How to receive translated calls on your existing business phone

Create a TalkTool Incoming number and choose Forward to my phone under Where should calls ring? Enter your existing business phone as the destination. Customers dial your active TalkTool number; your current phone rings with translation connected.

Watch this scenario’s narrated walkthrough, then follow the written instructions below. The demo stops before a live call or number activation.

Use your regular phoneAutomatic language detectionNo app for the other caller

How do I receive translated calls on your existing business phone?

Create a TalkTool Incoming number and choose Forward to my phone under Where should calls ring? Enter your existing business phone as the destination. Customers dial your active TalkTool number; your current phone rings with translation connected.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Choose Incoming number in the wizard

    Open My Translators → Set Up Agent. Choose Incoming number so customers can reach your business through TalkTool.

  2. Configure the caller’s language

    Choose Auto-detect, a language menu or one language for every caller. Review the opening announcement language; it does not determine the customer’s translation language.

  3. Set Forward to my phone

    Under Where should calls ring?, choose Forward to my phone. Enter your existing business number with its country code and check validation.

  4. Review the destination and activate

    Search for an available TalkTool number. On the review screen, verify that calls ring the business phone you entered. Review charges and number requirements before confirming activation.

  5. Test before sharing the number

    Call your TalkTool number from another phone, answer on the business phone, and check translation both ways. Give customers the TalkTool number for this translated route.

A practical example

A front desk already answers a landline. Customers dial a dedicated TalkTool number, which forwards their translated calls to that landline. Staff keep answering the same physical phone.

Common questions

Does this translate calls placed directly to my existing number?

This setup translates calls that enter through your TalkTool number. Calls made directly to your existing business number do not automatically pass through TalkTool.

Is this the same as forwarding my existing number into TalkTool?

No. These steps forward from TalkTool to your business phone. Carrier forwarding into TalkTool is a separate configuration; avoid sending the destination back to TalkTool and creating a loop.

Do I need an app on the receiving phone?

No. The destination receives a phone call. Answer it and follow the TalkTool announcement before speaking.

Written by TalkTool. Instructions checked against the setup wizard and product documentation. See the detailed product guide.

Your next conversation starts here.

Add TalkTool to an existing call, or call someone through your translator line.

Get started