No dial tone
No dial tone
If there is no dial tone on your phone line and you hear either static or nothing at all, try the following:
- Unplug all your phones and devices from every phone jack on your line (phones, answering machines, fax machines, modems, splitters, etc.).
- Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug in a basic corded phone.
- Listen for a dial tone. If you hear a dial tone, plug in another device and then listen again. If you still hear a dial tone, continue plugging in the rest of your devices, checking for dial tone after each one.
- If you don’t hear a dial tone after plugging in a device, unplug it. It may be causing the problem and you should have it checked.
Note: If you have a phone system, first contact your provider to eliminate the possibility that your phone system is the cause of the problem.
Last updated: July 26, 2019
Troubleshoot your phone
Before you begin
- Make sure your phone is not off the hook.
- If you are using a cordless phone, make sure the battery is working and charged.
- Confirm that other devices connected to your phone line are plugged in correctly (e.g., answering machine, fax, computer modem, alarm system).
- Ensure the volume on your phone is turned up.
Note: If you have a phone system, first contact your provider to eliminate the possibility that your phone system is the cause of the problem.
Last updated: July 26, 2019