Set Up Ring Groups in 8x8 Admin Console

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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)

Step 3: Add Members

Before adding members, verify that each user:

Has an active extension
Has a DID assigned

1. Add your members

2. Click Save. You will see a confirmation message that says, “Your Ring Group has been successfully created.”

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

You will see a confirmation message: You will see a confirmation message:
“Your Ring Group has been successfully created.”

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

Need examples on how to configure your Ring Group or set your ring pattern? Explore 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 in the same way as Call Queues do. A user may still receive Ring Group calls even if they are already on a call.