# Zoom Phone Call Forwarding to External Numbers

Source: https://insertchat.com/call-forwarding/zoom-phone

> Forward Zoom Phone calls to InsertChat’s AI receptionist: add the routing number to call handling for all hours or closed hours and turn off the press-1 prompt.

Zoom Phone forwards calls when you add an external number to call handling in the Zoom web portal. Add your InsertChat routing number to business hours to forward every call, or to closed hours only for after-hours coverage, and turn off the press-1 prompt.

## Zoom Phone

Available for numbers in the United States. In dial codes, XXXXXXXXXX stands for the 10 digits of your private routing number.

### Forward all calls

1. In the Zoom web portal, open Zoom Phone, then the Settings tab.
2. Set Business Hours to 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week.
3. Next to Call Handling, click Edit, click Add Phone Number, and add your private routing number with the correct country or region.
4. Clear Require to press 1 before connecting the call, and turn off your Zoom apps and devices so only the routing number rings.

### Forward calls after hours

1. In the Zoom web portal, open Zoom Phone, then the Settings tab.
2. In the Closed Hours section, click Edit next to Call Handling, click Add Phone Number, and add your private routing number.
3. Clear Require to press 1 before connecting the call, and turn off your Zoom apps and devices for closed hours.

### Turn forwarding off

- Open Call Handling for business and closed hours in Zoom Phone settings.
- Delete the external number that points to your private routing number and turn your Zoom apps back on.

Source: [Zoom Phone documentation](https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0069180), reviewed 2026-10-13.

## Finish the setup in InsertChat

1. **Enter your business number.** In your assistant’s phone settings, choose Forward my existing number, enter it, and check compatibility. Confirm the provider you pay for phone service.
2. **Forward to your routing number.** Choose when calls forward, then follow your provider’s steps to send them to the private routing number InsertChat creates. Never publish that number.
3. **Verify with a test call.** InsertChat places a verification call. For unanswered-or-busy forwarding, let it ring without answering so your provider’s rule can forward it.

## Why turn off Require to press 1?

Zoom checks Require to press 1 before connecting the call by default. That prompt waits for a key press your AI receptionist won’t send, so clear it; Zoom lets you turn it off for calls that don’t come from call queues.

## What if Add Phone Number is locked?

A lock icon means a Zoom Phone admin has restricted that setting. Ask your admin to unlock call handling for external numbers, then add the routing number.

## Can Zoom Phone forward during breaks and holidays?

Yes. Zoom has separate call handling for break hours and holiday hours, and each one lets you add an external number. Add the routing number there too if the AI receptionist should cover those times.

## Does forwarding my number cost extra?

The first active line is included with your InsertChat plan; additional lines are $10 per month plus voice minutes. Your phone provider may also count forwarded calls against your plan, so check your plan with them.

## What if my provider is not listed?

Choose Another provider during setup. Ask your provider to forward all calls, or unanswered and busy calls, to your private routing number, keep caller ID passthrough on when offered, and make carrier voicemail ring longer than the forwarding timeout.