How to troubleshoot phone service with no dial tone

If you’re experiencing an issue with your dial tone, we can help. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot your issue.

Start with checking the basics like phone connections, power, and jacks.

Hang up all phones: Check if any of your phones are off the hook, which could cause a fast-busy signal.
Check cordless phone power: If you have cordless phones, check their batteries and ensure they’re powered on.
Assess all phone connections: Make sure all phones are securely plugged into phone jacks. Check cords and cables for any damage.
Check for dial tone at each phone jack: Try disconnecting all phones from power and phone jacks. Then, plug one phone (preferably a corded phone) into any phone jack and check for dial tone. Repeat this process at all phone jacks in your home. If you have a dial tone on one phone jack but not on others, there could be an issue with the wiring or jacks in your home. Contact us for more support.

Still having issues? Next, identify which phone connection you have, then try the additional troubleshooting steps for your specific connection.

How to identify your phone connection

If you’re unsure which phone connection you have, here’s a quick way to identify it.

Fiber phone service: Your phone connection uses an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) installed outside your home, or in a garage or basement.

Standard phone service: Your phone connection uses a Network Interface Device (NID) installed outside your home, or in a garage or basement.

Internet phone service: Your phone connection uses phone ports on your internet router inside your home.

Most ONTs and NIDs can be tested for a dial tone. Learn how to troubleshoot yours in the video below.

Learn how to perform a simple test to diagnose the problem with your home phone.

Check power to router: Ensure that your router is powered on and the Voice lights are lit. Note: If your internet isn’t working, your phone service won’t work.
Test router: Test for a dial tone at your router’s phone ports.
Try rebooting your router: If your router doesn’t have a dial tone, try restarting it. Here’s how.