---
title: Can I hear messages while on a phone call?
description: If you receive a Zello message while on an active phone call, Zello's notification behavior will depend on your device type, OS version, and/or network...
---

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May 8, 2026

# Can I hear messages while on a phone call?

This article is written for: ✅ Zello Work  ❌ Zello Friends & Family.

If you receive a Zello message while on an active phone call, Zello's notification behavior will depend on your device type, OS version, and/or network.

If using Zello through WiFi, you'll retain connection to Zello while on a call; alternatively, if you're using cellular data, your connection retention will depend on your device's carrier and data availability. Regardless of the nature of your connection and device, Zello will never *cut off* a phone call to play a message. 

Please note that some carriers don't allow cellular connection to be used while on a phone call. In those instances, Zello won't be able to play back messages.

- If using WiFi or a cellular network that retains internet connection, Zello will behave in the following manner while you're on a phone call:  
    - Your status will change to **Busy**. 

- - You will be notified of messages via a short vibration. That message will be added to your **Recents** queue, and it will play when your call is over. 

- - You will be notified of call alerts via a long vibration. 

- - When your call has completed, your Zello status will revert back to **Available**.
      
      If you'd like for Zello to play messages in the background while on a call, toggle on the **Allow messages playback during phone call** setting in the management console (*Settings* \> *Android*). ![](https://support.zello.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/27654342284301-2.png?width=600&height=63&name=27654342284301-2.png)  
      Please note this setting must be toggled on by an admin. Admins, sign in to the management console at \[yournetworkname\].zellowork.com to address this setting. 

- If using WiFi or a cellular network that retains internet connection, Zello will behave in the following manner when you're on a phone call:  
    - Your status will not change.

- - You will receive notifications for all Zello messages you receive while on the call.

- - Those messages will play as soon as you hang up the phone. 

- - If you receive a call alert while on the phone and your ringer is on, you will hear Zello's default call alert tone. If your ringer is off, you will be notified of the call alert via a vibration. 

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