How to Get Incoming Call Notification While on Another Call

If you are missing important work calls or family emergencies because your phone stays silent while you’re talking to someone else, you have “Call Waiting” turned off.

In the US, most carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) enable this by default. However, software updates or accidental pocket-dials can disable it. When it’s off, your callers hear a straight voicemail or a busy signal, and you get zero notification.

Here is the fastest way to fix it for every major US carrier and device type.

1: The “Universal” Short Code (Best for AT&T and T-Mobile)

If you are on a GSM-based network like AT&T or T-Mobile, you don’t need to dig through settings menus. You can use a “Star Code” to force the feature on.

1. Open your Phone / Dialer app.
2. Dial *43# and hit the green Call button.
3. Wait about 3 seconds. You should see a screen confirming: “Call waiting: Service was enabled.”

Does this work on Verizon? Generally, no. Verizon manages this differently (see Method 4 below). If you try this code on Verizon, you might get a “Feature not available” error.

2: iPhone Settings (iOS 18 Update)

If the code didn’t work, or you prefer using the menu, here is the path for iPhones. Note that Apple recently moved this setting in iOS 18.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll all the way down to Apps > Phone. (Note: On iOS 17 or older, it is just Settings > Phone).
3. Tap Call Waiting.
4. Toggle the switch ON.

Troubleshooting:

If the switch is Green: It’s already on. Toggle it OFF, wait 10 seconds, and toggle it ON again to reset the connection with the tower.
If the switch spins or is Grey: Your carrier (likely Verizon or a strict Prepaid plan) has locked this setting. You must use their app (see Method 4).

3: Android Settings (Samsung & Pixel)

Android menus vary slightly depending on if you have a Galaxy or a Pixel/Motorola.

For Samsung Galaxy (One UI):

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top right.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Scroll down and tap Supplementary Services. (Samsung often hides it here).
5. Make sure Call Waiting is toggled ON.

For Google Pixel / Motorola:

1. Open the Phone app > three dots.
2. Go to Settings > Calling Accounts.
3. Tap your carrier name (e.g., “T-Mobile”).
4. Tap Additional Settings.
5. Toggle Call Waiting ON.

4: The “Carrier App” Fix (Verizon Users)

If you have Verizon or a specific MVNO (like Mint Mobile or Visible) and the settings above failed, you likely have the feature disabled at the account level.

Verizon Users: Open the My Verizon app. Go to Account > Manage Plans & Services. Look for “Call Waiting” and ensure it is not blocked.

Note: Verizon technically lets you disable call waiting for a single call by dialing *70 before the number. If you accidentally forwarded calls (using *72), call waiting won’t work either. Dial *73 to clear any accidental forwarding.

T-Mobile Users: You can also check the T-Mobile app under Account > Line Settings.

Summary Checklist

• AT&T / T-Mobile: Dial *43#.
• Verizon: Check the My Verizon app or dial *73 to clear conflicting forwards.
• iPhone: Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Waiting.
• Samsung: Phone > Settings > Supplementary Services.