Summary
This article provides guidance for Zoom Phone administrators responsible for configuring and maintaining Call Queues, with a focus on how calls are routed, handled, and ultimately delivered to voicemail.
Body
Call Queue Overview
A Call Queue allows incoming calls to a shared number to be distributed to a group of users or devices (members) based on defined call handling rules. Call Queues are commonly used for departments, service desks, and shared offices.
Key components that affect caller experience:
- Call distribution method
- Member availability and opt-in status
- Overflow handling
- Voicemail configuration
Accessing Your Call Queue
To access the Call Queue for which you are the administrator, first navigate to the Admin Center.
- Go to villanova.zoom.us and sign in with your Villanova credentials.
- Click on your initials or profile picture in the top right of the webpage.
- Click "Admin Center".
- On the left-hand side of the webpage, hover over Product configuration, then Phone system.
Depending on your role and what you administer, you may see options for Call Queues, Shared Line Groups, and Auto Receptionists.
Call Handling Configuration
Call Distribution Methods
Administrators can choose how calls are presented to queue members:
- Simultaneous
All available members ring at the same time. The first to answer receives the call.
- Sequential
Calls ring members in a defined order. If the first member does not answer within the ring time, the call proceeds to the next member.
- Rotating
Calls are distributed evenly by rotating the first ring target to balance call volume.
Best Practice: Use Simultaneous for time-sensitive queues and Sequential/Rotating when prioritization or fairness is required.
Ring Duration
Ring Time defines how long a member’s phone rings before the call is considered unanswered. Avoid excessively long ring times, as they delay overflow handling.
Member Availability and Opt-In
Members can be configured to opt in/out of the queue manually.
- Calls are only routed to members who are:
- Opted in
- Not on another call (unless call waiting is enabled)
- Not set to Do Not Disturb
Note: If all members are unavailable or opted out, calls immediately follow the overflow path.
Overflow Handling
Overflow defines what happens when a call cannot be answered by queue members.
Common overflow actions:
- Route to voicemail
- Route to another call queue
- Route to an auto receptionist
- Forward to an external number
Overflow conditions can be triggered by:
- Maximum wait time exceeded
- No available members
- Queue reaching maximum call capacity
Best Practice: Always configure an overflow destination to prevent abandoned calls.
Voicemail Configuration
Enabling Call Queue Voicemail
Each Call Queue has its own voicemail box, independent of individual users.
Administrators can:
- Enable or disable voicemail per queue
- Set voicemail as the primary overflow destination
- Customize voicemail greeting and message instructions
Voicemail Greeting
The voicemail greeting should clearly state:
- The department or service name
- That the caller has reached voicemail
- When to expect a response (if applicable)
Example: “You have reached the Service Desk. Our team is currently unavailable. Please leave a message with your name, number, and reason for calling.”
Voicemail Message Settings
Configurable options include:
- Maximum voicemail length
- Ability for callers to transfer out or repeat the greeting
- Transcription (if enabled at the account or site level)
Voicemail Storage and Access
Voicemail messages are associated with the Call Queue, not an individual user.
Access methods:
- Zoom Web Portal
Phone → Call Queues → [Queue Name] → Voicemail
- Email notifications (if enabled)
- Zoom desktop or mobile app (for members with access)
Note: Only users explicitly granted voicemail access will see queue messages.
Voicemail Notifications
Administrators can enable notifications to:
- Specific users
- Shared mailboxes
- Multiple recipients
Notification options may include:
- New voicemail alert
- Voicemail audio attachment
- Transcription (if available)
Administrative Best Practices
- Periodically review member opt-in status, especially after staffing changes.
- Test overflow and voicemail behavior after any configuration change.
- Use clear, professional voicemail greetings and update them for holidays or closures.
- Limit voicemail access to appropriate staff to avoid missed or duplicated responses.
- Align call handling settings with documented departmental procedures.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Calls going directly to voicemail
- Verify member availability and opt-in status
- Confirm ring time and overflow thresholds
- Check Do Not Disturb settings on member accounts
Voicemail not visible to members
- Confirm voicemail access permissions for the queue
- Verify users are checking the correct queue mailbox, not personal voicemail
Multiple users responding to the same voicemail
- Define internal procedures for message ownership
- Consider centralized voicemail notifications or ticketing workflows