Managing Mobile Phone Calls

To make a call

You need to tap the dialling app (usually called Phone) to start making a call.
When the app opens, go to the keypad option and dial the number that you want.
The image below shows the home screen of an iPhone with the green handset app on the bar at the bottom.

The Call App on an Android mobile is similar.

NOTE: Your phone may have the app on a different part of the screen.

HomePhone.PNG

Tap on the green Phone App to open the call options which can open at one of five screens.
The menu at the bottom of the screen can be used to switch to the keypad to dial a number.

CallMENU_4.PNG

The left image shows the keypad ready for dialling.
Type in the number you require and then tap the green key to dial.

The right image shows how holding the 0 key for about 5 seconds will display a + for entering overseas numbers.

CallKeypad.PNG CallKeypad_Plus.PNG

When the number is connected you will see a dark screen as below.
This gives a number of options including the speaker and the red button to 'hang up'.

CallSpkr.png

The speaker is to make the sound louder so more than one person can hear the conversation.
Do not hold it up to your ear as it could be loud enough to cause injury.

This screen also allows selection of the keypad again to input numbers in case they have to be entered for services.
You can also Mute the microphone if you wish to speak privately with another person at your end of the conversation only.
(It is possible to transfer this call to Facetime using the button provided. Facetime is only available on iPhones.)

At the end of the call, make sure you press the Red button to end the call properly.

It is also possible to dial a number from your contact list by tapping the contact app
When you scroll to the contact you want, tap to select and then tap the dialling option.

There may also be a video call option which will work with other mobile phones but not with a land line.

To receive a call

It can be intimidating when new to the technology and the phone is ringing and you need to answer.
Be calm and deliberate about your actions. The phone will record the number if you do miss the call.

Most phones require a swipe to left or right OR a button tap to answer the call.
Be deliberate about the swipe or tap.

Call_AcceptSlide.png

You are usually able to set up an alternative to swiping or screen taps that may be more comfortable, perhaps the home button.
[These options are in the Accessibility settings and can be helpful if a swipe is difficult to manage.]

Loudspeaker Mode

When you have made a call as above you have the option to set the phone to loudspeaker mode.
This is also possible if you are called.

  • Accept a call as above and wait for the connection.
  • Preferably advise the person on the other phone that you will use speaker mode.
  • Move the phone away from your ear so the phone screen is active.
  • You should see an icon for speaker which you can then press.

(if you want privacy you can press it again to go back to normal earpiece mode)

Call_Spkr_Accpt.png

Loudspeaker Mode is not just for hard of hearing but can be useful for:

  • Conference calls, where a few people can listen in
  • Hands free, so that you can, for instance, keep chopping vegetables for dinner or typing on a computer, while chatting

Recent calls or Call Log

The Call Log is a list of calls you have made, taken or missed.
It can also show when you have made or taken a text message.
Use the menu at the bottom of the call app (the Green button used above) and select Recent.

CallMENU_2.PNG

For any listed Recent call you can tap to get details as shown below.
The buttons also give details of the number and options to call, message or Facetime the caller.

CallRecent_Detail.PNG

You can delete individuals on this list or the whole list if it gets too long.
Swipe left to get the Delete option or tap Edit to clear all.

Contacts

Your contact list is your personal phone book. (It is the content of the Contacts App which is also available as a separate button on your screen.)

When you have pressed the green call button and selected Contacts from the bottom menu you will see the list of your contact names.
This is shown in the left image below.

If you tap a contact name in this list you will get their details as in the right image below.

CallContacts.PNG CallContact_Det.PNG

At top left the blue text < Contacts will take you back to your contact list.

The top right text in the red box; Edit will allow editing of the Contact details.
The other buttons allow a Message (ie Text), a phone call or a video call.

You can also include this contact on your list of favourites by pressing the Add to favourites button.

Entering Mobile and Landline Numbers

Mobile phone numbers in Australia do not need an area code as they can be anywhere in the country.
Example: 04xxxxxx07 would be recorded and dialed exactly as shown.

If you have a land line for a contact it should be recorded with an area code as you might wish to dial the number when you are interstate.
Example: 98xxxxx5 if in NSW should be recorded as 0298xxxxx5

Make sure when you add phone numbers that you add the correct code to any international number.
Example: A mobile number in England could be 032xxxxxx05 and would be recorded as +4432xxxxxx05
(the +44 is the country code and omitting the leading 0 from the mobile number)

This must also be considered if you want to ring friends in Australia while you are overseas.
Their numbers need to have the international prefix: +61 with the leading 0 of the mobile number omitted.

Favourites

Favourites is an optional list of people or businesses that you call often or in an emergency.
The menu at the bottom of the Call App has a star at the left for Favourites.
At the top left of the Favourites screen there is a + symbol to add Favourites.
Click on this to allow selection of any of your contacts as a Favourite.

CallContact_ToFAV.PNG

Alternatives to Phone Calls

It is possible to use an app such as Skype, Zoom or Facetime (iPhone only) to make voice or voice plus video calls.

Facetime Example

The green button with the video camera icon is the Facetime App (RED arrow below).
You can call from this app or choose a Contact and scroll down to the Facetime button below their name.
On the image below you can see the Contacts App just below the Facetime app and you can use this instead of the Call App to get contact details.

HomeFaceT.PNG

Facetime calls can be made ONLY if the other person also has the app on an iPhone

Usually this is best made through a strong wifi connection to get best results.
Apart from the cost of the wifi connection, the time spent on these apps is not charged.
If travelling overseas, these calls could be made from a free hotel wifi connection if available.

You can also see more about this type of communication technology by clicking on this link

To go to the next basic skill click here

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