How To Get Phone Numbers For Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is a cloud-based system that allows businesses to manage voice, video, and messaging in one platform. It provides virtual phone numbers for local, toll-free, and international use, helping teams stay connected across devices. Here's how you can get started:
- Types of Numbers: Choose from local (area-specific), toll-free (e.g., 1-800), or international numbers. Local numbers create a regional presence, toll-free numbers are customer-friendly, and international options expand global reach.
- Costs: Numbers cost $5/month beyond your initial allocation. International calling plans start at $10/month.
- Setup: Assign numbers to users or functions like auto receptionists and call queues. Batch assignments simplify setup for larger teams.
- Porting Existing Numbers: Transfer current numbers to Zoom Phone with a signed Letter of Authorization (LOA), which can take up to 15 business days.
For more advanced needs, third-party providers like Twilio or AVOXI offer additional flexibility, especially for international coverage or custom features. Integration with Zoom Phone involves SIP trunking or call forwarding.
Zoom Phone also supports tools like Leadsforge for verified lead data, which can improve outreach efforts by ensuring accurate and properly formatted phone numbers.
Whether you're setting up new numbers or integrating existing ones, Zoom Phone simplifies communication while meeting business needs.
Types of Phone Numbers Available for Zoom Phone
Local, Toll-Free, and International Numbers
Zoom Phone offers a variety of phone number options to support business communications, including local, toll-free, and international numbers.
- Local numbers (listed as 'Toll' in Zoom) are tied to specific geographic area codes, making it easier for businesses to establish a local presence. This matters because about 60% of customers prefer reaching out to businesses with local area codes.
- Toll-free numbers, often starting with prefixes like 1-800, allow customers to call without incurring charges, with your business covering the costs. These numbers are available in the US, Canada, and several other countries, adding a level of professionalism to your contact options.
- International numbers can be accessed through Zoom's Global Select plan. For $20 per user per month (billed annually), businesses get unlimited domestic calling in 48 countries. Alternatively, a metered add-on for $10 per month provides unlimited calling to over 15 countries. However, Zoom Phone does not currently support international DID numbers that appear local to other countries.
Both local and toll-free numbers in the US and Canada come equipped with features like inbound and outbound calling, SMS, MMS, international SMS, and, for local numbers, emergency calling to meet regulatory standards. These options comply with strict US formatting and regulations, which are outlined below.
US Phone Number Formats and Requirements
Zoom Phone adheres to standard US number formats, typically displayed as (555) 123-4567, for both local and toll-free numbers. To acquire these numbers, users need a Zoom Phone license, a dedicated calling plan (or Zoom Workplace bundle), and owner or admin privileges.
For SMS/MMS functionality, numbers must be part of an approved 10DLC campaign by June 15, 2025. Additionally, starting in August 2025, all numbers will require a signed Letter of Authorization (LOA).
- Activation timelines: New numbers may activate instantly, but it could take up to four weeks in some cases. Porting existing numbers from another provider typically requires up to 15 business days and a signed LOA.
- Costs: Additional numbers beyond your initial allocation cost $5 per month. For metered plans, international call rates vary widely, ranging from $0.02 to over $1.00 per minute, depending on the destination.
These options and features ensure businesses have flexible and reliable communication tools tailored to their needs.
How to Get Phone Numbers Within Zoom Phone
Setting Up Numbers in Zoom Phone
Once you've secured phone numbers, the next step is making sure they work seamlessly with your B2B communication setup.
Start by assigning numbers to specific users or functions. These could include phone users, call queues, auto receptionists, common area phones, or even Zoom Rooms. For larger organizations, batch assignment can save time by streamlining the setup process.
When a direct number is assigned, an email notification is automatically sent to the user - though this can be adjusted in account settings. Users will need to set their country, area code, timezone (important for business hours and call routing), and a voicemail PIN.
You can also personalize your auto receptionist with custom recordings and menus that make navigation simple for callers. Beyond that, you can configure IVR systems, manage multiple sites, establish call queues, and even set up emergency services. If you're using IP desk phones, provisioning templates allow you to apply custom settings across several devices at once.
