There are two ways to pass a call on and the difference matters to whoever is on the other end. A blind transfer sends them straight through. An attended transfer lets you warn your colleague first. The mechanics take ten seconds either way; the only real complication is that 3CX names the buttons differently on every platform.
The button labels, by platform
Same two actions, three different sets of words. Nothing you can do about it except know which one you are looking at.
| Where you are | Straight through | Announce first |
|---|---|---|
| Web client | Transfer | Att.transfer |
| iPhone app | Blind Transfer | Att. Transfer |
| Android app | Blind | Attended |
Blind transfer, in the web client
- While on the call, click Transfer. The button appears in the call controls, only while a call is live.
- Type the name or the extension number. You can search by name rather than remembering numbers.
- Send it. The caller goes straight through and you are out of the call.
Attended transfer, in the web client
- Click Att.transfer instead. The caller is put on hold at this point, so do not leave them there while you wander off.
- Reach your colleague and explain. Who is calling and what they want. This is the entire reason for doing it this way.
- Complete the transfer. Your colleague picks the call up with some idea of what is coming.
On iPhone and Android the Transfer button offers you both options once you tap it, rather than giving you two separate buttons. Tap Transfer, then choose blind or attended.
Which to use
- Use attended when the caller is a customer, when they have already explained themselves once, or when your colleague might not want the call. Nobody enjoys picking up a cold transfer from an angry client.
- Use blind for internal calls, for a straightforward wrong department, and when you are busy and the recipient will not be surprised.
- Always use attended if there is any chance the person is not there. A blind transfer to an empty desk leaves the caller in voicemail wondering what happened.
Common questions
- My colleague did not pick up during an attended transfer.
- Go back to the caller, tell them, and offer to take a message or send them to voicemail deliberately rather than by accident.
- Can I transfer to an outside number?
- Usually yes, though whether it is allowed depends on how your system has been set up. If it fails, that is policy rather than a fault, and we can tell you what your dial plan permits.
- Can I transfer to a queue or a ring group?
- Yes, they have extension numbers like anything else. Ask us for the list if you do not know them.
- I cannot see the Transfer button.
- It only exists while a call is actually connected. If you are looking at the dialler rather than a live call, it will not be there.
If you get stuck
Call the service desk on 03333 22 11 00 or email support@easylifeit.com.
Take this guide with you
A clean branded copy you can print or save as a PDF, with our service desk details on every page.
Button labels taken from 3CX’s own Web Client manual, iOS app manual and Android app manual, September 2026. This describes 3CX version 20, which is the only version 3CX currently documents.
