How do I switch to speakerphone?

What is speakerphone?

A speakerphone is a telephone with a built-in loudspeaker and microphone that allows hands-free use of the phone. Speakerphones project the voice of the caller through a loudspeaker, enabling the call to be shared with others in the room rather than requiring the user to hold the receiver to their ear.

Speakerphones make it possible to talk on the phone without having to hold the handset, freeing up the user’s hands for other tasks during the call (Devon Price. “Stop Using Speakerphone in Public.” Medium, 24 Mar. 2021, https://devonprice.medium.com/stop-using-speakerphone-in-public-e32baaaf8e8b). This hands-free functionality makes speakerphones convenient for conversations that need to engage more than one person in a room.

Why use speakerphone?

Using speakerphone offers several conveniences and benefits during phone calls. According to a workplace study by Baltic Times, speakerphones enable completely hands-free calling, allowing you to multi-task and take notes during calls [1]. Speakerphones are also useful when multiple people need to participate in the same phone conversation, such as during conference calls or group discussions [1]. Additionally, speakerphone features on smartphones and mobile devices provide mobility around your space during phone conversations. You can comfortably continue calls while moving from room to room.

How speakerphone works

Speakerphones rely on a pair of microphones and speakers built into the phone to operate. Here’s how speakerphones work to allow hands-free conversations:

Microphones pick up voices and other sounds in the room. The phone has microphones both on the handset as well as built into the base or device itself. When speakerphone mode is activated, the microphones in the base become active to pick up voices and other sounds around the phone.

The microphone feeds the audio signal into the telephone, which then transmits it over the phone line to the other party. At the same time, the speakerphone receives the incoming audio from the other caller and plays it through a built-in loudspeaker. This allows both callers to hear each other without needing to hold a handset.

The speakerphone contains circuitry to prevent audio feedback between the microphone and loudspeaker. It adjusts the signal levels and echo cancellation to allow natural duplex conversation without distracting echoes. The result is a hands-free call experience.

Some speakerphones have multiple microphones and can triangulate sound sources for better noise canceling. Advanced models may have enhanced processing for full-duplex conversations in noisy environments.

In summary, speakerphones use built-in microphones and speakers to enable hands-free calling and allow multiple people to participate in phone conversations. The key principles are amplifying sound both ways while minimizing disruptive echoes.

Activate speakerphone on smartphones

The speakerphone function allows you to broadcast calls through your smartphone’s built-in speakers instead of holding it to your ear. To turn it on during an existing call on most smartphones, you simply need to tap the speakerphone icon on the call screen:

Locate speakerphone button on call screen: Most smartphones display a speaker icon in the call buttons at the bottom of the screen. This button allows you to toggle the speakerphone on and off.

Tap speaker icon to toggle on/off: To activate speakerphone, tap the speaker icon once so it turns highlighted or filled in. Then, you can set your phone down and continue talking hands-free! Tapping the speakerphone button again will turn the speaker off and return to private call mode.

Works with Bluetooth devices: Modern smartphones seamlessly connect with wireless Bluetooth headsets and speakers too. So if you have a compatible device paired with your phone, you can broadcast the audio to external speakers the same way using the call buttons.

Activate speakerphone on landlines

To activate speakerphone on a landline phone during a call:

1. Wait until you are already on a call. Most landline phones have a speakerphone button that looks like a small speaker icon.

2. Press the speakerphone button during the call to enable speakerphone mode (according to Handset Speaker Dial Pad Mute Phone Button Message …).

3. You will often hear a beep to indicate speakerphone is activated.

4. To deactivate speakerphone, simply press the button again or pickup the phone handset.

Most phone bases also have speakerphone controls:

1. Make or answer a call using the phone’s handset.

2. During the call, press the speaker button on the phone base (refer How do I turn on the speakerphone function for my home …)

The call will transfer to speakerphone on the phone base. The call can now be heard handsfree without having to hold the phone handset.

Speakerphone tips

To optimize audio quality when using speakerphone:

• Place your phone centrally in the room. A phone placed off to the side of a group will catch some voices more directly while others may sound far away or garbled (source).
• Speak clearly and loudly to reach the microphone from anywhere in the room.
• Minimize background noise from fans, air conditioning, running water, or other sources. This allows your voice to come through more clearly (source).

Speakerphone etiquette

When using a speakerphone, it’s important to be considerate of those you are speaking with as well as others around you. Here are some key tips for speakerphone etiquette:

Announce that you are on speakerphone – Let everyone on the call know that you have put them on speakerphone before continuing the conversation. This avoids any confusion or surprises. You can say something like “Hi everyone, just letting you know I have you on speakerphone.”

Mute when not speaking – To avoid background noises distracting from the conversation, mute your phone when you are not speaking. Then unmute yourself when you want to contribute to the discussion. This helps minimize disruptions.

Avoid distracting noises – Try to find a quiet location to use speakerphone so background noises don’t interfere with the call. Avoid speakerphone in noisy places like public transit or restaurants. Also turn off music/TV and ask others around you to keep noise levels down during the call.

For more tips, check out this article on speakerphone etiquette. Proper etiquette helps calls run more smoothly for everyone involved.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having issues with speakerphone quality, there are a few things to try:

• Adjust volume/gain: If callers sound too quiet or distant, try increasing the speakerphone volume to boost gain. Carefully test the highest audible level.
• Move closer to phone: Moving closer to the speakerphone’s microphone can improve audio quality and ensure your voice is detected.
• Check for obstructions: Objects like cases or hands covering the microphone, or interference from wall echoes can muffle audio. Unobstructed mic placement improves speakerphone calls.
• Disable Bluetooth devices: Connected Bluetooth headsets or other devices can interfere with speakerphone performance. Temporarily disable paired Bluetooth gadgets.

Diagnosing intermittent issues requires testing to pinpoint the exact cause. As a last resort with persistent problems, consider changing to a different phone or phone app.

Alternatives to Speakerphone

There are several alternatives to using a speakerphone for audio calls or conferences. These include:

Headsets

Wired or wireless headsets provide a form of audio input and output directly to the user’s ears and mouth and thus isolates the conversation from ambient noise or distractions in the room (source). Headsets are portable and give the user more privacy and control over the call audio than speakerphones. Popular and well-rated headsets for conference calls and business use include models from Jabra, Logitech, and Poly. Headsets also help eliminate echo issues sometimes encountered on speakerphone calls

Video Calling

Video conferencing services provide full audio and video which often negates the need for additional audio hardware like speakerphones. Popular applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex have robust audio and video features tailored to remote meetings, calls, presentations, and webinars.

Conference Call Services

Dedicated conference call services from providers like RingCentral, Intermedia, Nextiva, 8×8, and others specialize in business phone solutions with an array of professional call management features. Many services offer toll-free dial-in numbers, call recording, real-time analytics, international access numbers, and more to optimize conference calls.

Key takeaways

Speakerphone allows hands-free calling during phone conversations by using your phone’s speaker instead of holding the device to your ear. This feature can be useful when you need to talk without tying up your hands, but it does come with some etiquette guidelines.

Most mobile devices and landline phones have a built-in speakerphone function that can be enabled through the phone’s settings or controls during an active call. For smartphones, this usually involves pressing the speaker icon on the calling screen once a call is connected.

When using speakerphone, be conscious of your surroundings and make sure not to disturb others with your conversation. Speak clearly and at a reasonable volume since microphones may pick up background noise. Also let any callers know when they are on speakerphone out of courtesy.