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.
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.
Set Up a Ring Group
Step 1: Access Ring Groups
Log in to the 8x8 Admin Console.
Select Ring Groups from the left navigation.
Step 2: Create a New Ring Group
Click Create Ring Group.
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)
Add Members (users who should receive calls).
Click Save.
You will see a confirmation message:
“Your Ring Group has been successfully created.”
Step 3: Add Members
Before adding members, verify that each user:
Has an active extension
Has a DID assigned
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?
Testing Your Ring Group
After saving:
Call the Ring Group’s extension or DID.
Confirm members ring in the intended sequence.
Let the call cycle until voicemail to ensure the voicemail password works.
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.