Stuff We Want: Bye Bye Button, the Key Fob That Gets You Out of Any Conversation
Press it, your phone rings, you "have to take this." Just in time for Thanksgiving and the office party.
Hand-picked by The Deez List. Not an affiliate link — a brand we support. Disclosure
Uncle Ron has been explaining crypto for 45 minutes. The pie is getting cold. You've nodded so much your neck hurts.
You reach into your pocket. Press a button. Your phone rings. "Oh, sorry, I have to take this."
That's the Bye Bye Button. It's a tiny key fob that makes your own phone ring with a fake incoming call, so you can exit any conversation with your dignity and your pie intact.
This is a brand we support, not an affiliate link. No commission, no strings.
What it is
A compact key-fob button that pairs with the free Bye Bye Button app. Press and hold it, and your phone shows a simulated incoming call from whatever caller name you picked. Per the brand, there's no subscription fee. It was in stock on the brand's site on Nov 6, 2026.
How it works
1. Pair it. Connect the button to the Bye Bye Button app. The brand says setup takes a minute or less. 2. Pick your caller. Choose the name that shows up on screen. "Mom" works. "Work" works. "Dentist" is bold. 3. Press and hold for three seconds. Your phone rings. Answer, excuse yourself, leave.
Unlike fake-call apps, you don't have to unlock your phone or schedule the call ahead of time. Clip it to your keys, purse or backpack and it's always in reach.
The story
It's a two-founder team, Adam Lamb and Dan Barnes from Bozeman, Montana. They took it to Shark Tank this fall, and their site has the whole Shark Tank story.
Who it's for
- Introverts heading into Thanksgiving with the extended family.
- Office party survivors who get cornered by the guy from accounting.
- White elephant and stocking-stuffer shoppers who want the gift everybody laughs at and then quietly steals. More ideas in our Christmas gifts guide.
- Anyone on an awkward first date who wants a believable exit.
Who should skip it
- You need a safety device. The brand is clear that it creates a simulated call and is not an emergency or personal-safety device.
- You can already leave any room with a simple "goodbye." We salute you. You don't need this.
FAQ
Does it need a subscription?
No. The brand says there's no subscription fee. You need a compatible smartphone and the free app.
Do I have to unlock my phone?
No. You press and hold the button for three seconds and your phone rings.
Can I choose who's "calling"?
Yes. You set the caller name in the app.
Is it a safety alarm?
No. It only creates a simulated incoming call. It is not an emergency or personal-safety device.
Where do I buy it?
Directly from the brand at byebyebutton.com.
The verdict
The verdict: hand-picked because everybody has a conversation they'd pay to leave. Use it kindly. Maybe not on Grandma.
Hand-picked by The Deez List. Not an affiliate link — a brand we support.
