Understanding Answer Rules in the Hosted Phone Service

What Are Answer Rules?

Answer Rules determine how incoming calls to your extension are handled based on Time Frames (business hours, after-hours, holidays). Users can customize these rules to control whether calls:  
- Ring their desk phone  
- Forward to another number (mobile, home, etc.)  
- Go directly to voicemail  
- Follow a custom call flow  

These rules ensure calls are managed efficiently, even when you're unavailable.  

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How to Change Your Answer Rules

1. **Log in** to the ESI Cloud Portal ([my.esihs.net](https://my.esihs.net)).  
2. Navigate to **"Answer Rules"** (may be under *Call Settings* or *Extension Settings*).  
3. Select the **Time Frame** (Business Hours, After Hours, Holidays).  
4. Choose your preferred **call handling option** (ring, forward, voicemail).  
5. **Save** your settings.  

> **Note:** Some rules may require admin approval if forwarding to external numbers.  

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## **Best Practices for Answer Rules**  
✔ **Test your rules** to ensure calls route correctly.  
✔ **Update holiday schedules** in advance to avoid missed calls.  
✔ **Use sequential ring** if you want your desk phone to try first.  
✔ **Set a voicemail greeting** for professionalism.  

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## **Need Help?**  
- **ESI Support Portal:** [support.esi-estech.com](https://support.esi-estech.com)  
- **Phone Support:** Check your service agreement for contact details.  

Would you like a step-by-step guide with screenshots for setting up Answer Rules? Let me know how I can improve this article!