Welcome to Telstra's Home Features
This guide helps you use your Home Features and discover their capabilities. You have access to great features like 1# Telstra Feature Assistant, Call Waiting, Call Return, Call Forward Immediate, Call Forward No Answer, Call Forward Busy, 3-Way Chat, and Call Back.
*Available on tone phones in most areas. Applicable feature and usage charges may apply.
Image description: Silhouettes of two adults and a child riding tandem bicycles along a wooden boardwalk by the sea under a bright sky.
Avoid Missing Important Calls
1# Telstra Feature Assistant
The 1# Telstra Feature Assistant allows you to:
- Turn Call Waiting and Call Forward features on/off and check their status.
- Store frequently forwarded numbers under categories: Home, Work, Mobile, or Other.
- Listen to information about HomeLine Features.
How do I use it?
Step 1: Dial 1# or, if using a T1000S or T1000C rental phone, press the Telstra Voice Assistant button.
Step 2: When connected, you will hear: "Hi, I'm your Telstra Feature Assistant. What would you like to do today?"
You can say:
- Call Waiting
- Call Forward
- Phone Features
- User Tips
- Stored Numbers
You can listen to step-by-step prompts or interrupt them to make your request.
Anything else I need to know?
There is no access charge, but applicable call costs apply for forwarded calls. Call Forward Immediate is the default setting. You need to specify if you only want to turn on Call Forward Busy.
Image description: A woman painting a wall indoors, holding a paint roller and a can.
Call Waiting
Never miss an important call while you are already on the phone. The Call Waiting tone (two beeps every five seconds) alerts you to an incoming call.
How do I use it?
To turn Call Waiting on:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial Tone 43#.
To turn Call Waiting off:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial Tone 43#.
To turn Call Waiting off when using the Internet or sending a fax:
Store '44' on the front of your internet dial-up number or fax number.
To check if Call Waiting is on or off:
Dial 1# or Dial Tone *#43#.
To answer an incoming call or switch between calls:
[Recall], then [Dial Tone] 2.
To hang up one call and return to the other:
[Recall], then [Dial Tone] 1.
To reject an incoming call when already on a call:
[Recall], then [Dial Tone] 0.
Touchfone T1000S/T1000C Phone
To turn Call Waiting on:
Use [Telstra Voice Assistant] and [Follow Prompts].
To turn Call Waiting off:
Use [Telstra Voice Assistant] and [Follow Prompts].
To answer an incoming call or switch between calls:
Use [Call Wait].
Anything else I need to know?
Call Waiting is typically activated by default for new Telstra connections. It remains active unless switched off and does not function during a 3-Way Chat.
Call Return
Find out the number of your last unanswered call (excluding blocked numbers).
How do I use it?
To retrieve the number of your last unanswered call:
Dial *10#.
Touchfone T1000S/T1000C Phone
To retrieve the number of your last unanswered call:
Use [Call Return].
To return the call:
Press 1.
Anything else I need to know?
Call Return is available on tone phones in most Australian areas but not for blocked calls. Applicable usage and normal call charges apply if you return the call.
Call Forward Immediate
Forward your home or office number to your mobile phone.
How do I use it?
To immediately forward all incoming calls:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial *21 followed by the [Phone Number] and #.
To turn Call Forward Immediate off for all incoming calls:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial #21#.
Touchfone T1000S/T1000C Phone
To forward all incoming calls immediately:
Use [Telstra Voice Assistant] and [Follow Prompts].
To turn Call Forward Immediate off for all incoming calls:
Use [Telstra Voice Assistant] and [Follow Prompts].
To check if Call Forward Immediate is on or off:
Use [Telstra Voice Assistant] and [Follow Prompts].
Anything else I need to know?
Call Forward Immediate is available now and overrides other HomeLine Features except Call Forward Selected Callers. Charges apply for forwarded calls.
Call Forward Busy
When your phone is 'busy', calls can be forwarded to most numbers in Australia.
