<P> The show 's original three lifelines are `` 50 / 50 '' , in which the computer eliminates two of the incorrect answers ; `` Phone a Friend '' , in which the contestant makes a thirty - second call to one of a number of friends ( who provide their phone numbers in advance ) and reads them the question and answer choices , after which the friend provides input ; and `` Ask the Audience '' , in which audience members use touch pads to designate what they believe the correct answer to be , after which the percentage of the audience choosing each specific option is displayed to the contestant . In countries where the show is broadcast live , friends selected for Phone - a-Friend are alerted when their contestant begins to play the main game , and are told to keep the phone free and to wait for three rings before answering . Phone - a-Friend was removed from the U.S. version beginning with the episode that aired on 11 January 2010 , after it was determined that there was an increasing trend of contestants ' friends using web search engines and other Internet resources to assist them , which unfairly privileged individuals who had computer access over those who did not , and that it was contrary to the original intent of the lifeline , by which friends were supposed to provide assistance based on what they already knew . From 2004 to 2008 , the U.S. version had a fourth lifeline called `` Switch the Question '' , earned upon answering question ten , in which the computer replaced , at the contestant 's request , one question with another of the same monetary value ; however , any lifelines used on the original question were not reinstated for the new question . Switch the Question returned as Cut the Question for a special week of shows with child contestants aired in 2014 ( in the latter case , it could only be used on the first ten questions ) . </P>
who wants to be millionaire phone a friend
the contestant makes a thirty - second call to one of a number of friends ( who provide their phone numbers in advance ) and reads them the question and answer choices , after which the friend provides input