Add anyone to a call with three-way calling.

VoIP lets you conference anyone into a call without hanging up.

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What is a three-way call?

Three-way calling is a phone feature that adds another person to an existing call. Once you initiate the second call, you can merge the phone calls together.

Also known as 3-way calling, it doesn’t need any conference call numbers or codes for three people to talk to each other.

Traditionally, three-way calling required call waiting and even use of the flash button. Establishing a three-way call was confusing and often resulted in dropping the first call to a dial tone.

Today, jumping on a three-way call is easy, and it works on your desk phone, computer, and smartphone. All you need is a VoIP phone system that includes these built-in features.

Benefits of 3-way calling

Setting up a three-way conference can be handy, even if you do it occasionally. This feature lets you:

  • Get answers fast. Bring on a second person to obtain answers quickly.

  • Maintain privacy. Place the first person on hold before you conference-in a second party.

  • Record calls. Document essential business conversations on the record in the cloud.

  • Save time. Add a second person to a call and keep everyone on the same page.

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How to set up three-way call

VoIP Desk Phone

  1. Establish a call with the first caller and inform them you will place them on hold.
  2. Press the conference button, which is abbreviated "CONF" on most phones.
  3. Dial the phone number of the second person.
  4. After they answer, press the conference button again to merge the calls.
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NextivaONE App for Windows and macOS

  1. Establish a call with the first caller with the NextivaONE App and inform them you will place them on hold.
  2. Desktop app: Tap the "..." button to expand a menu and select Conference.
  3. Type the name of the person you wish to dial. Tap their name.
  4. Press the Call button to initiate the call.
  5. When ready, press the button with two arrows to merge the calls.

NextivaONE App for iOS and Android

  1. Establish a call with the first caller with the NextivaONE App and inform them you will place them on hold.
  2. Tap the Add Call button and dial the second party. Wait until after the person answers.
  3. Press the "..." button to expand a menu and choose the Merge call option.

All phones supplied by Nextiva support three-way calling. Check out Nextiva’s support articles for steps for your device.

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Three-way calling FAQs

A three-way call is a conversation that starts between two parties, and they add a third person later. One of the participants can dial a friend to join the call.

Three-way calling is a VoIP feature that lets you call more than one phone at the same time. Once you’ve dialed the number of the person to join the call, you can merge them into the call. You can repeat this for up to six participants with Nextiva. This is also known as an N-way call.

Since there’s no need to set up a conference bridge, it’s best for quick collaboration in small groups.

Any VoIP phone you buy from Nextiva supports three-way calling. Since three-way calling is a core SIP protocol feature, most other VoIP phones also support it, but functionality will vary.

The NextivaONE App also supports three-way calls. The NextivaONE App is available for Mac or Windows, as well as iOS and Android smartphones.

Yes, the N-way calling feature above three people is available upon request for any Nextiva plan. It supports up to six participants.

Long-distance charges don’t apply when outgoing calls are placed anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico.

When someone hangs up, as long it’s not you, the call will continue.

If someone disconnects, you can call them again. You may want to wait a minute before calling someone back, or you may receive a busy signal or a voicemail message. To end the call yourself, just hit the end call button.

Some premium VoIP phones support the option to split a three-way call or only to disconnect yourself, but that will vary by each device.

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