Category: Tech How To

How to set up the iPhone dialer to automatically navigate phone trees

You can configure your iPhone to automatically dial extensions. Here is how to do it:

1. Grab your iPhone and open the built-in Phone app.

2. If you need to create a new Contact, move to step 3. If not, find the contact you want to edit and tap it to enter edit mode. Then skip to Step 4 to add the extension.

3. On the Contact’s page tap the “add phone” label (it’s the “+” icon in the top-right corner of the Contacts screen) and enter the phone number that you want to call.

4. Tap the “+X#” key, then the “pause” option. This ads a comma to the phone number, which means that your iPhone will take a 2-second break before dialing the extension.

5. Now, input the extension and tap Done to save your changes. You can even add additional pauses and key presses if there are multiple options to navigate through.

The other side of noise

I recently shared some ideas for how to use noise to be more productive. But what if you need quiet? Let’s look at passive and active noise canceling. 

We have a pair of passive earmuffs for my son, who has Sensory Processing Disorder. When he first got them he called them “quiet earmuffs” and the name kind of stuck. They are very effective for him when things get loud, and they provide a feeling of safety, knowing they are there if he needs them. This has allowed him to be more confident and adventurous.

Passive noise canceling have a closed ear cup that goes over the entire ear. They work by physically blocking the incoming sound waves. They are typically bulky and heavier than other headphones, but they are inexpensive and easy to use.

Active noise canceling works by using a microphone to detect incoming sound.  It then sends an opposing sound wave to the headphones speaker to cancel it out. The effectiveness of active noise canceling can vary depending on the manufacture, and quality active noise canceling headphones can be expensive. However, they can also be much smaller and lighter, like Apple AirPods Pro. Active noise canceling can also be turned off, allowing the user to hear what is going on around them while still wearing the headphones. 

So if you need a quiet place sometimes, take a look at these options. You are sure to find something that will work for you.