Help article
How phone numbers work in InstantBook
InstantBook handles the phone infrastructure for you. Your workspace gets a routing number behind the scenes, you can keep your existing business number public, and you can port that existing number later if you want it fully inside InstantBook.
Section 1
InstantBook prepares a routing number behind the scenes
InstantBook provisions a Twilio-powered routing number for your workspace so calls, texts, voicemail, and missed-call recovery have a reliable automation path. You do not need to create a Twilio account, buy a phone number yourself, or manage carrier settings inside Twilio.
For most established businesses, this routing number stays behind the scenes. Customers keep calling your existing public number while you decide whether to forward calls into InstantBook, use the routing number directly, or port your current number later.
Section 2
Option 1: Use the routing number directly
This is the simplest path for a new business or new location. Share your InstantBook routing number with customers, add it to your website, and place it on your Google Business Profile.
It is optional. If your current business number already matters to customers, forwarding is usually the better starting point.
Section 3
Option 2: Keep your existing number and forward calls
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 routing 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. The routing number is the behind-the-scenes destination, not necessarily a number customers need to see. Outbound calls may show the routing number as caller ID instead of your original number until you port your number or configure a supported caller ID path.
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. That is the most common setup. InstantBook prepares a Twilio-powered routing number behind the scenes, while your customers keep calling the existing number they already know. The fastest path is call forwarding: you forward your existing number to the InstantBook routing number through your carrier, which takes about 10 minutes. For a permanent solution, you can port your existing number directly into InstantBook later. We handle the transfer process and guide you through it. It typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Do I need to sign up for Twilio or any other phone service?+
No. InstantBook handles the phone infrastructure for you. When you sign up, we automatically prepare a Twilio-powered routing number for your workspace. You never need to create a Twilio account, manage Twilio settings, or buy numbers yourself. You only deal with your carrier if you choose to forward or port your existing number, and we walk you through that.
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