How do I use it?
To forward all incoming calls on busy:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial *24 followed by the [Phone Number] and #.
To turn Call Forward Busy off:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial #24#.
To check if Call Forward Busy is on or off:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial *#24#.
Anything else I need to know?
Call Forward Busy is available now. Charges apply for forwarded calls.
Call Forward No Answer
When your phone is not answered, calls can be forwarded to most numbers in Australia.
How do I use it?
To forward all incoming calls when there is no answer:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial *61 followed by the [Phone Number] and #.
To set the destination and 'time in seconds' before the call is forwarded:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial *61 followed by the [Phone Number], then the [Time in Seconds] and #.
To turn Call Forward No Answer off:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial #61#.
To check if Call Forward No Answer is on or off:
Dial 1# or use [Follow Prompts], or Dial *#61#.
Anything else I need to know?
Call Forward No Answer is available now. The default is 20 seconds (approximately 7 rings) before a call is forwarded. This can be set from 5 to 60 seconds. Charges apply for forwarded calls.
Call Forward Selected Callers
Set up a 'Selected Callers List' containing up to 15 phone numbers to be forwarded to another number.
How do I use it?
To turn Call Forward Selected Callers on:
Dial *92#.
To turn Call Forward Selected Callers off:
Dial #92#.
To check if Call Forward Selected Callers is on or off:
Dial *#92#.
To set up an entry in your 'Selected Callers List':
Dial *87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then [List Position], then [Announcement], then [Caller's Phone Number], then #, then [Announcement], then [Forwarding Destination Phone Number], then #, then [Announcement].
To check what number is in a particular position in your 'Selected Callers List':
Dial *#87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then [List Position], then #, then [Announcement].
To remove a number from your 'Selected Callers List':
Dial #87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then 1, then [Announcement], then [List Position], then #, then [Announcement].
To remove all numbers from your 'Selected Callers List':
Dial #87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then 2, then [Announcement], then 1, then #, then [Announcement].
Anything else I need to know?
Call Forward Selected Callers overrides all other Call Forwards. Calls can be forwarded to most numbers in Australia. You must activate your PIN on your home phone before using this feature. See page 35 for more information. Monthly charge and call charges apply.
Image description: A handwritten list of names (Mum, Dad, Adam, Kevin, Jade) on a piece of paper, with a pen resting on it.
Call Forward Set The Time
Forward calls to most numbers in Australia during specified time periods by creating a 'Time Period List' with up to 15 different time periods (days and times).
How do I use it?
To turn Call Forward Set The Time on:
Dial *16#.
To turn Call Forward Set The Time off:
Dial #16#.
To check if Call Forward Set The Time is on or off:
Dial *#16#.
To create or modify your 'Time Period List':
Dial *87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then 9, then [Announcement], then [List Position], then [Announcement], then [Start Day Number], then [Start Time], then [Announcement], then [Finish Day Number], then [Finish Time], then [Announcement], then [Forwarding Destination Phone Number], then #, then [Announcement].
The day numbers are:
Monday: 1, Tuesday: 2, Wednesday: 3, Thursday: 4, Friday: 5, Saturday: 6, Sunday: 7.
Time format:
Must be in 24-hour mode (e.g., 9.30am = 0930, 7.15pm = 1915).
To remove a setting from your 'Time Period List':
Dial #87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then 9, then [Announcement], then 1, then [Announcement], then [List Position], then #, then [Announcement].
To remove all numbers from your 'Time Period List':
Dial #87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then 9, then [Announcement], then 2, then [Announcement], then 1, then #, then [Announcement].
To check which destination number and time is in one of your 'Time Period List' entries:
Dial *#87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then 9, then [Announcement], then [List Position], then #, then [Announcement].
Anything else I need to know?
Call Forward Set The Time overrides Call Forward Busy and No Answer. You must activate your PIN on your home phone before using this feature. See page 35 for more information. Monthly charge and call charges apply.
