Do I Get a Free Phone With BT Digital Voice? UK Guide

If you are asking “Do I get a free phone with BT Digital Voice?”, the answer depends on what BT has offered with your particular service. Moving to BT Digital Voice itself does not normally mean you automatically receive a free Digital Voice handset. BT says the move to Digital Voice does not cost existing customers anything, and customers who need an adapter can order one for free.

BT Digital Voice is a home phone service that works through your broadband connection rather than the traditional analogue telephone network. BT is moving customers to Digital Voice as the old analogue network is retired. For most customers, BT says the change involves connecting a compatible phone to the Smart Hub 2 or using an adapter.

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What Is BT Digital Voice?

BT Digital Voice is BT’s modern home phone service.

Instead of sending calls through the old analogue phone network, Digital Voice uses your broadband connection to make and receive calls.

This means your home phone becomes connected to your BT broadband equipment.

BT describes Digital Voice as a broadband-based home phone service and says features such as Call Protect and Voicemail are included as standard.

For many customers, the change is simple. You can connect a compatible phone to your Smart Hub 2, rather than plugging it into the traditional phone socket.

Does BT Digital Voice Come With a Free Phone?

Not necessarily.

The Digital Voice service itself is not charged as a separate upgrade for customers being moved to it, but that does not mean every customer automatically receives a free physical phone handset.

BT currently offers Digital Voice handsets, including an Essential Digital Home Phone and an Advanced Digital Home Phone. BT’s help pages describe these as separate handset products.

The equipment you receive depends on your BT order, your existing service and whether BT determines that you need additional equipment.

Item	Is it automatically free?
Digital Voice service	BT says the switch itself does not cost extra
Smart Hub 2 when required	BT says it will send one if needed
Digital Voice Adapter	Free for customers who need one
Existing compatible phone	You may continue using it
BT Essential Digital Home Phone	Depends on your BT order/offer
BT Advanced Digital Home Phone	Depends on your BT order/offer
Additional handsets	May need to be purchased

Always check the specific offer shown in your BT account or order because equipment offers can change.

Is Switching to BT Digital Voice Free?

For customers being moved to Digital Voice, BT says there is no charge for the switch. BT also says the transition does not change the contract length or increase the service cost when the contract ends.

BT’s main Digital Voice page also states that switching to Digital Voice will not cost customers anything and that customers will not pay more than their current home phone plan unless they choose to upgrade while recontracting their broadband plan.

This is different from saying that every type of BT handset is free.

Can I Keep My Existing Phone With BT Digital Voice?

Yes, in many cases.

BT says existing handsets can continue to be used with Digital Voice by connecting the phone to the phone port on the back of the Smart Hub.

You can also use a Digital Voice Adapter if you want to keep the phone away from the Hub or need to connect certain existing equipment.

This means you may not need to buy a new phone at all.

When Might I Need an Adapter?

An adapter can be useful if:

Your phone is not close to the Smart Hub.
You want to keep your phone in another room.
You have an existing extension arrangement.
You want to connect certain compatible equipment away from the Hub.

BT says eligible customers can order a Digital Voice Adapter for free.

Can I Use My Old Cordless Phone?

Usually, yes, provided it is compatible.

BT says you can continue using an existing cordless handset with Digital Voice by connecting its main base unit to the phone port on the back of the Smart Hub.

The base unit still needs electrical power.

If the cordless phone is located away from the Hub, a Digital Voice Adapter can provide another option.

Some older phones can have compatibility issues. BT specifically notes that phones bought before 2015 may not ring when connected through a Digital Voice Adapter and says affected customers can contact BT for a free microfilter.

What Is the BT Essential Digital Home Phone?

BT offers an Essential Digital Voice Phone designed for its Digital Voice service.

BT lists features including:

HD Voice
Easy setup
Voicemail button
Call waiting indication
Call divert
Storage for up to 500 names and numbers
Long-range reception
Multi Call when two compatible handsets are connected

Whether this handset is included in your particular package or offered at a separate price depends on your BT order.

What Is the BT Advanced Digital Home Phone?

BT also offers an Advanced Digital Voice Phone.

It includes features such as:

HD Voice
Voicemail button
Call waiting indication
Call divert
Large text
Ring boost
Storage for up to 500 names and numbers
Multi Call with compatible handsets

The Advanced handset is a different product from the Essential handset, so customers should check the exact equipment and pricing included with their BT order.

