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By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Open the Zoom desktop app, click the Phone icon at the top of the window, and use the dial pad to type a phone number or search for a contact to make a call.

How to Set Up and Use Zoom Phone ​

Applies to: Zoom Desktop Client, Zoom Mobile App
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-10

Summary ​

Many companies are replacing physical desk phones with "Softphones" like Zoom Phone. This allows you to make traditional 10-digit phone calls (to clients, vendors, or external contacts) using your work phone number, directly from the Zoom app on your computer or cell phone. This guide shows you how to get started.

If your company runs its calling through Microsoft Teams rather than Zoom, the layout and settings differ — see How to Make and Answer Phone Calls in Teams instead.

Prerequisites ​

  • You must have the Zoom Desktop Client or Zoom Mobile App installed
  • Your IT department must have assigned you a Zoom Phone license and a direct phone number

Instructions ​

1. Where to Find Zoom Phone ​

Zoom Phone is built directly into the standard Zoom app; you do not need to download a separate application.

  1. Open the Zoom Desktop app.
  2. Look at the top menu bar (where you usually see Home, Meetings, and Chat).
  3. Click the Phone tab.
  4. You will see a traditional dial pad, your call history, and a tab for voicemails.

(Note: If you do not see the Phone tab, IT has not assigned a license to your account. You will need to submit a ticket).

2. How to Make and Receive Calls ​

Making a call is exactly like using a cell phone, but you use your mouse and keyboard.

To make a call:

  1. In the Phone tab, use the dial pad to enter a 10-digit phone number. (You can also type a coworker's name in the search bar above the dial pad).
  2. Click the blue Phone icon to dial.
  3. You will hear the phone ringing through your computer headset.

To receive a call:

  1. When someone calls your direct Zoom Phone number, a notification will pop up in the top right corner of your screen (even if Zoom is minimized).
  2. Click the blue Accept button to answer, or the red Decline button to send them to voicemail.

3. Setting Up Your Voicemail Greeting ​

You should record a professional voicemail greeting as soon as you get your Zoom Phone number.

  1. In the Zoom app, click your Profile Picture in the top right and select Settings.
  2. Click the Phone tab on the left menu.
  3. Scroll down to the Call Handling section.
  4. Under "Business Hours", look for the Greeting & Leave voicemail setting. Click Edit.
  5. Click Add Audio > Record by Computer.
  6. Follow the prompts to record your greeting (e.g., "Hi, you've reached [Name] at [Company]. I am currently unavailable...").
  7. Save the recording.

4. Using the Zoom Mobile App (Work Phone on the Go) ​

If you install the Zoom app on your personal iPhone or Android, you can make work calls without giving out your personal cell phone number.

  1. Download the Zoom - One Platform to Connect app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Sign in with your work email.
  3. Tap the Phone tab at the bottom of the screen.
  4. When you dial a number from this tab, it uses your data/Wi-Fi to make the call, and the person receiving the call will see your Company Caller ID, not your personal cell number.

Troubleshooting ​

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Phone tab is completely missingNo licenseContact IT. They need to assign you a Zoom Phone Calling Plan
Call quality is robotic or drops constantlyBad Wi-Fi connectionZoom Phone requires a stable internet connection. Move closer to your router or plug into Ethernet
Headset rings, but computer speakers don'tRinger settingsGo to Settings > Audio and change the "Ringer" drop-down to your computer speakers
Can't dial international numbersIT RestrictionsMost companies block international dialing by default to prevent fraud. Request an exception from IT