;
};
Purchasing and configuring a dedicated phone number is a critical step in establishing seamless communication with your audience. This lesson guides you from selecting a number to configuring call settings, forwarding, call recording, and timeout behavior.
## Why this matters
Your HoopAI Platform phone number is what your contacts see when you call or text them. It is also the number that receives inbound calls and SMS messages, which flow directly into your Conversations inbox. Without a dedicated number, you cannot send or receive business communications through the platform.
If you plan to send SMS, complete your A2P 10DLC registration before or immediately after purchasing your phone number. You will need to link your number to your registered brand.
## How to buy and configure a phone number
Go to **Settings** in the left sidebar and select **Phone Numbers**.
Click **Add Number** or the **+** button to begin the purchase process.
Choose your country from the dropdown. Then enter the area code you want — ideally one that matches your local service area to build familiarity with local contacts.
Local numbers (with a regional area code) typically have higher answer rates from local contacts compared to toll-free numbers.
The platform will display available numbers matching your criteria. Select the one that fits your business and click **Buy** or **Purchase**.
After purchasing, click on the number to access its settings. Configure:
* **Name:** Give the number a descriptive label (e.g., "Main Business Line" or "Sales Line")
* **Forwarding number:** Enter a phone number to forward incoming calls to when needed
* **Caller ID pass:** Enable to display your business number — not your personal number — when making outbound calls
* **Call connect:** Require a keypress before connecting an incoming forwarded call, reducing robocall connections
* **Whisper message:** Play a brief message to you before connecting a forwarded call (e.g., "Incoming call from HoopAI")
* **Call recording:** Enable to automatically record all calls on this number
Configure how long the system rings before sending to voicemail:
* **Inbound call timeout:** How long an incoming call rings before timing out
* **Outbound call timeout:** How long an outgoing call rings before the system stops trying
Set these based on your typical availability and response time.
If you have completed A2P 10DLC registration, link this phone number to your approved brand and campaign. This ensures your SMS messages are sent from a compliant, registered number.
## Key points
Local numbers (with a regional area code) tend to have higher answer rates from local contacts. Toll-free numbers project a national presence. Choose based on your business type and target audience.
Forwarding routes incoming calls to your personal or team phone. Enabling Caller ID Pass ensures contacts see your business number, not your personal number, when you call them back.
Before enabling call recording, ensure you are compliant with applicable recording consent laws in your state or country. Some states require two-party consent before recording a call.
A whisper message plays to you — not the caller — before connecting a forwarded call. This is useful for identifying which campaign or number the caller came from so you can greet them appropriately.
## Key benefits
A dedicated business number provides a reliable contact method for leads, clients, and prospects.
A dedicated phone number separates business from personal communications entirely.
Forwarding, caller ID, and whisper messages improve how you handle every incoming call.
Recording and reporting on calls gives you visibility into team performance and conversation quality.
Your purchased number can also send and receive SMS messages through the platform.