What Equipment Does BT Send When I Move to Digital Voice?

BT says existing customers will be contacted when it is their turn to move to Digital Voice.

If a new Hub is required, BT says it will send a Smart Hub 2 automatically.

If you need an adapter to continue using your existing phone, BT says you can order one for free.

The process can therefore look different from one household to another.

Your situation	What may happen
Compatible phone near Smart Hub	Connect it directly to the Hub
Existing phone away from Hub	Use a Digital Voice Adapter
Need a new Hub	BT can send a Smart Hub 2
Want a BT Digital Home Phone	Check the available handset offer
Multiple phones	Additional adapters or suitable equipment may be needed

Can I Use a Normal Phone Socket After Switching?

Digital Voice changes how your home phone service is delivered.

BT says a compatible phone can be connected directly to the phone port on the Smart Hub.

If you want to use a phone away from the Hub, BT provides Digital Voice Adapter options.

The exact setup depends on your phone equipment and home layout.

Do I Have to Buy a New Phone?

No, not necessarily.

If your current phone is compatible, BT says you can continue using it with Digital Voice.

This can be useful if you already have a cordless phone that you like.

You may only need an adapter if the phone cannot conveniently connect directly to your Smart Hub.

Does BT Give a Free Digital Voice Adapter?

BT says existing Digital Voice customers can order a free Digital Voice Adapter when needed.

The adapter allows a compatible phone to connect wirelessly to the Hub and can be useful when the phone is located away from the Hub.

BT also says customers can order an adapter through its Digital Voice equipment process.

This is one of the main pieces of equipment that BT specifically describes as free for customers who need it.

What Happens to My Phone Number?

You can normally keep your existing BT home phone number when moving to Digital Voice.

BT states that your current phone number will not be affected by the switch.

This means the change is mainly about how the service is delivered rather than giving you a completely new telephone number.

Does Digital Voice Cost More?

BT says switching to Digital Voice does not itself cost extra for existing customers being moved across.

BT also says customers will not pay more than their current home phone plan unless they choose to upgrade while recontracting their broadband plan.

However, individual calling plans, broadband packages, optional handsets and other services can have their own prices.

Always check the price shown for your specific BT package.

What Features Are Included With Digital Voice?

BT currently lists several features as part of Digital Voice.

These include:

Call Protect
Voicemail
Caller Display
Call Diversion
Call Waiting
Permanent Withhold Number
3 Way Calling
Call Barring
Multi Call for compatible Digital Voice setups

Some features have specific conditions or charges for calls made through them.

For example, BT states that calls outside your inclusive plan can be charged at standard rates.

Can I Make Emergency Calls With Digital Voice?

Digital Voice depends on your broadband connection and electricity supply.

If there is a power cut or broadband failure, Digital Voice may not be able to make calls, including emergency calls.

BT advises customers to keep a fully charged mobile phone available as a backup. Customers without mobile coverage can contact BT about additional support options.

This is an important difference between Digital Voice and the old analogue phone service.

If you have a special telecare, healthcare alarm or other critical device, check its compatibility with Digital Voice before switching. BT specifically advises customers with healthcare alarms or medical pendants to consult the relevant service provider.

Does BT Digital Voice Need Broadband?

Yes.

Digital Voice uses your broadband connection to carry calls.

BT’s troubleshooting guidance says that if Digital Voice is not working, the first thing to check is whether the broadband connection is working correctly.

If your broadband is down, your Digital Voice phone may also stop working.

This is why checking your internet connection is an important part of Digital Voice troubleshooting.

How Can I Check My BT Broadband Before Calling BT?

If your Digital Voice phone stops working, check your broadband first.

You can:

Check whether websites load.
Check the BT Hub light.
Restart the Hub if appropriate.
Test your broadband speed.
Check another device.
Use BT’s troubleshooting tools.

You can also use Speed Test UK to measure your connection.

Use Speed Test UK

Our BT Broadband Speed Test can measure:

Download speed
Upload speed
Ping
Overall connection performance

You can test your BT broadband here:

https://speedtestuk.com/bt-broadband-speed-test/

A speed test cannot confirm that BT has a service outage by itself. However, it can give you useful information about your current connection before you contact BT.