Telstra Home Messages 101
Telstra Home Messages 101 takes messages for you when you are out, on the phone, or on the internet.
How do I use it?
To turn Telstra Home Messages 101 on or retrieve messages from your home phone:
Dial 101 and use [Follow Prompts].
You will hear a special dial tone when you have a message.
You can also turn on Message Notification to Mobile. This sends a free text message to your nominated Telstra mobile whenever a message is left in your Telstra Home Messages 101 mailbox. To turn this feature on, dial 101, select 2 from the menu, and follow the prompts.
Your phone will ring for approximately 20 seconds before Telstra Home Messages 101 takes the call.
To change the length of time before it answers:
Dial *99 followed by the [Time in Seconds] and #. The time in seconds must be between 05 and 60.
Anything else I need to know?
The Telstra Home Messages 101 service is free to turn on and use. Some services and calls are excluded. If you have a personal alert system (such as a medical alert device), call 1800 886 371 for compatibility advice.
Image description: A person holding a surfboard, standing on a beach with the ocean and sky in the background.
MessageBank
The easy way to answer when you're away from your phone, on another call, when you've dialled up the internet, or when you simply can't answer.
How do I use it?
The first time you call your MessageBank service, voice prompts will guide you through recording your personal greeting.
- When asked for your PIN, dial the last four digits of your phone number (your temporary PIN), then press #.
- MessageBank will then prompt you to enter a new 6-digit PIN.
- Follow the prompts to set up your mailbox.
Accessing your MessageBank
From the phone it's connected to:
Press 125101, and if prompted, [PIN] #.
From other fixed or mobile services within Australia:
Press 125102, and when prompted, [Mailbox Number] (your phone number including area code), then [PIN] #.
From services connected with PABXs or other carriers:
Call 1800 135 102.
From phone services in other countries:
Call +61 418 707 102 or your Telstra Telecard™ access number, then card number and PIN, followed by 125102 (then your mailbox number and PIN).
Try using Delayed Hotline with your MessageBank service. You will not have to keep dialling your mailbox access number.
Changing your PIN and/or greeting
The PIN can be changed at any time. Using a PIN from the home phone is now optional. To change your PIN, access the MessageBank Main Menu and:
- Press 3 for the Setup menu, then press 3 for the PIN Change menu, then press 1 to change the PIN.
- Alternatively, press 2 for Security Settings, then press 1 to turn on Optional PIN.
When Optional PIN is on, your PIN will still be required when calling your mailbox from another fixed phone or a mobile.
If you dial up to access the internet from the same telephone line as your MessageBank, clear any new messages before logging in, as your modem may have difficulty dialling the internet if the special dial tone is present.
Managing your messages
You will know you have new messages if you hear a special dial tone when you pick up your phone. If you want to see at a glance if you have new messages, call 13 2200 to find out about the Flashing Message Indicator feature available on the T1000C or CR2000 rental phones.
Message Notification to mobile:
You can also arrange to have a text message sent to your nominated Telstra mobile service whenever a message is left in your mailbox. To turn Message Notification to mobile on, Dial 125101, select 4 from the menu, and [Follow Prompts].
Listening to messages:
Your messages will play automatically.
- After listening, you can:
- Press 1 to replay the message.
- Press 22 to directly call back the person who left the voice message.
- Press 5 to delete and go to the next message.
Storing messages:
- MessageBank automatically stores all your new messages for 14 days.
- Once played, messages are kept for 7 days unless you delete them.
- You can store up to 60 messages of up to 5 minutes long.
Knowing who's called
If a caller hangs up after your personal greeting, you can find out their number (if it's not a blocked call or a silent number).
- Main Menu: Press 9
- Mailbox Set-up: Press 3
- Mailbox Options: Press 5
- Hang Up Messages: Press 6, then choose ON. MessageBank will store up to 5 Hang Up Messages.
