Getting Started

Go from sign-up to live system in under 24 hours.

Starter

Welcome to CallHandlr. This guide walks you through everything you need to do to get your AI receptionist live and answering calls. Most plumbers are up and running within a few hours.

What you'll need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

An existing mobile number or a provided CallHandlr number
An active CallHandlr account (sign up or book a Enterprise consultation first)
5-10 minutes to complete the setup steps below

Tip

You don't need to be technical to set this up. If you get stuck at any point, email us at support@callhandlr.com and we'll sort it for you.

Step 1 - Choose your setup path

There are two ways to connect CallHandlr to your phone. Choose whichever suits you.

Option A - Use your existing number (most common)

Keep your current business number. When you don't answer, calls automatically forward to CallHandlr. Your customers dial the same number as always - nothing changes for them.

Works with any UK mobile or landline
Takes about 2 minutes to set up via call forwarding
You can turn it off instantly if needed

Option B - Use a CallHandlr number

We provide you with a dedicated UK business number. We'll email it to you when it's ready, and you'll also see it in your portal settings.

Best for new businesses or those rebranding
Gives you full control over call routing
No call forwarding setup needed on your personal phone

Note

Not sure which to choose? Most customers start with Option A (keep your existing number). It's the quickest way to get activated.

Step 2 - Set up call forwarding (Option A only)

If you chose Option A, follow the Call Forwarding guide to route unanswered calls to CallHandlr. This takes about 2 minutes.

Tip

Jump to the Call Forwarding guide for step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Android, and UK carrier codes.

Step 2B - Check your assigned CallHandlr number (Option B only)

If you chose Option B, there's no forwarding to set up. We'll send your dedicated CallHandlr number by email as soon as it's ready, and it will also appear in your portal settings.

Step 3 - Confirm your business details

Business phone numbers

Keep your existing business number up to date. If you're using a CallHandlr-provided number, you'll also see that assigned number in your portal once we've provisioned it.

Business name

This is what CallHandlr will say when it answers - e.g. "Thanks for calling Smith Plumbing".

Trading hours

Set your working hours so CallHandlr can set the right callback expectations. Out-of-hours callers are handled differently to in-hours callers.

Service area

Enter your postcode and how far you travel. CallHandlr will politely decline jobs outside your area so you only get relevant leads.

Alert number

This is the mobile number that receives your SMS job summaries. Make sure it's correct.

Step 4 - Do a test call

Call your business number from another phone and don't answer. Let CallHandlr pick up. Go through the conversation as if you were a customer - give it a name, postcode, and problem.

Within seconds of the call ending, you should receive an SMS on your alert number with a summary of the job. If you don't receive it, check the troubleshooting guide.

Tip

Try calling with urgency - say something like "there's water pouring through my ceiling" and check that the SMS marks it as an Emergency. This confirms your urgency triage is working.

You're live

That's it. CallHandlr is now answering your missed calls around the clock. Every missed call will generate an SMS alert with the full job details.

From here, you can read about what your callers experience, how to understand your alerts or, if you're on Pro or Enterprise, how to set up live appointment booking and connect a supported CRM.

Call Forwarding

Step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Android, and carrier codes