Simultaneous ring

What is simultaneous ring and how does it work?

Simultaneous ring is a phone system feature that sends a single incoming call to multiple devices or people at the same time. The call rings on every selected device, such as a computer, mobile phone, and desk phone, and stops ringing everywhere once someone answers. It helps you reach more calls with one business number.

Thanks to VoIP technology, those devices can include desk phones, mobile phones, tablets, and computers running a calling app.

Simultaneous ring vs. call forwarding vs. sequential ring

These features are often confused, but they handle calls differently:

• Simultaneous ring rings several devices or people at once. The first to pick up gets the call.

• Call forwarding sends a call from one number to another, usually when you're unavailable or away from your main phone.

• Sequential ring rings devices or people one after another in a set order until someone answers.

Because nobody has to wait for a previous phone to stop ringing, simultaneous ring can help callers reach someone faster.

Simultaneous ring with Dialpad:

How Dialpad's simultaneous ring feature works

Setting up simultaneous ring in Dialpad takes a few minutes:

1. Sign in to Dialpad on your devices: Install the Dialpad app on the computers, phones, or tablets you want to use.

2. Choose which devices ring: In your Dialpad settings, open Your devices to see every connected device and select the ones that should ring for incoming calls. Desk phones your admin has set up appear here too.

3. Add forwarding numbers (optional): You can add up to five forwarding numbers, such as a personal mobile number, that ring together with your Dialpad number. Turning on the forwarding prompt asks you to press 1 to accept a forwarded call, so calls stay in Dialpad instead of going to your mobile carrier's voicemail.

When someone calls, every selected device rings at once. The ringing stops as soon as you answer on one device or send the call to voicemail.

When you're off the clock, turn on Do not disturb so business calls don't ring your personal devices after hours.

Simultaneous ring for teams

Simultaneous ring works for groups as well as individuals. Instead of routing a call to one person at a time, a team line can ring several people at once, so whoever is free answers first.

For customer-facing teams, Dialpad supports simultaneous ring contact centers, where incoming calls ring up to 25 agents and supervisors at the same time. It's a simple way to cut wait times for smaller support or front-desk teams that don't need more complex routing rules. Because personal lines, team lines, and contact centers all run on Dialpad's AI platform for customer experience, calls can move between them without switching systems.

Answer more calls with simultaneous ring

Missed calls can mean missed revenue. Simultaneous ring helps more calls get answered by whoever is available, on whatever device is closest.

As your business grows, an AI receptionist can add another layer of coverage, answering calls when no one on your team is free and routing callers to the right person. Both run on the same Dialpad platform, so you can expand coverage without changing systems.