Shortcuts
At any time:
- Return to Main Menu: Press 9
- Cancel and Go Back one menu level: Press *
- Help: Press 8
When listening to your messages:
- Go Back to the start of the message: Press 1
- Go Back 8 seconds: Press 2
- Go Forward 8 seconds: Press 3
- Fast Forward to the end of the message: Press 33
- Skip to the next message: Press 6
- Pause a message while it is playing: Press 7
- Resume again: Press 7
Changing the time before MessageBank answers the call
The time before an unanswered call is forwarded to MessageBank is automatically set to 20 seconds (approximately 7 rings). You can change this to any time from 05 to 60 seconds.
To change the time before a call is forwarded:
Dial *99 followed by the [Time in Seconds] and #.
Anything else I need to know?
MessageBank is available in most areas. Monthly access charge applies (except for HomeLine Ultimate, HomeLine Together, and HomeLine Reach services).
Calling Made Easy
3-Way Chat
Add another person to your call and have a 3-Way Chat.
How do I use it?
To put an existing call on hold and make a new call:
[Recall], [Dial Tone], [Phone Number], [Wait for Answer].
Then to 3-Way Chat:
[Recall], [Dial Tone] 3.
To split a 3-Way Chat (this will put one call on hold):
[Recall], [Dial Tone] 2.
To switch between calls:
[Recall], [Dial Tone] 2.
To hang up one call and return to the call on hold:
[Recall], [Dial Tone] 1.
Touchfone T1000S/T1000C Phone
To put an existing call on hold, make a new call and then create a 3-Way Chat:
[Recall], [2nd Phone Number], [3-Way Chat].
To split a 3-Way Chat or switch between callers:
[Call Wait].
Anything else I need to know?
3-Way Chat is available now. While in a 3-Way Chat, your Call Waiting will not work, but your Call Forward Immediate or Busy may still work. Usage and call charges apply.
Call Back
Have your call completed when the phone number you are calling becomes free.
How do I use it?
To arrange a call for Call Back:
[Busy Tone], [Recall], 37#, [Announcement].
To cancel Call Back:
#37#.
Touchfone T1000S/T1000C Phone
To arrange a call for Call Back:
[Busy Tone], [Call Back], [Announcement].
To cancel Call Back:
[Cancel], [Call Back], [Call Back].
To find out if you have a Call Back arranged:
*#37# [Announcement].
Anything else I need to know?
Call Back is available now. The busy destination will be monitored for 45 minutes. Call Back may not work for all calls, such as calls to some business numbers, Operator Assisted Services, international destinations, and phones on some other carriers' networks. A maximum of five Call Back calls can be arranged at any one time. Call Back requires a tone phone, preferably with distinctive ring capability. Usage and call charges apply.
Who's Calling?
Smart Ring
Identify who's calling before you answer by creating 'Smart Ring Lists', which let you allocate different ring sounds for different groups of people. If you would like Smart Ring, call 13 2200.
How do I use it?
To turn Smart Ring on:
Dial *88# [Announcement].
To turn Smart Ring off:
Dial #88# [Announcement].
To find out if Smart Ring is on or off:
Dial *#88# [Announcement].
To add/change a number on a 'Smart Ring List':
Dial *87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then [List Position], then [Announcement], then [Phone Number], then #, then [Announcement].
To remove a number from a 'Smart Ring List':
Dial #87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then 1, then [Announcement], then [List Position], then #, then [Announcement].
To remove all numbers from a 'Smart Ring List':
Dial #87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then 2, then [Announcement], then 1, then #, then [Announcement].
To check which number is in a particular position in a 'Smart Ring List':
Dial *#87, then [PIN], then [Announcement], then [Ring Code 1, 2, or 3], then [Announcement], then [List Position], then #, then [Announcement of Caller's Number].
Anything else I need to know?
Smart Ring is available on most tone phones with distinctive ring capability and excludes some cordless phones. If you want to identify calls from a certain area, just enter the area code. You must activate your PIN on your home phone before using this feature. See page 35 for more information. Monthly charges apply.
