YSK: Commas can be used in phone numbers to automatically input automated menu options

Huh. Apparently we justed needed to start a new platform to start dropping the real life pro tips. Seriously, where have you guys been keeping these??!?

Caveat emptor: the commas just insert pauses - there isn't any sort of "synchronization" with the system on the other end, so if the timing is off, this may not do the right thing.

You should mention that the commas just make the phone wait a second or two before continuing dialing.

For my work I have to press "1" then the extension number. But you have to wait for an opening message before it will allow you to press "1"

My contact for my workplace is <phone number>,,,1,<extension>

You'll have to do some experimenting to get the delay right.

But now I can call work handsfree.

FYI, the comma comes from the old Hayes modem command language.

ATDTnumber,,option,option

ATtention Dial Tone number pause pause option pause option

Each comma was about a 2 second pause. You can use multiple commas for longer pauses.

For the Android dialer, hold the star (*) key to input the comma into your number.

Having a Pixel phone is always so great for calling these types of numbers. If it's a popular enough number, it will show on the screen like text messages of all the # options as soon as it connects if it knows it. If it doesn't it will still display voice to text so you don't have to try and remember the best option. It will even "hold" for you and when someone picks up on the business's end it will let them know you'll pick up in a second and notify you. Sometimes it will even have info on the current average wait time.

It's made calling companies so much nicer.

Wow, this place is like life hacks, but not terrible!

some more details https://www.computerhope.com/tips/tip232.htm

I had a job a few years ago where my account kept getting locked out (their IT security department was kinda paranoid and basically everything could get you locked out). I used this to crest a shortcut on my phone to call their automated help desk line and enter in my employee id / dob/ whatever else they needed to unlock my account, at one point it was happening several times a day. Left that job shortly after thankfully

That is a crazy tech tip, thank you so much, my mind is blown

Another thing to add, if you put a semicolon instead of a comma, on Android at least it will stop and pop up a prompt that you can hit continue for it to keep dialing the rest of the digits.

Whaaat

I have been using commas to dial with my comms system and was really proud of myself when I figured it out. Now I feel like a dumbass not even thinking about using it for a regular phone.

You can also automate those USSD menus (the menus that show up when you dial a specific number

For example

#[number here]*[menu option]#

So say if you had to dail #100# to get a menu and then type in 2 to recharge your credit youd type

#100*2#

It's a good tip, but nowadays a lot of apps accessing the contacts. Storing secured information on contacts is vulnerable. Please be mind it.

Damn, this is mindblowing. How have I gotten through life without knowing this!

I used this at work; I saved a number to login to my conference call (pre-video conferencing) and actually join with prompts.