Help article
How phone numbers work in InstantBook
InstantBook handles the phone infrastructure for you. You get a local number right away, can forward your existing business number the same day, and can port that existing number later if you want it fully inside InstantBook.
Section 1
You get a number the moment you sign up
InstantBook provisions a local number for your workspace so you can start receiving calls and texts right away. You do not need to create a Twilio account, buy a phone number yourself, or manage carrier settings inside Twilio.
This number is ready immediately and gives your workspace a reliable phone path while you decide whether to use it directly, forward your current number, or port your current number later.
Section 2
Option 1: Use your InstantBook number directly
This is the simplest path. Share your InstantBook number with customers, add it to your website, and place it on your Google Business Profile.
It is a good fit for new businesses, new locations, or owners who are comfortable using a fresh business number going forward.
Section 3
Option 2: Forward your existing number
Forwarding is recommended for most businesses because it is fast, reversible, and keeps customers calling the number they already know.
- Log into your carrier account, such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your current phone provider.
- Find call forwarding settings, usually under My Plan, Phone Settings, or Call Settings.
- Enter your InstantBook number as the forwarding destination.
- Save the change and test it by calling your existing business number.
With forwarding, inbound calls to your existing number can route into InstantBook. Outbound calls may show the InstantBook number as caller ID instead of your original number. For many service businesses that mostly care about inbound missed-call recovery, this is usually fine.
Section 4
Option 3: Port your existing number
Porting is the permanent solution. It moves your existing number fully into InstantBook's phone infrastructure, so forwarding is no longer needed after the transfer completes.
- You need your carrier account number, account PIN or transfer PIN, authorized name, and service address.
- Porting typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the losing carrier and the accuracy of the account details.
- During porting, keep forwarding active so there is no gap in coverage.
- After porting completes, outbound calls and texts can use your original business number through InstantBook.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my current business number?+
Yes. You have two options. The fastest is call forwarding: you forward your existing number to your InstantBook number through your carrier, which takes about 10 minutes. Your customers keep calling the same number they always have. For a permanent solution, you can port your existing number directly into InstantBook. We handle the transfer process and guide you through it. It typically takes 2-4 weeks. Either way, your customers never need to know anything changed.
Do I need to sign up for Twilio or any other phone service?+
No. InstantBook handles all the phone infrastructure for you. When you sign up, we automatically set up a local phone number in your area code. You never need to create a Twilio account, manage any phone settings, or deal with any carrier directly unless you choose to forward or port your existing number, which we walk you through step by step.
How fast can I start receiving calls and texts through InstantBook?+
Immediately. The moment your account is created, you have a working local phone number. Calls come in, voicemails get transcribed, and leads are captured right away. If you want to use your existing business number, you can set up forwarding the same day in about 10 minutes.
What happens to my existing number if I port it to InstantBook?+
Your number moves fully into InstantBook's infrastructure. After porting is complete, typically 2-4 weeks, all calls and texts to that number are handled by InstantBook automatically. Your customers dial the same number as always. During the porting process, we recommend setting up call forwarding first so there is zero gap in coverage.
Can I leave InstantBook and take my number with me?+
If you ported your number into InstantBook, you can port it back out to any carrier at any time. We will not hold your number hostage. If you are using a number we provisioned for you, that number stays with InstantBook, but your original number was never touched.
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