> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Answering Calls

> Answer, silence, or decline incoming calls with the handset, speakerphone, or a headset

## Overview

When a call comes in, the caller's number (and name, if they're in your contacts) appears on screen, and you have three choices: **answer** it, **silence** the ringing while you decide, or **decline** it.

## How to answer a call

**Button phones (T46 / T54)**

Do any of the following:

* Pick up the **handset**.
* Press the **Speakerphone** key to answer hands-free.
* Press the **Headset** key to answer on your headset.
* Press the **Answer** soft key. This answers on the speakerphone.

### Silencing a call

Press the **Silence** soft key. The ringing stops, but the call stays on screen so you can still answer it before the caller gives up.

### Declining a call

Press the **Reject** soft key. The call stops ringing your phone. On most Pear systems the caller goes to your voicemail.

**Touch screens (T48 / T57)**

Do any of the following:

* Pick up the **handset**.
* Press the **Speakerphone** key to answer hands-free.
* Press the **Headset** key to answer on your headset.
* Tap the green **Answer** button on screen. This answers on the speakerphone.

### Silencing a call

Tap **Silence**. The ringing stops, but the call stays on screen so you can still answer it before the caller gives up.

### Declining a call

Tap **Reject**. The call stops ringing your phone. On most Pear systems the caller goes to your voicemail.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Declining a call doesn't block the caller. They can ring again. To stop unwanted callers permanently, use [Number Blocking](https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/call-flow/number-blocking.md) in the Pear Portal.

## Missed a call?

Missed calls show as a notification on your idle screen, and every missed call is kept in your **History**. See [Call History](https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/phones/features/call-history.md) to call them back, or use [Abandoned Calls](https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/dashboard/abandoned-followup.md) in the Pear Portal to follow up queue callers who gave up waiting.

## Frequently asked questions

**My phone isn't ringing at all. Why?**

Check the status bar for a **DND** icon, since Do Not Disturb blocks incoming calls. Also check your ringer volume by pressing **Volume +** while the phone is idle, and check your status in the Pear Portal isn't set to Away, Break, Lunch, or Meeting. See [Setting your status](https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/my-extension/setting-your-status.md).

**Can I answer a colleague's ringing phone from my desk?**

Yes, if you have a busy lamp key for them: press it while it's flashing. See [Speed dial & busy lamp keys](https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/phones/features/blf-keys.md).

**A second call is coming in while I'm already on the phone. What do I do?**

You'll hear a soft beep and see the new caller on screen. See [Call Waiting](https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/phones/calls/call-waiting.md) for how to juggle two calls.


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