How can we help?

How do I set up my AI receptionist?

After signing up, your AI receptionist is automatically configured with the details you provided during onboarding. Your dedicated phone number is provisioned within a few minutes. You can then customise your greeting, FAQs and opening hours from the Knowledge Base section of your dashboard.

How long does it take to get my phone number?

Phone numbers are typically provisioned within 2-3 minutes of completing signup. If there is a delay, the system will retry automatically. You can check the status on your dashboard.

Can I keep my existing business phone number?

Currently we provision a new dedicated number for your AI receptionist. You can set up call forwarding from your existing number to route calls to your AI receptionist, or use the new number alongside your existing one.

How do I sign up for autoreceptionist.ai?

Click "Get started free" on the homepage. Enter your business name, email, and a password. Choose your industry and tell us a few details about your business. We will set up your AI receptionist and provision a dedicated UK phone number, usually within 2-3 minutes. No credit card required for the 14-day free trial.

How long does setup take?

Most customers are live within 5 minutes. After signup we automatically:

1. Create your AI receptionist using your business details
2. Provision a dedicated UK phone number
3. Generate a starter knowledge base
4. Activate your dashboard

You can immediately call your number and test the AI.

Can I keep my existing business phone number?

Yes - you have two options:

1. **Forward your existing number** to your new AI receptionist number. Most providers (BT, Sky, Virgin) let you set this up in minutes.
2. **Use both** - publish your AI number for after-hours and overflow calls while keeping your main line for staff.

Number porting (transferring your existing number to us) is on the roadmap.

How do I test my AI receptionist?

Simply call the phone number shown on your dashboard. Speak naturally - ask about your services, opening hours, or try to book an appointment. The full transcript and audio recording will appear in your Calls page within seconds of hanging up.

What does a new customer see first?

After signup you land on your dashboard which shows:

- Your dedicated phone number
- A getting-started checklist
- Your call usage and trial countdown
- Quick links to customise your greeting, FAQs and calendar

Follow the checklist to be fully set up in under 10 minutes.

Can it take detailed messages?

Yes. When the AI cannot answer a question or the caller wants someone to ring back, it takes a structured message including:

- Caller name
- Phone number (asks to confirm)
- Reason for call
- Best time to call back
- Urgency

The message is saved to your dashboard and emailed/SMSed to you immediately.

How is this different from a chatbot?

Chatbots only work on websites. autoreceptionist.ai works over the phone - the channel that 60% of UK consumers still prefer for booking appointments and asking questions. Your customers ring a normal phone number and have a natural voice conversation, no app or website needed.

Are there any setup fees or hidden costs?

No. The monthly price covers everything: phone number rental, AI calls, transcription, dashboard, support. The only additional charge is per-call overage if you exceed your plan limit (clearly billed and capped to prevent surprises).

My phone number is not working - what should I do?

Check the dashboard - it should show your number with a green status. If the number shows as inactive:

1. Wait 5 minutes (provisioning sometimes takes a few minutes)
2. Refresh your dashboard
3. Try calling the number from your mobile

If still not working, raise a support ticket and we will investigate within 1 working hour.