Many iPhone users face the common issue of calls being redirected to voicemail after only a few seconds of ringing. While iOS itself does not offer a direct setting to extend the ring time, you can modify this through your carrier settings. This guide explains how to extend ring time on iPhone before a call forwards to voicemail, ensuring you have enough time to answer calls.

Method 1: Adjust Ring Time via Carrier Settings

Follow these steps to increase the ring time on your iPhone:

1. Find your voicemail number

  • The first step is to open the phone app in your iphone.
  • Now dial *#61# and then press the call button.
  • Take note of the number displayed for your current voicemail.

2. Set Your Desired Ring Time

  • Decide how long you want your iPhone ring time before forwarding the call to voicemail. Common options are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds.
  • Open the phone app again
  • Now dial the following sequence: **61*voicemail number**11*ring time in seconds#
  • Replace voicemailnumber with the number noted earlier.
  • Replace ringtime with your desired duration (e.g., 30 for 30 seconds).
  • Then, press the Call button
  • You should receive a confirmation message in order to verify your setting updates.

Example: If your voicemail number is +1234567890 and you want the ring time to be 30 seconds, dial: **61*+1234567890**11*30#

Method 2: Contact Your Carrier

If the above steps do not work or if you are unsure, contact your mobile carrier directly. Some carriers have fixed ring times or require customer service intervention to make changes. Examples:

  • Telstra (Australia): Changes can be made via customer service.
  • Verizon (U.S.): Fixed ring time; adjustments must be requested.

Method 3: Call Forwarding as a Workaround

If extending ring time is not supported by your carrier, you can use Call Forwarding to redirect calls to another number with a longer ring time:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select Phone.
  3. Tap on Call Forwarding.
  4. Enter the number you want calls forwarded to and enable the setting.

Note: Call forwarding might incur additional charges. Check with your carrier to avoid unexpected costs.

Read also: How to add Flybuys to Apple wallet

Limitations and Issues

  1. Carrier Restrictions:
    • Not all carriers support manual adjustments to ring time. Some have fixed durations that cannot be changed.
  2. Compatibility:
    • CDMA networks (e.g., Verizon) and certain regional carriers may not allow ring time adjustments.
  3. Third-Party Apps:
    • Apps from the App Store claiming to extend ring time do not have access to carrier settings and are unlikely to work for this purpose.

Benefits for extending ring time

There are some reason for extending ring time

  • For convenience: During calling if your distance with the phone is approachable, then you can simply increase the ring time for your convenience.
  • Reduced missed calls: By increasing ring time there is less number of missed calls for you.
  • Increase opportunity to answer the calls: By increasing the time period of ring time it can make more opportunities to attend maximum calls.

Tips for Choosing the Best Method

When choosing the best method on how to extend ring time on iphone keep these factors in your mind:

  1. Smooth usage: Choose the simple method that offers an automatic way.
  2. Expenses: If you are concerned about extra charges, check whether the method involves any expenses
  3. App reviews: If you are using third party apps, then must read reviews to assess the effectiveness of the method.
  4. Personal preference: Choose the method that falls on your needs and criteria.

Conclusion

Adjusting ring time on an iPhone is usually possible through carrier settings. While iOS does not allow direct modifications, the method outlined above works for most GSM carriers worldwide. If you encounter any issues, contacting your carrier’s customer support is often the best solution. By extending ring time, you can reduce missed calls and make your iPhone experience more convenient.