Centrex Transfer

Last Updated : Aug 30, 2026 |
Centrex Transfer is a feature provided by some line providers on external analog lines. It allows the recipient of a calls on such a line to transfer that call to another external number. The transfer is performed by the line provider and the line is freed. Without Centrex Transfer, transferring an external call to another external number would occupy both a incoming and outgoing line for the duration of the call.  
The following are the supported controls and usages for Centrex Transfer:
  • Centrex Transfer Button Operation The action Flash Hook can be assigned to a programmable button. This button can be configured with or without a telephone number for an automatic or manual transfer.
    • Manual Transfer If the programmable button is setup without a target telephone number, pressing the button returns dial tone to the user. They can then dial the required transfer number and when they hear ringing or an answer, hang up to complete the Centrex Transfer.
    • Automatic Transfer If the programmable button is setup with a target telephone number, pressing the button performs the Centrex Transfer to the number as a single action.
  • Centrex Transfer Short Code Operation The Flash Hook short code feature can be used with system short codes. It can be setup with or without a telephone number in the same way as a Flash Hook programmable button above. The line group must be the group of analog lines from the Centrex service line provider.
    • Centrex Transfer Operation for Analog Extensions Most analog phones have a button that performs the action of sending a hook flash signal. The marking of the button will vary and for example may be any of R, H, Recall or Hold. Pressing this button sends a hook flash to the system to hold any current call and return dial tone.
      • To perform a Centrex Transfer, pressing the analog extension's hook flash button should be followed by the dialing of a Flash Hook short code.
      • For analog extension users with call waiting enabled, pressing the hook flash button during a call will hold the current call and connect any call waiting. Therefore it is recommend that analog extension users wanting to use Centrex Transfer should not also have call waiting enabled.
  • Auto Attendant Transfer System’s using embedded voicemail can select Centrex Transfer as an action. For system using Voicemail Pro, the equivalent can be achieved by transferring calls to a Flash Hook short code.
Additional Notes
  • Networked Systems In networked systems, Centrex Transfer is only supported using Flash Hook or Centrex Transfer features on the system which hosts the Centrex analog trunks.
  • Addition Prefix Dialing In some cases the Centrex service provider may require a prefix for the transfer number. If that is the case, that prefix must be inserted in the button programming or the short code used for the Centrex Transfer.
  • Application Transfers Centrex Transfer is not supported for calls being held and transferred through applications such as SoftConsole.
  • Conference Calls Centrex Transfer is not supported with conference calls.
Related links
Transferring calls