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How to test your receptionist after setup

After setting up call forwarding, it’s important to make sure everything is working correctly and your assistant can answer incoming calls. There are a few easy ways to test this.

Written by Kristina

After you set up SkipCalls, run a quick test to make sure calls reach your receptionist. There are three ways to test, from fastest to most realistic.

Option 1. Talk to your receptionist directly

This checks how your receptionist sounds and answers, without involving call forwarding.

  1. In the app, go to Settings and tap Receptionist Settings.

  2. Tap Talk to followed by your receptionist's name (under SkipCalls Number). Your phone dials your SkipCalls number.

  3. Your receptionist should answer right away. Ask it a few questions your customers usually ask.

You can also call your SkipCalls number from any phone.

Option 2. Run the built-in forwarding test

This checks that your phone forwards calls to your receptionist. You don't need a second phone.

  1. Open the app and go to Settings.

  2. Tap Receptionist Settings.

  3. Scroll down and open Setup & Help.

  4. Tap Test Call Forwarding.

  5. Check the phone number we'll call, then tap Start test call.

What happens next:

  • We call your phone. Don't answer it. Your receptionist should pick up instead.

  • If you forward all calls, your phone won't ring at all. That's expected.

  • When the test works, you'll see You're all set! and the test call appears in the Reception tab.

If the test doesn't go through, the app shows what to try next, such as redoing the forwarding setup or running the test again.

Option 3. Call your number from another phone

This is the most realistic test, because it's exactly what your customers will experience.

  1. From another phone (a friend's, a coworker's, or a second line), call your regular phone number where you set up forwarding.

  2. Don't answer on your phone. If you forward missed calls, let it ring until it stops by itself. Declining the call is not a reliable test of missed-call forwarding.

  3. Your receptionist should pick up. Talk to it like a real customer would.

  4. Check that the call shows up in the Reception tab with a summary.

Which option should I choose?

  • Want to hear your receptionist and try a conversation? Use Option 1.

  • Want to confirm your forwarding works? Use Option 2.

  • Want to test exactly what customers experience? Use Option 3.

If something doesn't work

  • If Option 1 works but Options 2 and 3 don't, your call forwarding isn't active yet. Repeat the steps in Set Up Your AI Receptionist and Call Forwarding.

  • On iPhone, turn off Live Voicemail. It can catch calls before they reach your receptionist. See SkipCalls AI Not Answering Calls (iOS).

  • Still stuck? Go to Setup & Help → Get Live Support, and tell us your carrier and any message your phone showed. We'll help you finish setup.

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