Which kind of forwarding to use
Always
Every call goes to FrontDesk Talk and your phone never rings. Use it when you want the AI to answer everything, or at night and on weekends.
No answer
Your phone rings first. If you don’t pick up, the call moves to FrontDesk Talk. This is the setup most owners start with.
Busy
If you’re already on a call or you decline one, the caller goes to FrontDesk Talk instead of voicemail.
Unreachable
If your phone is off, out of battery, or has no signal, calls still get answered.
Our advice for 8x8: Turn on the rules for when you’re busy and when you don’t answer, pointed at your FrontDesk Talk number. Your phone rings first, and FrontDesk Talk takes the rest.
Step by step
Open your forwarding rules
In 8x8 Work for Desktop, go to Settings, then Account Settings, then Call Forwarding Rules. On mobile, tap your profile, then Settings, Account Settings, Call Forwarding.
Pick the rules
Turn on forwarding when you’re busy and when you’re unable to answer. Use Always forward calls if you want FrontDesk Talk to take every call.
Enter your FrontDesk Talk number
Send the rule to an external number and enter your FrontDesk Talk number. 8x8 asks for the country code on outside numbers, so start with 1.
Save
Save your changes. On mobile, 8x8 says settings save on their own.
Good to know
- Admins can set the same rules for any user in the 8x8 Admin Console, under Users, then the user’s call forwarding rules, including a ring time for no answer and schedules for after hours.
- If your main number rings a ring group or auto attendant, forwarding may need to be set there instead. Your 8x8 admin can check.
- Codes and menus can change. If a step doesn’t match, contact the provider.
Menus and settings can vary by plan. If one doesn’t work, call your carrier.
Test it
- Call your business number from a different phone, like your cell.
- You should hear your FrontDesk Talk greeting instead of a ring or voicemail.
- Hang up and watch for the Talk Note by text and email.
Turn it off
Go back to your call forwarding rules and uncheck the rules that point to FrontDesk Talk, then save.
Before you cancel FrontDesk Talk, turn off forwarding so calls go back to your phone.
Questions
Can I set a different rule after hours?
8x8’s Admin Console lets admins add custom rules on a schedule. Ask your 8x8 admin to set one that forwards to FrontDesk Talk at night.
Will my callers know the call was forwarded?
No. They dial your usual number and hear your receptionist. Nothing sounds different on their end.
Does forwarding cost extra?
Most plans include forwarding. Some carriers count forwarded calls against your minutes if your plan isn’t unlimited. Check with your carrier if you’re not sure.
Can I still make calls from my phone?
Yes. Forwarding only changes where incoming calls go. Outgoing calls work the same as before.
Can I switch between always and no answer?
Yes. Turn one off and the other on anytime. Many owners use no answer during the day and always at night.
Would porting my number be better?
Forwarding is quickest. Porting moves your number to us so you can drop the old line. Read the porting guide.
Sources, checked September 2026: 8x8: Forwarding calls in 8x8 Work for Desktop; 8x8: Set up call forwarding in 8x8 Work for Mobile; 8x8: Set up call forwarding in 8x8 Admin Console.
Stop paying for voicemail.
Setup takes about 10 minutes. Cancel anytime.