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Your AI needs a phone number to answer. You can get a new CallDesk number instantly or forward calls from your existing business line.

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Two options

Get a new number

Instant setupGet a dedicated CallDesk number with your preferred area code. Live immediately.Best for: Testing, new businesses, separate AI line

Forward existing number

Keep your numberForward calls from your current business line to CallDesk. Customers call the same number.Best for: Established businesses, keeping existing number

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Option A: Get a new CallDesk number

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How it works

  1. Choose your area code
  2. Pick from available numbers
  3. Done. Number is live immediately

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Choosing an area code

Pick an area code that makes sense for your business:
  • Local area code. Customers see a familiar number
  • Toll-free (800/888). Professional, nationwide feel
  • Specific market. Target a particular geographic area

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Pricing

  • Local numbers: $3/month per number
  • Toll-free numbers: $5/month per number
Most businesses start with one number. You can add more anytime.

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Option B: Forward your existing number

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How it works

Keep your current business phone number. Forward calls to your CallDesk number when you want AI to answer.
1

Get a CallDesk number

This is the destination for forwarded calls
2

Set up forwarding with your carrier

Configure your current provider to forward calls
3

Test it

Call your business line and verify AI answers

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Forwarding options

All calls go to AI. You never ring.Best for: Full AI takeover, after-hours coverage

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Setting up forwarding by carrier

  1. Dial *21* followed by your CallDesk number, then #
  2. Example: *21*555-123-4567#
  3. Press Call
  4. To disable: Dial #21#
  1. Dial *72
  2. Enter your CallDesk number
  3. Press Call and wait for confirmation
  4. To disable: Dial *73
  1. Dial **21* followed by your CallDesk number, then #
  2. Example: **21*555-123-4567#
  3. Press Call
  4. To disable: Dial ##21#
Contact your phone provider to set up call forwarding. Most business lines support forwarding to any number.
Log into your VoIP dashboard and set up forwarding rules. Most VoIP providers have flexible forwarding options.

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Option C: Port your number

Want CallDesk to fully own your existing number? You can port it over.

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How porting works

  1. Submit a port request with your current carrier info
  2. We handle the transfer (usually 1-2 weeks)
  3. Your number now lives on CallDesk
  4. All calls come directly to AI

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When to port

Port if you want to:
  • Eliminate your current phone bill
  • Have full control in CallDesk
  • Stop managing forwarding

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When not to port

Keep forwarding if you:
  • Want to keep your current carrier
  • Need to receive calls on a physical phone sometimes
  • Are still testing CallDesk

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Multiple phone numbers

Some businesses need multiple numbers:
Use caseSetup
Different departmentsSales line → AI qualifies leads
Support line → AI handles common questions
Different locationsEach location has its own local number
Marketing campaignsTrack which ads drive calls
LanguagesSpanish line → Spanish-speaking AI
Add as many numbers as you need. Each can have different AI configurations.

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What callers see

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Caller ID

When your AI calls out (callbacks, reminders), callers see your CallDesk number. You can set the caller ID to display:
  • Your CallDesk number
  • Your business name (if registered)

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Voicemail

If you enable voicemail fallback:
  • AI answers immediately (no voicemail for inbound)
  • If AI can’t complete a call out, it can leave a voicemail

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Testing your number

After setup, test it:

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FAQ

We don’t recommend it. Get a dedicated business number to keep work and personal separate. Numbers start at $3/month.
Use conditional forwarding. Forward to AI after X rings, during certain hours, or when you’re busy. You control when AI picks up.
Yes. AI can transfer calls to you or any team member. Set up transfer rules for emergencies, VIP customers, or complex requests.
No. One number can handle all your automations (receptionist, reminders, callbacks). The AI knows which context to use based on who’s calling and why.

Get Your Number

Set up your phone number in 60 seconds.