How to Use a Rotary Phone

Rotary phones can be somewhat confusing if you have never encountered one. If you have found the need to use one, read of for the details.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A rotary phone

1. Select the number you wish to dial.
2. Place your finger in the cut-out that corresponds with the first number that you need to dial. The rotary phone has ten cut-out circles from 1-9, and then 0.
3. Use your finger to turn the dial clockwise until your finger encounters the stop.
4. Remove your finger and wait for the dial to stop moving. It will return to the neutral position.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the remainder of the phone number. When you have dialed the final number, the phone should begin to ring. Hang up to end the call.

Tips & Warnings

• If you make a mistake, hang up and start over.
• You must wait for the dial to reset before beginning each new digit in the phone number.
• Do not call a voicemail system with your rotary phone - you will not be able to select from numbered options.