Should I port my number or forward it?

Start by forwarding. It is instant, costs nothing extra, and you can undo it with a code on your own phone if you change your mind. Porting moves the number permanently and is better once you are sure, since it takes carrier time to complete.

Can I keep my existing business number?

Yes, both ways. Forwarding keeps the number with your current carrier and simply points calls at the AI, and porting brings the number itself over to OrderToAI. Either way your customers keep dialling the number they already know.

Why does each location need its own number?

Because the dialled number is how the AI knows which store the caller wants, and therefore which hours, knowledge, menu, and calendar to use. Without a separate number the AI cannot tell your locations apart.

Why can my number make calls but not send texts?

United States carriers require business numbers to be registered before they can text. That registration is filed for you when you buy the number, but approval takes time and sits with the carriers. Voice is unaffected while you wait.

Phone numbers

All plans

Phone numbers is where your AI gets a line to answer. You can buy a local number in the area code your customers recognise, or transfer in the number you already advertise so nothing on your van or your signage has to change. The number you have here does two jobs: it is the line your AI answers, and it is the caller ID your win-back calls come from. Each location has its own number, which is how the AI knows which store a caller wants. Most owners keep their existing business number and forward it to the AI number rather than porting immediately, because forwarding is instant and reversible while a transfer is permanent. Text messaging on a number requires carrier registration, which is filed for you automatically when you buy it.

The Phone Numbers page showing owned numbers and the option to get a new one — Buy a local number, or transfer the one you already use

Buy, port, or forward

Buy, port, or forward
Approach	When it fits
Buy a new local number	The fastest start. You get a number in your area code immediately and can forward your existing line to it whenever you are ready.
Forward your existing line	Keeps the number your customers know, works instantly, and is reversible with a code on your own phone. This is where most owners begin.
Port your number in	Moves your existing number to OrderToAI permanently. Best once you are confident, because it takes carrier time and is not instant.

Questions

Should I port my number or forward it?: Start by forwarding. It is instant, costs nothing extra, and you can undo it with a code on your own phone if you change your mind. Porting moves the number permanently and is better once you are sure, since it takes carrier time to complete.
Can I keep my existing business number?: Yes, both ways. Forwarding keeps the number with your current carrier and simply points calls at the AI, and porting brings the number itself over to OrderToAI. Either way your customers keep dialling the number they already know.
Why does each location need its own number?: Because the dialled number is how the AI knows which store the caller wants, and therefore which hours, knowledge, menu, and calendar to use. Without a separate number the AI cannot tell your locations apart.
Why can my number make calls but not send texts?: United States carriers require business numbers to be registered before they can text. That registration is filed for you when you buy the number, but approval takes time and sits with the carriers. Voice is unaffected while you wait.

Next steps

Forwarding your existing number

How call forwarding works, the difference between forwarding everything and only forwarding missed calls, and how to turn it off again.

Locations

How multiple stores work: a number, agent, knowledge, hours, and menu per location, with one dashboard and a switcher that filters everything.

Going live: the activation checklist

The steps between creating an account and your AI answering real calls: get a number, set your transfer contact, review knowledge, and forward your line.

Hear it on your own business

Reading about it only goes so far. The demo calls you and answers as your business, using your real Google profile, before you create an account.

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