La Call waiting It is an essential function that allows you to receive a second call while you are already answering another. This feature, available on both devices Android as in iPhone, it is ideal so as not to miss any important calls. Below, we explain in detail what call waiting is and how to activate it on your smartphone.
What is call waiting and why is it useful?
Call waiting is a service offered by telephone operators which allows you to answer a second incoming call while keeping the current call on hold. This feature is especially useful when you are waiting for an important call but are already talking to someone else. Instead of missing the second call, you can take it and switch between both conversations as needed.
How to activate call waiting on iPhone
If you are a user of iPhone, activating call waiting is very simple. Follow these steps:
- Open the app Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Telephone.
- Look for the option Call waiting and activate the switch next to it.
Once activated, when you are on a call and receive another, you will hear a beep and see the incoming call information on the screen. You can decide whether to answer the second call or reject it.
Android: Activate call waiting
The process to activate call waiting in Android smartphonesas the Xiaomi, Samsung o Huawei, is similar to that of the iPhone, although it may vary slightly depending on the model and Android version. Generally, you should follow these steps:
- Open the app Telephone on your Android device.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings o Configuration.
- Look for the option Call waiting and activate it.
If you can't find the option in the Phone app settings, you may need to look for it in the General settings of the device, within the section Social o Connections.
Magic codes: Activate and deactivate call waiting according to your operator
In addition to activating call waiting from your device settings, you can also do it through specific codes provided by your operator. These codes work on both Android and iPhone. Here we show you the codes for the main operators in Spain:
| Operator | Activate call waiting | Deactivate call waiting | Check status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movistar | * 43 # | # 43 # | * # # 43 |
| Vodafone | * 43 # | # 43 # | * # # 43 |
| Orange | * 43 # | # 43 # | * # # 43 |
| Telstra | * 43 # | # 43 # | * # # 43 |
To use these codes, simply dial them as if you were making a call and press the call button. You will receive a confirmation on the screen indicating that the action was completed correctly.

Call waiting: Myths and realities revealed
What happens to the first call when I answer the second?
When you answer the second call, the first is automatically put on hold. The person you were talking to will hear music or a message indicating that the call is on hold until you resume the conversation.
Tactics for alternating calls: Maintain two calling lines
Yes, you can switch between the two calls by pressing the button "Change" o "Commute" on your phone screen. This allows you to talk to one person while the other waits, and vice versa.
The Price of Multitasking: How Much Does Call Waiting Really Cost?
In most cases, call waiting is included in your calling plan and does not incur any extra costs. However, it is advisable to check with your operator to confirm if special rates apply in your particular case.
Now that you know what call waiting is and how to activate it on your Android o iPhone, you won't miss any important calls while you're on another one. Make the most of this useful feature and always maintain control of your communications.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.
