talktool
Try for free
How-To Guide

How to Set Up a Multilingual IVR System

Create an automated phone menu that lets callers choose their preferred language. Support 40+ languages with AI translation. Setup takes just 15 minutes.

Get Started FreeSee 40+ Languages
Quick Answer

How do you set up a multilingual IVR system?

To set up a multilingual IVR with talktool: 1) Get a dedicated phone number ($5/month), 2) Go to Call Routing settings in your dashboard, 3) Select 'IVR Language Selection' mode, 4) Add your language options (up to 9), 5) Customize your greeting message, and 6) Test by calling your number. Setup takes about 15 minutes and supports 40+ languages with AI translation at $0.25/minute.

Key Facts

  • Setup time: 10-15 minutes
  • 40+ languages supported
  • Up to 9 language options per menu
  • Cost: $5/month for dedicated number
  • Translation: $0.25/minute
  • No coding required
Source:

Step-by-Step IVR Setup

  1. 1

    Access Your Call Routing Settings

    Log into your talktool dashboard and navigate to the 'Call Routing' section under your number settings. This is where you'll configure how incoming calls are handled.

    • Each translator number has its own routing settings
    • You can configure different IVR menus for different numbers
    • Changes take effect immediately after saving
    Screenshot: Dashboard call routing navigation
  2. 2

    Select 'IVR Language Selection' Mode

    Choose the 'IVR Language Selection' option as your inbound call plan. This enables the automated menu that lets callers choose their language before connecting.

    • This mode is ideal for businesses serving multiple language communities
    • Callers hear the menu immediately when they call
    • You can switch modes anytime without losing settings
    Screenshot: IVR mode selection screen
  3. 3

    Configure Your Language Options

    Add the languages you want to support in your IVR menu. Assign a key press (1-9) to each language. The most common languages should be first options.

    • Start with your most frequently requested languages
    • You can add up to 9 language options
    • Consider adding "Press 0 for operator" as a fallback
    Screenshot: Language configuration panel
  4. 4

    Customize Your Greeting Message

    Write or record your IVR greeting. The system can auto-generate greetings in each language, or you can provide custom text that will be spoken with natural AI voices.

    • Keep greetings concise (under 15 seconds total)
    • State options clearly: 'For English, press 1. Para español, oprima 2.'
    • Test how greetings sound before going live
    Screenshot: Greeting customization interface
  5. 5

    Set Your Default & Timeout Options

    Configure what happens if a caller doesn't make a selection. Choose a default language or forward to your main line. Set timeout duration (typically 10-15 seconds).

    • Default language ensures no caller is left waiting
    • Consider forwarding unanswered calls to a live operator
    • Test the full caller experience before going live
    Screenshot: Default and timeout settings
  6. 6

    Test Your IVR Setup

    Call your translator number from another phone to test the complete caller experience. Verify each language option routes correctly and translations work as expected.

    • Test from a mobile phone to hear actual caller experience
    • Try each language option to confirm routing
    • Ask a colleague who speaks another language to test
    Screenshot: Testing IVR flow

IVR Features

Everything you need for a professional multilingual phone system

Visual IVR Builder

Easy interface to build your phone menu without any coding required.

40+ Languages

Support for all major world languages in your IVR menu options.

Natural AI Voices

High-quality text-to-speech for professional-sounding greetings in any language.

Flexible Routing

Route different languages to different team members or departments.

Call Analytics

See which languages are most requested and optimize your menu accordingly.

Caller Recognition

Returning callers can skip the IVR based on their saved language preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to set up your multilingual IVR?

Get your translator number and create your language menu in 15 minutes. Just $5/month plus $0.25/minute for translations.

Get Started Free

No credit card required - Free minutes included - Cancel anytime