Phone System · 2 min read
Use Your Existing Number or Buy a New Number?
At a glance
When you set up calling in your sub-account you have two options:
- Use your existing phone number if you only need to make outbound calls and want customers to see your familiar number.
- Buy a new phone number if you also need to receive calls, send or receive texts, run inbound automations, or use voicemail and call routing.
You can use both on the same sub-account.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Use existing number | Buy a new number | | --- | --- | --- | | Place outbound calls | Yes | Yes | | Receive inbound calls | No | Yes | | Send or receive SMS | No | Yes | | Voicemail, IVR and call routing | No | Yes | | Call recording | Yes (toggle in number settings) | Yes | | Transcripts and call summaries | Yes, when recording is on | Yes, when recording is on | | Caller ID shown | Your existing number | Your new number | | Workflows from inbound calls or texts | No | Yes | | Time to start | About a minute (one verification code) | A few minutes, plus any required registrations |
Verifying is not porting
Verifying proves you own a number so it can be shown as your caller ID. Your number stays with your current carrier, and calls to it still ring there. To move a number fully into FunnelStreams, use porting instead.
How to get started
- Existing number: go to Settings → Phone System → Phone Numbers, choose to add your existing number, enter it and type the verification code you receive.
- New number: see How to Purchase a Phone Number.
Turn on call recording for a verified number
Open the verified number's settings in Phone Numbers and turn on call recording.
Troubleshooting
- No verification code? Make sure the number can receive calls or texts and try again.
- Customers can't call you back on the platform? Verified numbers are outbound only. Buy a number or port yours to receive calls.