To put a call on hold on an iPhone, touch and hold the Mute button during the call until it changes to a hold icon. Tap it again to resume. A quick tap only mutes your microphone; touching and holding it pauses the call so neither side hears the other.
You can also put a caller on hold by answering a second call with Hold & Accept. Hold works on regular phone calls. Whether it’s available can depend on your carrier and on features such as Wi-Fi Calling. If someone puts you on hold, iOS 26 adds Hold Assist, which waits in the queue for you.
Quick Answer
During a call, press and hold the Mute button for about a second. It switches to Hold. Tap it again to return to the call.
Put a Call on Hold
- Start or answer a phone call.
- If the call screen isn’t showing, tap the green call indicator at the top of the screen or in the Dynamic Island.
- Touch and hold the Mute button until the icon changes to a hold symbol.
- To resume, tap the hold button again.
On some iOS versions and call layouts, the Mute button sits under More. If you don’t see it, tap More first.
Mute vs. Hold
| Mute (tap) | Hold (touch and hold) | |
|---|---|---|
| Other person hears you | No | No |
| You hear the other person | Yes | No |
| Best for | Coughing, background noise, a quick side conversation | Stepping away, checking something, taking another call |
Hold a Call to Answer Another
- When a second call comes in, tap Hold & Accept. The first caller is put on hold.
- To switch between callers, tap Swap.
- To join everyone together, tap Merge Calls (if your carrier supports it).
- To make a second call yourself, tap Add Call. The first call goes on hold while you dial.
Let Your iPhone Wait on Hold for You (iOS 26)
Hold Assist is for the opposite situation: a business puts you on hold.
- When your iPhone detects hold music, it may ask Hold this Call? Tap Hold.
- You can also tap More (three dots) during the call and choose Hold Assist.
- Use your iPhone normally. When someone comes on the line, your iPhone alerts you so you can pick up.
Hold Assist may get confused by recorded messages that repeat during the wait, and availability can vary by region and language. Apple’s While on a call guide lists the in-call controls for your iOS version.
Want to pick up a call on your iPad or Mac instead? Turn on Calls on Other Devices.
During calls on newer iPhones, the Dynamic Island shows call controls.
New to the Phone app? Start with making a phone call.
Troubleshooting
- Holding Mute only mutes: Press a little longer, about one second. If it still only mutes, your carrier or the call type may not support hold. Use Mute instead.
- No Hold & Accept option: Call Waiting may be off. Check Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Waiting (on older iOS, Settings > Phone).
- FaceTime or app calls: FaceTime, WhatsApp, and similar apps have their own controls and may not support hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the other person hear music while on hold?
Usually not. Most carriers play silence, so tell the caller you’re putting them on hold.
Can I put a call on hold with AirPods?
AirPods can mute and end calls, but not hold. Use the call screen on your iPhone.
Summary
- Touch and hold Mute during a call to put it on hold.
- Tap it again to resume.
- Use Hold & Accept and Swap to juggle two calls.
- Use Hold Assist on iOS 26 when a business puts you on hold.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.