What is Ring Back?
Ring Back eliminates the frustration of having to keep redialling an engaged number. If you make a call to an engaged number, just dial '5' and Ring Back will call you when the number becomes free.
How much does it cost?
You can either pay each time you use this feature or pay monthly. All prices are detailed in the Home Price Tariff Guide (PDF).
The monthly cost depends on how many calling features you have from those offered in the Calling Feature Pack. A 30-day minimum term applies. Line Rental Plus customers can choose to opt in to take the Calling Feature Pack at no extra cost.
How do I get it?
You can easily add or remove Calling Features online >
How do I set up Ring Back?
When you hear an engaged tone, press the number 5 on your telephone keypad to request a Ring Back. Wait until you hear a message confirming that your Ring Back request has been successful, before replacing the handset.
The network will then monitor the busy number for up to 45 minutes until it becomes free. Your phone will then ring with a special distinctive ringing tone - just pick up your handset to be connected.
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.
We won't charge you if a Ring Back is unsuccessful. But you will be charged for your ring back request when you receive the returned call, whether that call ends successfully or not.
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.
We won't charge you if a Ring Back is unsuccessful. But you will be charged for your ring back request when you receive the returned call, whether that call ends successfully or not.
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.
Documents
BT Calling Features user guide (PDF doc, 170KB)
You will need Adobe Reader to view PDF documents.