Image description: A child's hands mixing batter in a bowl with an electric mixer, with a blurred background.
Calling Number Display
Identify who is calling you by displaying the caller's telephone number (unless the number is blocked).
How do I use it?
When your phone rings, look at your display screen. You will soon recognise the numbers of people who call you regularly. Some phones, like the T1000C Calling Number Display rental phone, can be programmed to store a short list of numbers and names in memory. If you are busy or unsure of the number, you can store it and return the call later. Call logging is a standard feature of most display telephone equipment.
To get Calling Number Display, call 13 2200 or go to www.telstra.com/info/cnd.
The Calling Number Display Screen
Telstra Calling Number Display uses a special telephone, such as the Telstra T1000C rental phone, or a stand-alone attachment with a display screen.
- Mobile number display: Shows the caller's mobile number. The word 'MOBILE' appears if the display device supports this option.
- Telephone number display: Shows the telephone number of the call you have received or missed.
Messages that will not display the caller's phone number:
- 'PRIVATE': Indicates the call is from a silent line, unlisted number, a caller who has chosen to block their number, a caller from overseas, or a service provider not participating in Calling Number Display.
- 'UNAVAILABLE': May indicate an overseas caller or payphone. Some devices may display 'WITHHELD' or 'OUT OF AREA'.
- 'PAYPHONE': Indicates the call is from a payphone.
- 'CALL FORWARD': Indicates the call has been forwarded. The number displayed will be the originating caller's number. The words 'PAYPHONE' and 'CALL FORWARD' only appear if the display device and network service support them.
What else is included?
Call Waiting Display:
On compatible phones, this lets you see the caller's number while you are on the phone, unless the number is blocked.
Call Record Logging:
Supported by most Calling Number Display compatible equipment. Call record logging capacity varies; please see your telephone equipment user manual.
Call Blocking:
Blocking of calls is free. You can choose to block your number for individual calls to keep your details private. If calling from a Telstra fixed phone, dial 1831 before the number you wish to call.
Line Blocking:
Line Blocking prevents your number from being sent when you make calls. Permanent Line Blocking is automatically provided for customers with unlisted numbers and is available on request for listed services. You can override blocking and send your number by dialling 1832 before making your call from a Telstra fixed phone.
Anything else I need to know?
Monthly charge applies (except for HomeLine Ultimate services). Available in most areas. Call Waiting Display capable telephones are designed to mute the receiver for 1-2 seconds while the caller's number details are sent. This may cause a brief interruption. Some telephones might mistakenly respond to a caller's voice or external noise, causing a false muting.
Multiple Number
Have a second phone number on your existing line, with its own distinct ringing sound. This is ideal for a home business.
How do I use it?
Call charges will default to your main/first number.
- To charge calls to your second number: Dial *11*2#, then [Dial Tone], then [Phone Number].
- To use Call Return, Call Forwarding, or Call Control on your second number: Simply enter the prefix *11*2# first. For example, for Call Return: *11*2#, [Dial Tone], *10#.
Anything else I need to know?
When you take up a Multiple Number service, both your Basic Telephone service (Prime number) and second number (Auxiliary number) need to be pre-selected to Telstra together. Multiple Number requires a tone phone with distinctive ring capability. You can access your Call Forwarding and Call Control on your second number via Remote Access (refer to page 34). Call Waiting and Call Back will still work on your line if you have Multiple Number. Calling Number Display will work, but you will not know which number the call was for. Monthly charge applies. To connect Call Control, call 13 2200.
Fast Dialling
Delayed Hotline
Call a phone number without dialling. Just pick up the phone, wait four seconds, and the number is dialled automatically.
How do I use it?
To turn Delayed Hotline on:
Dial *53 followed by the [Hotline Number] and #.
To turn Delayed Hotline off:
Dial #53#.
To check if Delayed Hotline is on or off:
Dial *#53# [Announcement].
