Live calls is the on-switch for your agent. Until it's enabled, your agent won't answer real calls — only test calls you make to it directly. You enable live calls under Activate → Enable Live Calls.
This article covers turning live calls on and getting callers connected. For when your agent is available to answer, see Setting your agent's schedule and failover. For blocking specific numbers from getting through, see Blocking unwanted callers and spam. If your agent isn't picking up, see My agent isn't answering or forwarding calls correctly in Troubleshooting.
Your CoreReach phone number
CoreReach assigns you a dedicated phone number when you finish onboarding. You'll see it displayed on the Enable Live Calls page, formatted (e.g., +1 415-555-0123).
If you don't have one yet — or your assignment didn't complete during onboarding — the page shows a Request a CoreReach Phone Number card. Click it to assign one.
To request a different area code, use the link beneath the displayed number. A modal opens for a 3-digit area code, and the request is sent to our team to handle (it isn't self-service — area-code availability and porting rules vary).
Two activation modes
Pick one of two ways to put your agent in front of callers:
Forward Calls — keep using your existing business number. You set up call forwarding on your carrier so that calls to your business number ring through to your CoreReach number, where your agent picks up.
Use CoreReach Number — give your CoreReach number directly to your customers. No forwarding setup needed.
The mode lives at the top of the Enable Live Calls page as two toggle cards. You can switch modes later by changing the selection here.
Forwarding your business number
If you choose Forward Calls, the page walks you through carrier-specific instructions:
Pick your phone system type — Cell, VOIP, or Landline.
Pick your carrier — AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. (the list adjusts based on the system type you picked).
Follow the dial-code instructions that appear. CoreReach shows you exactly what to dial on your business number, with your CoreReach number embedded — for example, "Dial *72 followed by +1 415-555-0123."
Test the forwarding by calling your business number from another phone. Check the box confirming the test succeeded before saving.
If your carrier isn't listed or the dial codes don't seem to work, contact us — forwarding mechanics differ by region and carrier.
Using your CoreReach number directly
If you choose Use CoreReach Number, there's nothing to configure. Just share your CoreReach number with your customers and your agent will pick up when they call.
What can block activation
A few conditions will prevent live calls from being turned on:
No CoreReach phone number assigned. Request one from the page first.
No minutes remaining (Free plan only). The page shows a "No minutes remaining" error with a link to Account → Billing to buy credits or upgrade.
Billing frozen. If your account has a billing issue — for example, an unresolved failed payment — activation is blocked until billing is back in good standing. Visit Account → Billing to resolve.
Once those are clear, the activation toggles unlock and your agent is live.