---
title: "Set Up Ring Groups in 8x8 Admin Console"
slug: "voicemail-set-up-ring-groups-in-8x8-admin-console"
updated: 2026-06-30T08:04:35Z
published: 2026-06-30T08:04:35Z
canonical: "help.8x8.com/voicemail-set-up-ring-groups-in-8x8-admin-console"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.8x8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set Up Ring Groups in 8x8 Admin Console

## Purpose

This article explains how to create and configure a Ring Group in the 8x8 Admin Console.

A Ring Group rings a defined group of users based on a selected ring pattern until someone answers or the call reaches voicemail.

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## When to Use a Ring Group

Use a Ring Group when you want:

- Multiple users to receive calls simultaneously or in a selected order
- Simple routing without queues or agent status checks
- A shared voicemail box for a team
- A lightweight alternative to Call Queues

---

## Prerequisites

Ensure the following are set up before adding members:

- Each user has a valid extension
- Each user has a DID (direct number) assigned
- Admin Console permissions to manage Ring Groups

---

## Key Terms

- **Ring Group:** A group of extensions that ring in a specified pattern.
- **Cycles:** The number of times the call cycle goes through the group before routing to voicemail.
- **Total Time to Alert:** The maximum time each member's phone rings (max: 180 seconds).
- **Ring Group Caller ID:** The caller ID displayed to group members when a call arrives.
- **Ring Pattern:** Determines the order in which group members are alerted (e.g., simultaneous, sequential).
- **Ring Group Voicemail:** A shared voicemail specifically for the group, accessible with its own password.

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## Set Up a Ring Group

## Step 1: Access Ring Groups

1. Log in to the [8x8 Admin Console.](https://sso.8x8.com/v2/login)
2. Select Ring Groups from the left navigation.

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## Step 2: Create a New Ring Group

1. Click Create Ring Group.
2. Enter the required details:

### Required Fields

- Group Name
- Site
- Extension Number
  - Enter manually or click Suggest to auto-assign
- Ring Group Caller ID (choose one):
  - Ring Group Name + Caller’s Number
  - Caller’s Name + Caller’s Number
  - Ring Group Name + Ring Group Extension
  - Caller’s Name + Dialed Number
- Cycles
  - Number of times calls cycle through the list before going to voicemail
- Total Time to Alert a Member
  - How long each member rings before moving to the next (max 180 seconds)
- Voicemail Password
  - 6–15 digits
  - Cannot contain sequential numbers (e.g., 12345)

1. Add Members (users who should receive calls).
2. Click Save.

You will see a confirmation message:

“Your Ring Group has been successfully created.”

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## Step 3: Add Members

Before adding members, verify that each user:

- Has an active extension
- Has a DID assigned

> [!WARNING]
> Important:
> 
> Ring Groups ignore personal forwarding rules on members’ extensions. This prevents calls from being accidentally forwarded to personal voicemail or external numbers.

---

## Examples of Common Ring Group Configurations

### Example 1: Sales Team (Simultaneous Ring)

- Ring Pattern: All members ring at once
- Cycles: 2
- Total Time to Alert: 20 seconds
- Caller ID: Caller’s Name + Number
- Voicemail: Shared sales voicemail

### Example 2: Sequential Ring (Support Overflow)

- Ring Pattern: Member 1 → Member 2 → Member 3
- Total Time to Alert: 30 seconds each
- Cycles: 1
- Voicemail: Support shared inbox

For more examples, see:

[What is a Ring Group and What Can I Do with It?](/support/docs/what-is-a-ring-group-and-what-can-i-do-with-it)

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## Testing Your Ring Group

After saving:

1. Call the Ring Group’s extension or DID.
2. Confirm members ring in the intended sequence.
3. Let the call cycle until voicemail to ensure the voicemail password works.

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### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Q: Can I set up automated test calls to a Ring Group weekly?

A: No. Automated test calls are not supported.

#### Q: Can users enable or disable Ring Group membership using a button or shortcode?

A: No. Ring Group membership can only be changed in Admin Console.

#### Q: Can a user receive Ring Group calls while already on another call?

A: Yes. Ring Groups do not check user presence or call status the way Call Queues do.

A user may still receive Ring Group calls even if they are already on a call.

#### Q: Can I route a Ring Group voicemail to a specific user?

A: Under the Ring Group notification settings, you can set the email notification to go to a specific user's email address.