A phone line needs an independent circuit to function properly, which doesn’t touch any other phone lines. If that happens, both phone lines will stop functioning properly. The problem is that many people want to test their phone line, but don’t have a phone available. In such situations, you will be recommended a multimeter. How to test a phone line without a phone using a multimeter? Disconnecting all the connections with your home’s telephone jack is the first step to take. Your telephone lines need to be open for testing the phone line.

You need to locate the network interface device for phone service and it is usually installed by the phone company on the exterior walls of your home, usually near your electric meter. Use a screwdriver for removing the cover. The box usually has ‘Customer Access’ screws labeled on it and you can unscrew those. If you don’t find it, then it means only the company can uncover it.

Once your lines are disconnected, the phone lines will be open completely and ready for testing. Wait for a minute to see if the phone line is active. Now, take the multimeter and set it to its continuity setting. This setting is usually indicated by the symbol of the sound wave.

The multimeteris used for testing a phone line without the phone and if it functions properly, then you will see the reading on the digital screen and it will emit a beeping sound after you have connected the multimeter’s leads to the phone lines. No continuity means that your phone lines are not touching and will function properly, whereas continuity means the opposite. You can do this test for every pair of phone lines. Once you have tested every single pair, you will know which lines are functioning and which ones require repairs.