Lastly, take some time to configure account-wide settings, such as default business hours, feature policies, and audio preferences. These adjustments help ensure consistency and efficiency across your organization.
Using Third-Party Providers for Virtual Numbers
Zoom Phone provides a solid foundation for number provisioning, but third-party providers bring added flexibility, competitive pricing, and a wider range of features. These providers often stand out in areas like international number availability, advanced call routing, and seamless integration with existing business tools.
Top Third-Party Providers Compatible with Zoom Phone
Third-party services can enhance your Zoom Phone experience by offering additional capabilities.
- Twilio: Known for its developer-focused platform, Twilio offers programmable voice and SMS services alongside virtual numbers. Its API-driven design simplifies integration, and it supports virtual numbers in numerous countries.
- AVOXI: AVOXI is a strong choice for businesses with global operations, thanks to its extensive international number coverage. It also includes features like call recording, detailed analytics, and multilingual support.
- Grasshopper: Designed with small to medium-sized businesses in mind, Grasshopper provides a straightforward solution for call forwarding and voicemail. It's easy to set up and ideal for teams needing basic functionality.
- RingCentral: While a competitor to Zoom Phone, RingCentral offers enterprise-level virtual numbers and advanced call management features. Through SIP trunking, its services can integrate with other platforms, making it a versatile option.
Integration Steps with Zoom Phone
To connect third-party virtual numbers to Zoom Phone, you'll typically need to configure SIP trunking or call forwarding. Here's how the process generally works:
- Forward Calls via Provider Dashboard: Log in to your third-party provider's dashboard and set up call forwarding to your Zoom Phone. You'll need your Zoom Phone SIP credentials, which you can find in the Zoom admin portal under Phone System Settings.
- Coordinate with Provider Support: Contact your provider's support team to establish a SIP trunking connection or call forwarding setup. They will provide server details, authentication information, and routing instructions to complete the integration.
- Test the Setup: Once configured, test the integration to ensure proper call routing, voicemail functionality, and call quality.
Comparison: Zoom Phone vs. Third-Party Providers
When deciding between Zoom Phone and third-party providers, it's helpful to compare their features, costs, and scalability.
| Feature | Zoom Phone | Third-Party Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | Easy, built into the Zoom ecosystem | Requires additional configuration |
| Cost | Higher per user with unified billing | Often more economical per number |
| International Coverage | Limited options for global reach | Extensive international availability |
| Advanced Features | Built-in analytics and seamless video tools | Varies by provider, often specialized |
| Support Quality | Centralized Zoom support | Support quality varies by provider |
| Scalability | Ideal for Zoom-centric teams | Flexible for diverse business needs |
Each option has its strengths. Zoom Phone is perfect for teams already using Zoom’s ecosystem, offering simplicity and seamless integration. On the other hand, third-party providers are great for businesses seeking cost-effective virtual numbers or broader international coverage.
For the best of both worlds, consider using Zoom Phone for core operations and third-party providers for international or specialized needs. Your choice should align with your technical resources, business priorities, and team requirements. Up next, learn how Leadsforge can streamline phone number data management.
How Leadsforge Improves Phone Number Data
Zoom Phone offers excellent virtual number services, but sourcing precise prospect data can still be a major hurdle. That’s where Leadsforge steps in, providing verified lead data tailored to work seamlessly with Zoom Phone. Let’s break down how Leadsforge’s thorough approach to data refinement can elevate your outreach efforts.
Leadsforge's Phone Number Data Process
Leadsforge simplifies prospecting through its intuitive conversational interface, delivering targeted leads that include verified U.S. phone numbers, LinkedIn profiles, and email addresses. Its data enrichment process pulls information from various sources to ensure phone numbers are accurate, up-to-date, and correctly formatted. This reduces the chances of call failures and enhances the efficiency of your Zoom Phone outreach. Plus, when paired with Salesforge, it takes multichannel campaigns to the next level - synchronizing calls, emails, and LinkedIn messages for a cohesive and effective outreach strategy.
