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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.

    **
  1. Log in**in to the ESI Cloud PortalPortal.  ([my.esihs.net](https://my.esihs.net)).

    2. 2.
  2. Navigate to **"Answer Rules"**Rules.
    3. (may
  3. Select berule underyou *Callhave Settings*already created.
    1. or *Extensionclick Settings*)Add Rule.
      3.
      1. Select the **Time Frame**Frame (Business Hours, After Hours, Holidays)Holidays, etc.).

        2. 4.
      2.  Choose your preferred **call handling option**option (ring, forward, voicemail)voicemail, etc.).  
        5.
        3. **Save**
      3. Save your settings.  

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

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

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