Three-Way Conference Calls on Your Desk Phone
Bring two other people into one conversation. Learn the conference sequence, how to return if the second person does not answer, and why ending a conference depends on your phone setup.
A three-way conference connects you and two other people in one conversation. You can start from an incoming or outgoing call that is already connected. Tell the first person before putting them on hold.
Find the conference control
The examples below are documented for Yealink T4U, Poly VVX and Cisco 8800 Multiplatform phones. The exact label, screen and available controls depend on the model, firmware and setup. Do not assume another series uses the same keys.
- Yealink T4U: look for Conference or Conf.
- Poly VVX: use Conference. Some configurations join the next person without requiring a second press.
- Cisco 8800 Multiplatform: use the Conference button.
Options or More only opens a menu. If your conference control is inside a menu, select the actual conference option; opening the menu alone does not start it. If you cannot find that option, ask Zonitel support to check your model and configuration.
Add the second person
- Start with the first person connected. Explain whom you will invite.
- Select the conference control. The first call is placed on hold while you call the second person.
- Dial the second person and wait for an answer. In a manual two-press setup, tell them who is waiting before joining. If your phone joins automatically, do not assume this conversation is private. Check whether a person or voicemail answered.
- Select Conference again when required by your phone. Check that everyone can hear one another and introduce the participants.
If nobody answers or you change your mind
Cancel or end only the call to the second person, using the control shown for that call. Then select the first call, which is on hold, and choose Resume or the corresponding resume control. Check the name or number before acting. Do not simply hang up the handset assuming you will return to the first caller.
Mute, Hold and ending the conference
Mute silences your microphone; it is not the same as placing the conference on Hold. Holding may put all participants on hold. If Split is available, it separates the conference into individual held calls; it does not keep everyone talking together.
Do not assume hanging up leaves the other two people connected. Depending on the phone and its configuration, they may stay connected or the conference may end. Confirm the intended behavior with your administrator before using this to hand a conversation over.
More people or other devices
This guide uses three participants as an example, not as a universal limit. Capacity depends on the phone and enabled conference service. Mobile and browser apps have different controls. Calling charges depend on your plan and destinations. For help, contact Zonitel support.