If your Digital Voice problem happens at the same time as slow or unavailable broadband, recording your test results can help you explain the issue.

What If My Digital Voice Phone Is Not Working?

If you cannot make or receive calls, start with your broadband.

BT recommends checking that the Smart Hub is connected and looking at the Hub’s status light. A steady blue light indicates the Hub is connected to broadband in the relevant BT guidance.

Then check your handset.

Try:

Make sure the phone has power.
Check the phone connection.
Check that the handset is registered correctly.
Restart the Hub if necessary.
Check Digital Voice settings in My BT.
Check Call Barring and Call Protect settings.

BT says customers can manage Digital Voice calling features through My BT and the My BT app.

Can I Have More Than One Digital Voice Phone?

Yes.

BT supports multiple Digital Voice handsets in compatible setups.

BT says its Multi Call feature allows two people to make separate outgoing calls at the same time when more than one Digital Home Phone is connected.

If you want phones in different rooms, adapters can also be useful depending on your setup.

What Happens During a Power Cut?

A normal Digital Voice setup depends on the Hub having power.

BT states that if there is a power cut or broadband outage, Digital Voice will not work in the usual way.

BT offers battery backup options for some customers and recommends keeping a charged mobile phone available.

If you rely on a home phone for emergencies, consider what backup option is appropriate for your household.

Is Digital Voice Being Introduced Across the UK?

Yes.

BT says the UK’s current phone network is being retired and that customers who want to keep a home phone will need to move to a digital service.

BT’s current information says the analogue network will be switched off by 2027, with BT already moving customers across the UK.

Existing BT customers are contacted when it is their turn to switch.

Do I Need to Do Anything When BT Contacts Me?

If BT tells you that your service is being moved to Digital Voice, read the instructions carefully.

You may receive:

Information about the switch
Details about your switch date
A new Smart Hub if required
Information about an adapter
Instructions for connecting your phone

BT says that for many customers, switching simply involves connecting the phone to the Smart Hub 2 on the switch date.

Do not throw away your existing phone until you know what equipment you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a free phone with BT Digital Voice?

Not automatically in every case. BT says the Digital Voice service itself does not cost existing customers extra when they are moved to the service, and a required Digital Voice Adapter can be provided free. BT also offers Essential and Advanced Digital Voice handsets, but whether a handset is included depends on your particular order or offer.

Is BT Digital Voice free?

BT says switching to Digital Voice does not cost existing customers anything.

Can I keep my old BT phone?

In many cases, yes. BT says existing compatible handsets can be connected to the phone port on the Smart Hub.

Do I get a free BT Digital Voice Adapter?

BT says existing Digital Voice customers who need an adapter can order one for free.

Do I need a new phone for Digital Voice?

No. If your existing phone is compatible, you may be able to continue using it with your Smart Hub.

Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes. BT says you can keep your current phone number when moving to Digital Voice.

Does Digital Voice work without broadband?

No. Digital Voice uses your broadband connection. If your broadband is unavailable, Digital Voice may also stop working.

Does Digital Voice work during a power cut?

A standard Digital Voice setup requires power for the Hub. BT advises customers to keep a charged mobile phone available as a backup.

Can I use my phone in another room?

Yes. BT provides Digital Voice Adapter options that can allow a compatible phone to be used away from the Smart Hub.

Can I use an old phone with Digital Voice?

Many existing phones can work, but compatibility can vary. BT specifically notes that some phones bought before 2015 may not ring when connected through a Digital Voice Adapter.

How do I check whether my BT broadband is working?

Try opening a website, check your BT Hub and run an internet speed test. You can use the Speed Test UK BT Broadband Speed Test to measure your download speed, upload speed and ping.

Conclusion

So, do you get a free phone with BT Digital Voice? Not necessarily.

The important difference is between the Digital Voice service, the Digital Voice Adapter and a physical BT Digital Home Phone. BT says the switch to Digital Voice itself does not cost existing customers extra, and eligible customers who need an adapter can get one free. However, BT’s Essential and Advanced Digital Voice handsets are separate equipment products, so you should check exactly what is included in your individual BT order.

You may also be able to keep your existing compatible phone, which means you may not need to buy a new handset at all.

Because Digital Voice depends on broadband, it is also useful to check your BT internet connection if your home phone stops working. You can use Speed Test UK to measure your connection and record the results before contacting BT.

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