1. Obtaining a Phone Number from SkipCalls
Note: If you purchased your SkipCalls subscription through the mobile application, a phone number is typically assigned to you automatically. In this case, you can skip directly to the "Assign an Agent" step within the SkipCalls dashboard to ensure your AI agent is linked to this number. The following steps are primarily for users who need to acquire a new number, for example, if they subscribed via the web portal or require an additional number.
To effectively integrate RingCentral with SkipCalls, you will first need a dedicated phone number from SkipCalls. This number will serve as the destination for forwarded calls from RingCentral.
[Web Platform - Skip for App] Steps to Buy a Phone Number in SkipCalls:
Access the Dashboard: Go to the SkipCalls dashboard and navigate to the Phone Numbers section in the sidebar.
Initiate Purchase: Click the Buy Phone Number button, typically located in the top right corner, to open the search dialog.
Select Number Type: Choose the desired type of number:
Mobile: Recommended for most use cases, as it supports both voice calls and SMS.
Local: For area-specific numbers (e.g., a specific area code like 415 for San Francisco).
Toll-Free: For professional 800 numbers, providing a nationwide presence.
Search by Area Code (Optional): If you require a specific area code, select "Area Code" from the Search Pattern dropdown, enter the area code (e.g., "415" or "212"), and click the search icon. You can also search by numbers that start with, contain, or end with specific digits.
Select and Purchase: Browse the list of available numbers. Each listing will display the phone number, its type, and the estimated monthly cost. Click Buy next to your preferred number. The purchase is instant, and the number will be ready for use immediately.
[Web Platform - Skip for App] After Purchasing Your SkipCalls Number:
Assign an Agent: Once purchased, the number will appear in your Phone Numbers list. To enable call reception, find your new number, click the dropdown under Assigned Agent, and select the AI agent that should handle calls to this number.
Activation/Deactivation: You can temporarily disable a number without removing it. Deactivating stops call reception but still incurs monthly costs. Activating re-enables call handling. To stop billing entirely, the number must be removed.
2. Setting Up Call Forwarding in RingCentral
Once you have your SkipCalls phone number, you can configure RingCentral to forward calls to it. Instructions vary slightly depending on whether you are using the Desktop & Web App, Mobile App, or Admin Portal.
2.1. RingCentral Desktop & Web App
Access Profile Settings: Click your profile picture located at the top left of the app.
Navigate to Call Rules: Select Incoming call rules.
Enable Call Forwarding: Toggle the Forward all calls switch to turn it on.
Configure Forwarding Destination: Click on Forward all calls again, then click the dropdown next to Incoming calls.
Select Forward the call.
Enter your SkipCalls phone number in the designated field.
Add Schedule (Optional): Click Add schedule to set specific dates and times for call forwarding.
Save Settings: Click Save to apply your changes.
2.2. RingCentral Mobile App
Access Profile Settings: Tap your profile picture in the upper left corner of the app.
Navigate to Call Rules: Tap Incoming call rules.
Enable Call Forwarding: Tap the Forward all calls toggle to turn it on.
Configure Forwarding Destination: Tap on Forward all calls again, then tap the dropdown next to Incoming calls.
Select Forward the call.
Enter your SkipCalls phone number.
Add Schedule (Optional): Tap Add schedule to define your call forwarding schedule.
Save Settings: Tap Save at the top right to confirm.
2.3. RingCentral Admin Portal (User)
As an individual user, you can set up call forwarding for your own extension via the Admin Portal.
Sign In: Log in to the RingCentral Admin Portal.
Access Profile Settings: Click your profile picture at the top right.
Navigate to Call Rules: Click Call rules.
Enable Call Forwarding: Toggle the Forward all calls switch to turn it on.
Configure Forwarding Destination: Click on Forward all calls again, then click the dropdown next to Incoming calls.
Select Forward the call.
Enter your SkipCalls phone number.
Add Schedule (Optional): Click Add schedule to set your call forwarding schedule.
Save Settings: Click Save.
2.4. RingCentral Admin Portal (Admin for Other Users)
If you are an administrator, you can configure call forwarding for other users.
Sign In: Go to the RingCentral Admin Portal and sign in.
Access Admin Portal: Click the dropdown at the top right, then click Admin Portal.
Navigate to User List: In the top menu, click Users, then the arrow next to User List, and then Users with Extensions.
Select User: Click the name of the user whose call forwarding settings you wish to adjust.
Access Phone Settings: Click Phone.
Navigate to Incoming Call Rules: Click Incoming call rules.
Enable Call Forwarding: Toggle the Forward all calls switch to turn it on.
Configure Forwarding Destination: Click on Forward all calls again, then click the dropdown next to Incoming calls.
Select Forward the call.
Enter the SkipCalls phone number.
Add Schedule (Optional): Click Add schedule to set the user’s call forwarding schedule.
Save Settings: Click Save.
3. Important Considerations for Integration
Subscription: Ensure you have an active SkipCalls subscription to obtain and use a phone number.
Testing: After setting up call forwarding, make a test call to your RingCentral number to ensure calls are correctly routed to your SkipCalls number.
Call Handling in SkipCalls: Once calls are forwarded to SkipCalls, your configured AI agent will handle them according to its settings (e.g., answering, screening spam, booking appointments).
Cost: Be aware of the monthly cost for the SkipCalls phone number and any usage costs for calls, as detailed in the SkipCalls pricing information.
By following these steps, you can successfully integrate RingCentral with SkipCalls, ensuring that your calls are efficiently managed by an AI receptionist.