In FreePBX 17, these feature codes are used to make internal speaker announcements and to control whether an extension will auto-answer intercom calls.

For end users, the three relevant codes are:

*80   Intercom prefix
*54   Allow intercom
*55   Disallow intercom

An intercom call is usually a call to another internal extension that auto-answers on the recipient’s speaker or softphone, so the caller can speak without the other person needing to press the answer key first.

What each code does

• *80
• Used before an extension number to place an intercom call to that extension.
• Example: dialling *80201 attempts an intercom call to extension 201.

• *54
• Turns intercom allow on for the extension currently in use.
• This means the extension is willing to accept intercom calls that may auto-answer.

• *55
• Turns intercom allow off for the extension currently in use.
• This prevents the extension from auto-answering intercom calls.

How to place an intercom call with *80

From a desk phone handset

1. Lift the handset, or press the speaker key.
2. Dial the intercom prefix followed immediately by the extension number.

Example:

*80201

1. Wait for the call to connect.
2. Speak clearly once the intercom opens.

From a softphone

1. Open the dial pad.
2. Enter the intercom prefix followed by the extension number.

Example:

*80305

1. Press call.
2. When the intercom connects, begin speaking.

What the recipient experiences

If the recipient’s extension allows intercom and the phone or softphone supports auto-answer for intercom, the call will normally:

• auto-answer on speaker
• play a short tone or beep
• open the audio path immediately

The recipient may be able to respond hands-free, depending on the device and how intercom has been configured.

If the recipient has used *55 to disallow intercom, the behaviour will usually be one of the following:

• the call rings as a normal internal call instead of auto-answering, or
• the intercom attempt is not accepted as an auto-answer call

The exact result depends on the handset model, softphone application, and FreePBX device settings.

Examples of using *80

To intercom extension 201:

*80201

To intercom extension 220:

*80220

To intercom extension 305:

*80305

The format is always:

*80 + extension number

There are no spaces when dialling.

How to allow intercom with *54

Use this when the extension should accept intercom calls and auto-answer where supported.

From a desk phone

1. Lift the handset or press speaker.
2. Dial:

*54

1. Wait for the confirmation tone or message.
2. Hang up.

From a softphone

1. Open the dial pad.
2. Dial:

*54

1. Press call.
2. Wait for confirmation, then end the call.

What *54 changes

After using *54:

• the extension is marked as allowing intercom
• users dialling *80 before the extension number can attempt an intercom call
• compatible devices may auto-answer these calls

This setting applies to the extension that dialled the code, not to other users.

How to disallow intercom with *55

Use this when the extension should no longer auto-answer intercom calls.

From a desk phone

1. Lift the handset or press speaker.
2. Dial:

*55

1. Wait for the confirmation tone or message.
2. Hang up.

From a softphone

1. Open the dial pad.
2. Dial:

*55

1. Press call.
2. Wait for confirmation, then end the call.

What *55 changes

After using *55:

• the extension is marked as disallowing intercom
• intercom attempts to that extension should no longer auto-answer
• callers may need to ring the extension normally instead

This is commonly used when privacy is required or when a user does not want speaker announcements.

Typical end-user workflow

A common day-to-day use of these codes is:

1. A user wants to make a quick internal announcement to extension 201.
2. They dial:

*80201

1. If extension 201 has intercom allowed and the device supports it, the call opens on speaker.
2. If extension 201 does not want auto-answer calls, the user at 201 dials:

*55

1. If they later want to receive intercom calls again, they dial:

*54

Important behaviour to be aware of

Intercom only works internally

These codes are for internal PBX use. They are not used for external calls.

Device support matters

Even when FreePBX is configured correctly, the phone or softphone must support intercom auto-answer.

Common differences:

• Desk phones
• Usually support intercom better than mobile softphones.
• May auto-answer on speaker with a beep.
• Some models require intercom or auto-answer to be enabled in the phone settings.

• Desktop softphones
• Often support intercom if configured to allow auto-answer.
• Headset and speaker behaviour may vary.

• Mobile softphones
• Often have restrictions imposed by the mobile operating system.
• May not auto-answer while running in the background or when the screen is locked.
• May present the call as a normal incoming call instead.

Busy or unavailable extensions

If the target extension is:

• already on another call
• in Do Not Disturb
• unregistered
• offline

then the intercom may not connect as expected. In those cases it may:

• ring normally
• fail to connect
• go to voicemail
• be rejected by the device

The exact behaviour depends on the extension and device settings.

Audio direction can vary

Some systems are configured for:

• two-way intercom, where both sides can speak immediately
• one-way announcement, where the caller speaks and the recipient mainly listens until they pick up

This depends on handset support and the way the extension or page/intercom settings were configured.

Best practice for users

• Use *80 for quick internal announcements to a single extension.
• Use *54 if intercom calls should be accepted on the extension.
• Use *55 if auto-answer intercom is not wanted.
• Keep in mind that softphones, especially on mobile devices, may not behave exactly like desk phones.
• If an intercom call does not auto-answer, try a normal internal call to check whether the extension is available.

Quick reference

Dial *80 followed by an extension number to place an intercom call.
Dial *54 to allow intercom on your own extension.
Dial *55 to disallow intercom on your own extension.

Example summary

User at extension 200 wants to announce something to extension 201:

*80201

User at extension 201 wants to stop speaker auto-answer:

*55

User at extension 201 wants to enable it again later:

*54

These three codes cover the normal end-user control of one-to-one intercom behaviour in FreePBX 17 from both handsets and softphones.