices.

How to Extend Ring Time on Android

Most Android phones allow you to extend the ring time using carrier-specific dial codes. The method may vary slightly depending on your mobile network provider.

Step 1: Check Your Current Ring Time

Before increasing your ring time, check your phone’s current ring duration:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial #61# and press Call.
3. A message will appear showing your current ring time (in seconds) before the call diverts to voicemail.

Step 2: Use the Dial Code to Extend Ring Time

To increase your ring time, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial this code:
   ** **##61#** **004*[Your Voicemail Number]** **11*[Number of Seconds]#** **
3. Replace [Your Voicemail Number] with your carrier’s voicemail number.
4. Replace [Number of Seconds] with one of these options: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds.
5. Press Call and wait for confirmation.

💡 Example: If your voicemail number is +1234567890, and you want to extend your ring time to 30 seconds, dial:

**61+1234567890**11*30#

6. A message will confirm that the change was successful.

Step 3: Test the New Ring Time

Make a test call to your phone to see if the ring duration has increased.

📌 Carrier-Specific Codes:

• AT&T: Dial **61+1[your voicemail number]11[seconds]#
• T-Mobile: Use **67[voicemail number]11[seconds]#
• Verizon: Typically, ring time is fixed and can’t be changed manually.

If you are unsure of your voicemail number, contact your carrier for assistance.

How to Extend Ring Time on iPhone

Unlike Android, iPhones do not have a built-in setting to adjust ring duration. However, you can extend the ring time using carrier codes.

Step 1: Find Your Voicemail Number

Before changing your ring time, find your carrier’s voicemail number:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial *#61# and press Call.
3. Note the voicemail number that appears on the screen.

Step 2: Enter the Dial Code to Extend Ring Time

Once you have your voicemail number, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial the following code:

   **61*[voicemail number]**11*[seconds]#
   

3. Replace [voicemail number] with your carrier’s voicemail number.
4. Replace [seconds] with 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds.
5. Press Call.
6. A confirmation message will appear on the screen.

💡 Example: If your voicemail number is +1234567890, and you want to set your ring time to 30 seconds, dial:

**61+1234567890**11*30#

Step 3: Test the New Ring Time

Make a call to your iPhone from another phone and check if the ring time has been extended.

📌 Carrier-Specific Codes:

• AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Telstra allow this method.
• Verizon and Sprint (now part of T-Mobile) may have fixed voicemail settings.

If the dial code does not work, contact your carrier for assistance.

Alternative Methods to Increase Ring Time

If the above methods don’t work, here are some alternatives:

1. Contact Your Carrier

If the dial codes don’t work, call your carrier’s customer service and ask them to extend your ring time manually.

2. Use a Third-Party Voicemail App

Some apps like Google Voice and YouMail allow you to customize your voicemail settings, including ring time.

3. Disable Voicemail (If Not Needed)

If you don’t need voicemail, you can disable it so that calls ring indefinitely.

• Android: Call your carrier and request voicemail deactivation.
• iPhone: Dial #004# and press Call to disable call forwarding.

4. Enable Call Forwarding

Instead of voicemail, forward calls to another number if unanswered. This can help if you need more time before a call is diverted.

• Android & iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and enter a different number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I set my phone to ring for more than 30 seconds?

Most carriers limit ring time to 30 seconds, but you can check with your carrier for options.

2. Why doesn’t my ring time change after entering the code?

If the dial code doesn’t work, your carrier may have restrictions. Contact customer support for assistance.

3. Does extending ring time affect voicemail?

Yes, increasing ring duration means calls take longer before diverting to voicemail.

4. Can I extend the ring time on a landline?

Yes, many landline providers allow you to adjust ring time via customer service.

5. Does this method work internationally?

Yes, but the dial codes and voicemail numbers differ by country. Contact your local carrier for details.

Final Thoughts

Extending your ring time on Android and iPhone can help you avoid missed calls and gain better control over your phone’s behavior. Whether you use dial codes or contact your carrier, you now have multiple ways to ensure your phone rings long enough for you to answer.

Try these steps today, and never miss an important call again! 📞✅