How extension numbers work on your account

An extension is the short internal number that identifies a person or phone on your account. Coworkers dial it to reach each other without using a full phone number.

One length for every extension

Extensions are at least three digits long, and all extensions on your account have the same number of digits. The length is set for each account, so yours may differ from another company's.

CallSprout sets the length when we build your account. It can't be changed once the first extension exists, so plan ahead before you add people.

Where you use extensions

• Calling a coworker. Dial their extension from your desk phone or app.
• Star codes that need a person. Some codes ask for an extension after the code itself. For example, dial *88 and then an extension to answer that extension's ringing phone. Dial *124 to check any mailbox, and enter the extension when you're asked.
• Telling people how to reach you. Outside callers use your phone number, not your extension. Some people also have a direct number of their own.

See the star code cheat sheet for more codes that use extensions.

For admins

Keep the fixed length in mind when you plan new users, departments or groups. Everything on your account that needs an extension follows the same length, so you can't give one department shorter numbers.

If you think your company might outgrow its extension length, talk to support before you add users.

Troubleshooting

You don't know your extension length. Look at your own extension, or at any coworker's. Every extension has the same number of digits.

A coworker's extension doesn't ring. Check that you dialed every digit. If it still doesn't work, ask your admin whether that user is set up.