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Overview

Call hold allows you to temporarily pause conversations with external callers while you consult with team members, look up information, or handle other tasks. OpenPhone automatically plays hold music to keep callers engaged during the pause.

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How to use call hold

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Individual caller hold

  1. During an active call, click the Hold button ⏸️
  2. The caller hears hold music while you’re away
  3. Click the Hold button again to resume
Individual call hold interface on desktop

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Group call hold

For calls with multiple external participants:
  1. Click the put call on hold button at the bottom of the call controls
  2. All external callers are placed on hold simultaneously
  3. Click put call on hold again to resume with all participants
Group call hold controls on desktop

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Important limitations

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Who can be placed on hold

  • ✅ External callers: Any number outside your OpenPhone workspace
  • ❌ Team members: Internal workspace calls cannot be placed on hold

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Call waiting interaction

When you have a caller on hold and receive another call:
  • Answering the new call: Automatically disconnects the held call
  • No true call waiting: OpenPhone doesn’t support traditional call waiting
  • iOS call waiting: Limited call waiting available on iOS for direct numbers only
Answering a new call while someone is on hold will disconnect the held caller. Plan accordingly.
Currently, OpenPhone offers one hold music option and doesn’t yet support custom music.

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Troubleshooting