Try using Delayed Hotline with your MessageBank service. You will not have to keep dialling your mailbox access number.
Anything else I need to know?
Delayed Hotline overrides Call Control. Call Control applies when storing the destination, but not when using Delayed Hotline. 000 cannot be stored as a Hotline number. Monthly charge applies.
Abbreviated Dialling
Store up to 8, 40, or 60 of your most frequently used telephone numbers and call these numbers by using a one or two digit code. You can include national and international long distance numbers.
Abbreviated Dialling – 8 Number Memory
Eight stored numbers can be retrieved by pressing one single digit code. You can store your frequently dialled telephone numbers from 2 through to 9.
Abbreviated Dialling – 40 or 60 Number Memory
For more than eight numbers, a two digit code applies – from 20 through to 59 or 79.
If you would like Abbreviated Dialling, call us on 13 2200.
How do I use it?
To call a number stored in exchange memory:
Dial [Abbreviated Code] # (e.g., 3#).
To store or alter a number in exchange memory:
Dial *51, then [Abbreviated Code], then [Phone Number], then #.
To cancel a stored number in exchange memory:
Dial #51, then [Abbreviated Code], then #.
Anything else I need to know?
Abbreviated Dialling overrides Call Control. Call Control applies when storing the destination, but not when making calls using Abbreviated Dialling. 1# cannot be used as an Abbreviated Code. Monthly charge applies.
Managing Your Calls
Call Control
Bar certain types of outgoing calls (e.g., STD, international) to help control your call costs. Choose from a number of barring levels.
How do I use it?
To turn Call Control on:
Dial *33 followed by [PIN] and #.
To turn Call Control off:
Dial #33 followed by [PIN] and #.
To check if Call Control is on or off:
Dial *#33# [Announcement].
Anything else I need to know?
Monthly charge applies. Reverse Charge calls can still be accepted regardless of the level of barring. You must activate your PIN on your home phone before using this feature. See page 35 for more information.
Remote Access
Control your Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Control, Delayed Hotline, and Smart Ring services from a remote location.
How do I use it?
To access Remote Access:
[Access Number], [Announcement], [Your Number], [PIN], [Announcement], [Enter Command Sequence], [Announcement].
For example, to turn on Call Forward Immediate using Remote Access:
[Access Number], [Announcement], [Your Number], [PIN], [Announcement], 21, [Phone Number], #, [Announcement].
Anything else I need to know?
When using Remote Access, you can only make one change per call. To connect Call Control, Smart Ring, or Delayed Hotline, call Telstra on 13 2200. You must activate your PIN on your home phone before using this feature. See page 35 for more information. Applicable call costs and monthly charge apply.
Additional Services & Equipment
Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Use one PIN for Call Control, Call Forward Set The Time, Call Forward Selected Callers, Remote Access, and Smart Ring.
How do I use it?
When you connect one of these PIN-dependent features, you will be allocated a temporary PIN (matching the last 4 digits of your phone number) until you change it to a four-digit number of your choice. You must activate your PIN on your home phone.
Once set up, you can change your PIN as often as you like. However, it can only be changed from the phone service that your PIN-dependent features reside on.
If you lose or forget your PIN, call us on 13 2200.
To change your PIN:
Dial *30, then [Old PIN], then [New PIN], then [New PIN], then #, then [Announcement]. You need to enter your new PIN twice for confirmation.
Rental Phones
Choose from two phones that help make it easier to use HomeLine features.
Telstra T1000S Standard Rental Phone
With 1# Telstra Voice Assistant, Call Wait, Call Forward, Call Back, Call Return, 3-Way Chat, and MessageBank buttons.
Telstra T1000C SMS Calling Number Display Rental Phone
With display screen and 1# Telstra Voice Assistant, Call Wait, Call Forward, Call Back, SMS, 3-Way Chat, and MessageBank buttons.
Image description: The Telstra T1000S Standard Rental Phone and the Telstra T1000C SMS Calling Number Display Rental Phone are shown.
