How do you gracefully end an informal phone call that's taking too long?

[ZOOOOM]

I always initiate phone calls by giving the other person the expectation that I may be interrupted at any time, just in case of a situation like this.

Then I can tell them "hey, so and so is ready, I need to go talk to them about this thing for a minute."

Quick and polite.

[AAPPKK]

"Oh I almost forgot to tell you, I just-"

hangs up*

puts phone on do not disturb mode*

Quick. Efficient. Puts the fault on the shitty Network Service Provider

[axeholm]

I usually say "I think we both have personal lives to attend to, why don't we save these things for call later?" its a good thing to be straightforward sometimes and If I can't I just simply make silly excuses like "I think my dog's calling me" or "Mom did you just call me from upstairs?" works most of the time lol

[boyptc]

That's fine.

Just tell them that you've got other things to do and you'll get in touch with them as soon as possible or if you still have any transaction that will be done in the future.

Don't be too worried to end a conversation if you're saying an honest reason.

[FIFA worldcup]

That's fine.

Just tell them that you've got other things to do and you'll get in touch with them as soon as possible or if you still have any transaction that will be done in the future.

Don't be too worried to end a conversation if you're saying an honest reason.

It really depends upon the situation. Sometimes we need to end the call early as we have something important to do, but for the person who is calling might need our time to solve any of his problem. I think if the other person is really in need of any help/advice, we should guide him completely before hanging up. However in case, he is just chit chatting, we can get an excuse from him and talk later.

[semobo]

Put the call on mute and let them to speak, they will get confused why there is no reply and obviously going to blame the network for the issue so they will hang it up.

I will simply let the people on the other side about I am not willing to talk any useless conversations.

[DeathAngel]

Just say you’ve got some work to do but it’s been great to catch up & you will meet up with them soon.
Quick, polite & effective to get them off the phone

[peter0425]

Nothing to be specific because all my phone calls mostly for Businesses or if from a closest friends that needs a talk we usually setting time where we can talk in private and in Real.

People Like OP seems to be not doing anything important in Life that's why he is Bothered about Fancy talks over the phone.

But in any case that the call is very important ? then i will cancel some appointment for a while to spend more time talking to the other line.

[Gyanendra854]

Oh I have to go back to work, I'll talk to you later. Please Ok Take care Bye Bye.. 

[EvaMcNeil]

wait wait wait, my girlfriend gets annoyed, she's angry with me and she's very violent. Sorry, but I have to go now. Bye!

[EvieLannister]

my stomach aches and I need to use the restroom right now! Could you pardon me?
it works 

[RPDesim]

I usually end it with a phrase that I add to my sentences after telling a story "and my phone is literally dying now... so don't be mad when I hung up on you all of a sudden"