How to Configure Ring Time Before Call Returns to AI
Set the optimal ring time for transferred calls. Balance between giving team members time to answer and not keeping callers waiting too long.
Quick Answer: Configure ring time by going to Connect > Phone and finding the Ring Time setting. Set between 20-30 seconds for optimal results - long enough for people to answer, short enough to not frustrate callers.
What You'll Learn
This guide explains how ring time affects call handling and helps you choose the optimal setting for your business.
Step-by-Step Configuration
- Navigate to Connect > Phone
- Find the Ring Time setting
- Select your desired duration in seconds
- Click Save to apply the change
How Ring Time Works
When your AI transfers a call to a forwarding group:
- AI connects the caller to the first number in the group
- Phone rings for the configured ring time
- If answered, call continues with that person
- If not answered, AI tries the next number in the group
- Process repeats through all numbers
- If no one answers, call returns to AI
Recommended Ring Times
| Scenario | Recommended Time | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Standard business | 25-30 seconds | Allows time to reach phone |
| Emergency services | 15-20 seconds | Faster cycling through contacts |
| Small team | 30-35 seconds | Everyone might be busy |
| Large team | 20-25 seconds | Someone should be available quickly |
Factors to Consider
- Team size: Larger teams can use shorter ring times since someone is likely available
- Industry: Emergency services need faster response; consultations can wait longer
- Caller patience: Most callers give up after 30-45 seconds of ringing total
- Mobile vs desk: Mobile users may need more time to answer
- Number of contacts: More contacts in group = shorter per-person ring time
Calculating Total Wait Time
Remember: total caller wait = ring time × number of contacts in group
Example: 30 second ring time × 3 contacts = 90 seconds potential wait before returning to AI
Keep total under 60-90 seconds to prevent caller abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the minimum ring time?
A: 10 seconds is typically the minimum, but this rarely gives enough time to answer.
Q: Does ring time affect AI answer time?
A: No, ring time only applies to transferred calls, not initial AI answering.
Q: Can different groups have different ring times?
A: Currently, ring time applies to all groups. Consider group size when setting it.
Related Articles
Bizzy Can Do This For You
Instead of doing this manually, just tell Bizzy:
"Help me configure ring time"Or navigate to: Connect > Phone
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Last updated: February 1, 2025