Best Practices for Managing Phone Numbers
Effectively managing phone numbers in Zoom Phone becomes much simpler with centralized control and automation. Zoom's built-in tools allow B2B teams to keep their phone number management organized while expanding their operations smoothly.
These approaches work seamlessly with earlier provisioning methods, ensuring businesses can handle both initial setup and future growth with ease.
Setting Up Numbers for Sales and Marketing Teams
One of the smartest ways to manage phone numbers is through Zoom Phone's unified admin dashboard. This centralized tool makes it easy to add, remove, or update numbers, users, and calling plans all in one place. By streamlining these tasks, businesses can handle communication resources more efficiently.
Scaling Phone Number Provisioning
Zoom's self-service portal is a powerful tool for quick scaling. It lets teams immediately purchase or port local, toll-free, and virtual numbers, cutting down delays when entering new markets or launching campaigns. For even faster scaling, batch operations allow businesses to assign numbers in bulk, saving time and effort.
Conclusion: Getting Started with Zoom Phone Numbers
Using Zoom Phone numbers can transform how businesses handle communication and lead generation. By offering a virtual solution, these numbers let B2B teams establish a local presence in multiple markets without needing physical offices. Operating over the internet, they allow companies to centralize operations while appearing local to their customers in various regions. Plus, they integrate smoothly with existing CRM systems and outreach tools, creating a more cohesive workflow.
This integration with CRM and contact center tools enhances efficiency by unifying communication processes. Features like call forwarding, call recording, and real-time monitoring ensure teams can capture critical details for follow-ups and maintain top-notch service. These tools simplify communication management, freeing up your team to concentrate on priority sales tasks.
With mobile-friendly capabilities, Zoom Phone numbers keep teams connected across devices, making them perfect for remote or distributed sales teams. Add in AI-powered features such as post-call summaries and voicemail prioritization, and teams can stay focused on valuable activities while ensuring no important details slip through the cracks.
Whether you choose to purchase numbers directly through Zoom, port your existing numbers, or work with third-party providers, the platform's administrative ease supports fast business growth. Tools like Leadsforge can further streamline the process, helping you turn your phone numbers into real, measurable results. By following these steps, you can configure, integrate, and scale your Zoom Phone setup with ease.
Adopting Zoom Phone numbers strengthens security, enhances customer interactions, and improves operational efficiency, making it a powerful tool for lead generation and customer relationship management.
FAQs
How can I transfer my existing phone numbers to Zoom Phone, and how long does it usually take?
To move your current phone numbers to Zoom Phone, you'll need to start a number porting request through Zoom’s admin portal. This process requires you to share details about your current carrier and the specific numbers you'd like to transfer. Be sure that your account with your existing provider stays active throughout the process.
The time it takes to complete the porting can vary based on your carrier and how complex the transfer is. Generally, it takes 7 to 10 business days, though some cases might take longer. Zoom will send you an email notification once the transfer is finalized. If you encounter any issues along the way, Zoom's support team is available to help you sort things out.
How does Zoom Phone meet US phone number requirements and stay compliant with regulations?
Zoom Phone meets U.S. phone number standards by implementing the 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) framework. This framework ensures that SMS messaging campaigns are registered through the Campaign Registry, helping businesses stay within regulatory guidelines while maintaining reliable communication channels.
By following these regulations, Zoom Phone ensures its phone number formats and messaging services comply with industry standards, offering a trustworthy solution for businesses operating in the United States.
What are the advantages of using third-party providers with Zoom Phone for international numbers?
Using third-party providers along with Zoom Phone opens up access to a wider range of international phone numbers, making it easier for businesses to connect across more regions. For companies with global communication needs, this can also be a cost-effective alternative to relying only on Zoom Phone plans.
What’s more, third-party providers remove the need for on-site infrastructure, streamlining both setup and ongoing management. This makes scaling operations smoother while ensuring reliable communication across multiple countries.