Phone Extensions | VoIP Features | Nextiva (2024)

For employees sharing the same business phone system, they should be able to pick up their handset and dial the extension number, and the call will be connected.

With a VoIP softphone calling app, you can dial the extension or tap the user from your contacts to be connected.

We recommend setting up your phone number extensions to be four digits long. This phone feature will help avoid issues with speed dial and placing outgoing calls with area codes.

Yes, one of the best aspects of having a phone extension is that it allows employees to share the same business phone service and stay connected. They won't need to divulge personal cell phone numbers. They can dial each other from the company's name directory.

Phone extensions follow the employee with whatever phone they're using, including desk phones and softphones.

If they're taking time off, they can also forward their extensions to an extension of a supervisor or a colleague on their behalf. It's a better option than coming back to a full voicemail box.

Phone extensions are similar to virtual phone numbers, but they serve different purposes.

Virtual phone numbers generally refer to phone numbers that receive incoming calls from the public. Phone extensions are used to direct phone calls to a specific user, team, or department.

Phone extensions and phone numbers are always "virtual" since neither of them is hard-coded to a user. They exist within the logic of a PBX to direct calls to different people. Sometimes called virtual or internal phone numbers, phone extensions function within the office phone system such as a cloud PBX.

Traditional phone service doesn't provide unlimited extensions without additional telecom equipment.

You can save time calling toll-free phone numbers that require extensions or passcodes with your smartphone. One little-known trick is to store a special number to your contacts.

When you add a phone number to your contacts, hold down the asterisk (*) key until you’re able to select a comma. After the comma, enter the desired phone extension. One comma is equivalent to waiting two seconds, so you may want to add two of them together to avoid dialing too quickly.

This feature is perfect for dialing through auto attendants and conference call services. The next time you call from your contacts, the phone digits will be entered automatically.