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Tried-and-true tricks to reach a human operator quickly
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Are you tired of the endless loop of automated messages you get whenever you call a government agency or business? Want to speak to a human and not a robot when calling customer service? It's often easier and more efficient to convey what you need to a real person. Luckily, just saying a few magic words or pressing certain buttons can take you straight to a real human being. This wikiHow guide will teach you the easiest ways to talk to a human when calling a business.
Speaking Directly to a Representative
If the automated message asks you to dial a number, press "0" once or 20 times. You can also wait for the call to direct you to an operator. If the message asks you to speak into the microphone, say "I would like to speak to a person" or "complaint." If that doesn't work, mumble until it sends you to customer service.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Touch-Tone Systems
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Dial "0". Most of the time, pressing "0" will take you to an operator. If it doesn't, press it multiple times. For many systems, pressing it twenty times will do the trick.
- For general tips, see our guide on making effective business calls .
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Dial "*" or "#" four or more times. Many companies have a special combination (usually repeated keys) to let their sales reps or field technicians quickly get a hold of someone. If you don't have the time or are desperate to avoid having to speak with a chat bot, keep trying different combinations for a better chance of success.Advertisement
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Press nothing and wait. Most automated systems have support for old " rotary " style phones which cannot submit a silent tone from the newer touch-tone styles. This confusion will register with an operator and usually will mean being transferred to a human call agent. If not, you will often hear a recorded message instructing you to press a specific number to reach a representative.
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Choose the option for "new service" or "cancel my account." This usually connects you to a live operator who can help and/or re-direct your call to the right person. Ask them for their name and ID number first, so that they know they can be held accountable for transferring you properly.
- Alternatively, choose the option for checking your account. When asked for your account number, dial anything.
- If you can’t get on the line with an operator, you can always try emailing customer service instead .
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Section 2 of 3:
Voice-Response Systems
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Say, "I would like to speak to a person." Or, repeat the words "operator," "agent," or “speak to a representative.” You can also try, "I would like to speak with a human." Since these systems often miss the first 1/4 second of your statement, full sentences allow for a clearer understanding.
- For more customer service info, see our guide on getting good customer service when talking to a representative.
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Say "complaint" or "I'm having a problem" repeatedly. Do it as many times as you can. Many voice-controlled systems have checks for certain words, so you may be forwarded to a human being after three or four repetitions of that word.
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Mumble something indistinguishable. If the system hears you making sounds and cannot distinguish words, it usually asks you to repeat yourself twice, then gives up and sends you to customer service.
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Section 3 of 3:
General Advice
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Call a local branch. You can sometimes talk to a person faster if you call a local branch of that business rather than the national help number. Make sure to get the local branch number from an official source to avoid scam numbers.
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Call during off hours. Almost every call center has had a high call volume lately. Try calling early in the morning or midweek. This can help get you to a human operator faster.
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See if the business offers online support. Go to the business's website and look for a "Contact" or "Support" page—you may find a live chat option that allows you to speak to a human via chat. If the business doesn't offer live chat, check their official Twitter/X or Facebook profile to see if they accept customer messages. Many companies, including Xfinity, have a dedicated support X/Twitter account you can send a direct message to , and an actual human will respond. [1] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDo you have any statistics on how often a caller asks a human operator to speak (interact) with an automated answering system?Top AnswererIt may well happen more often than you might think. Some companies have an elaborate dial-through system for each 'department', when in reality there's only two people in the office, where others actually do use this menu selection to better connect you to the right person. If I do get someone else, I have asked to be put back to the start of the selection rather than for the person to find and connect me to the right one.
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QuestionWhat do I say when transferring a call?Top AnswererExplain to the caller why their call needs to be transferred. Give the caller your information before transferring the call.Ask the caller for permission to initiate the transfer. Speak to the party whom the caller is being transferred to first.
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QuestionCan I get service again because of a past due account if I pay it off?Rudy TothCommunity AnswerSure you can! As soon as your deferred payment plan is satisfactory with the company, you can get service again.
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Additional Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| The Gethuman 500 Database | An extensive list of companies with information on how to get through to a human on their IVR systems. |
Tips
- When you get through to an actual person, ask them for a direct number (say you need it in case you get disconnected) so you can dial it next time.Thanks
- Ask the person you reach to note specific details of your conversation to your account file. If you're transferred, this should help the new operator get up to speed.Thanks
- Find an amicable operator and be friendly. Say what you are looking for, and let them know you have been frustrated by the calling experience. However, do so gently—do not attack your new representative, as this may be the person who can finally help you!Thanks
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Warnings
- Most automated call systems are designed to speed you along to whomever you're trying to reach. Know that by demanding a human operator, you may be slowing yourself down.Thanks
- If you choose the option for a Spanish-speaking representative when you don't speak Spanish, be aware that you might not get help any faster. Many companies forbid their representatives from speaking to customers in any language other than the one they were hired for and must transfer customers who are speaking another language to the appropriate representative.Thanks
- If you curse during your conversation with a customer service representative (even just one casual f-bomb), your call may be terminated per company policy.Thanks
- Many companies keep an ongoing file for your account. If you are rude or use profanity to a representative, your account may be noted, and that will flag future representatives when you call in again.Thanks
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Reader Success Stories
- "Repeating "0" and such statements as "wanting to cancel my account" (which one may be in favor of doing!)." ..." more
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"Repeating "0" and such statements as "wanting to cancel my account" (which one may be in favor of doing!)."
..."
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"There is such a variety of options to try! The zeroes worked for me."
