Extending the ring time on your iPhone can be helpful if you often miss calls because you can’t reach your phone quickly enough. By increasing the number of rings, you give yourself more time to answer incoming calls. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to extend the ring time on your iPhone.
1. Understanding Ring Time and Call Forwarding
The ring time on your iPhone is determined by your carrier, and it is directly linked to the call forwarding settings. When a call goes unanswered after a specific duration, it is forwarded to voicemail or another number, depending on your settings. To extend the ring time, you’ll need to adjust the call forwarding delay.
2. Check Your Carrier’s Call Forwarding Options
Different carriers may use different codes or settings to adjust call forwarding. Before proceeding, visit your carrier’s website or contact customer support to verify the correct codes and procedures for adjusting call forwarding and extending ring time.
3. Verify Your Current Call Forwarding Settings
Before making any changes, check your current call forwarding settings to have a reference point.
A. Open the Phone App:
Tap on the Phone app on your iPhone’s home screen.
B. Access the Keypad
Select the “Keypad” tab at the bottom of the screen.
C. Dial the Call Forwarding Code
Enter the code to check your call forwarding settings. Most carriers use *#61# to display the current settings. Press the green “Call” button after entering the code.
D. Review the Call Forwarding Information
A message will appear with your current call forwarding settings, including the number of seconds before the call is forwarded. Make a note of this information.
4. Extend the Ring Time by Adjusting Call Forwarding Settings
Now that you’ve verified your current settings, you can proceed to extend the ring time.
A. Open the Keypad
Tap on the “Keypad” tab in the Phone app.
B. Dial the Call Forwarding Activation Code
Enter the activation code for call forwarding, followed by the number of seconds you want to extend the ring time. The code typically begins with 61 and ends with the number of seconds, followed by #. For example, to extend the ring time to 30 seconds, you would enter **61180055512341130# (replace 18005551234 with your carrier’s voicemail number). Press the green “Call” button after entering the code.
C. Confirm the New Call Forwarding Settings
A message will appear confirming the new settings. Ensure the number of seconds has been updated to your desired ring time.
5. Test the New Ring Time
You can verify if your iPhone’s ring time has been prolonged by requesting a friend or family member to give you a call. Count the number of rings or time the call duration before it is forwarded to voicemail. If the ring time has not been extended, repeat the process or contact your carrier for assistance.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
A. Carrier Restrictions
Some carriers may have restrictions on the maximum ring time allowed. If you’re unable to extend the ring time as desired, contact your carrier for more information.
B. Incorrect Voicemail Number
If you receive an error message when attempting to change your call forwarding settings, verify that you have entered the correct voicemail number for your carrier.
C. Temporary Network Issues
Occasionally, network issues may prevent call forwarding settings from being updated. If you encounter problems, wait a few minutes and try again. If the issue persists, contact your carrier for support.
7. Tips for Managing Ring Time and Call Forwarding
A. Use Custom Ringtones
Assign unique ringtones to specific contacts to help you recognize important calls quickly. This can help you prioritize calls and ensure you don’t miss crucial conversations.
B. Utilize Do Not Disturb Mode
If you’re in a situation where you can’t answer calls, enable the “Do Not Disturb” mode on your iPhone. This will silence all calls and notifications, sending them directly to voicemail without ringing. You can customize the settings to allow calls from specific contacts or repeated calls to go through.
C. Set Up Visual Alerts
In addition to increasing ring time, consider enabling visual alerts for incoming calls. To do this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, and toggle on “LED Flash for Alerts.” This can be particularly useful in noisy environments or for those with hearing impairments.
D. Manage Call Forwarding Directly Through Your Carrier
Some carriers offer apps or online portals for managing call forwarding settings, including ring time. Check with your carrier to see if they provide this option for an alternative method of adjusting ring time.
E. Consider Using a smartwatch or Fitness Tracker Pairing your iPhone with a smartwatch or fitness tracker can help ensure you never miss a call. These devices can vibrate or display notifications on your wrist when you receive a call, making it easier to notice and answer calls in a timely manner.
FAQ
Q. Does extending the ring time on my iPhone affect my voicemail settings?
Extending ring time on an iPhone does not affect voicemail settings since they are controlled separately. It’s still advisable to double-check voicemail settings after making any changes to phone settings.
Q. Will extending the ring time on my iPhone drain the battery faster?
Extending ring time on an iPhone may slightly impact battery life, but only a little. Longer ring time may use up more battery power, but it should be small if extended only by a few seconds. To conserve battery life, adjust other settings like screen brightness or background app refresh.
Q. Will extending the ring time on my iPhone affect my carrier plan or billing in any way?
No, extending the ring time on your iPhone should not affect your carrier plan or billing since it is a setting on your phone and does not involve any communication with your carrier’s network.
