diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ea1bb01..610f067 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -189,13 +189,14 @@ The web interface provides four main sections:
 ### Extra Button Operation (Optional)
 
 If enabled in `config.json`:
-1. **Guest picks up phone**: Phone goes off-hook
-2. **Guest presses button**: System detects GPIO signal (only works when off-hook)
-3. **Sound plays**: Configured button sound plays through speaker
-4. **Can be pressed multiple times**: Works during greeting or recording
-5. **Debounced**: 0.5s delay prevents accidental double-presses
+1. **Guest picks up phone**: Phone goes off-hook, greeting plays
+2. **Recording starts**: After greeting finishes
+3. **Guest presses button**: System detects GPIO signal (only works during recording)
+4. **Sound plays**: Configured button sound plays through speaker
+5. **Can be pressed multiple times**: Works throughout the recording phase
+6. **Debounced**: 0.5s delay prevents accidental double-presses
 
-**Note:** Button only responds when handset is off-hook (during active call)
+**Note:** Button only responds during the recording phase (not during greeting or when on-hook)
 
 ### Greeting Delay (Optional)
 
diff --git a/rotary_phone_web.py b/rotary_phone_web.py
index 0d46679..7a5f301 100644
--- a/rotary_phone_web.py
+++ b/rotary_phone_web.py
@@ -319,13 +319,13 @@ class RotaryPhone:
         }
     
     def play_extra_button_sound(self):
-        """Play sound when extra button is pressed (only when off-hook/in call)"""
+        """Play sound when extra button is pressed (only during recording)"""
         if not EXTRA_BUTTON_ENABLED:
             return
 
-        # Only play if phone is OFF hook (during a call)
-        if self.phone_status != "off_hook":
-            print("Extra button ignored - phone is on hook")
+        # Only play if currently recording
+        if not self.recording:
+            print("Extra button ignored - not recording")
             return
 
         button_sound = self.get_extra_button_sound_path()