Zoom Phone FAQ

About Zoom Phone

What is Zoom Phone?
Zoom Phone is Georgetown’s Web-based phone system for faculty and staff and is part of the Zoom platform. With Zoom Phone, you can make calls on your desktop or laptop computer, iOS or Android mobile device, or approved traditional desktop phones.

What is the benefit of using Zoom Phone?
You can make outgoing calls any time, anywhere using your desktop or laptop computer, or from your iOS or Android mobile device. Your outgoing calls will also display your Georgetown phone number.

Getting Zoom Phone

Who can get Zoom Phone?
Only full-time GU faculty and staff are eligible to get Zoom Phone.

How do I get Zoom Phone?
For information on how to get Zoom Phone, refer to the Getting Zoom Phone web page.

How long will it take for me to get Zoom Phone after submitting my request?
It will take several weeks for most people. As we validate each incoming request, we will schedule you for a migration group, and let you know by email about the timing. We will be moving phone numbers to Zoom in waves over the coming months.

Can I get Zoom Phone for a common area phone that is used by multiple people?
Yes. This situation likely calls for a physical phone set. Please submit the Zoom Phone Group Claim Workbook , or contact the Georgetown Service Center if you need assistance.

Can I request Zoom phone for a group of people, such as for my department or work team?
To request Zoom Phone for more than one person or phone number at a time, please use the Zoom Phone Group Claim Workbook. The workbook also enables you to make requests for special cases like shared lines, call queues, and shared physical phones (e.g., front desk/reception area phones, conference room phones, lab phones).

I have a physical desk phone, will I get Zoom Phone automatically?
No. Please refer to the Getting Zoom Phone page for details on how to get Zoom Phone.  

For most individual users, you can use your computer or mobile device with the Zoom app to handle Zoom Phone calls. We strongly encourage you to try this out rather than ordering a physical phone set. Zoom Phone audio works the same as audio for Zoom Meetings.

I don’t have a GU phone number. Can I still get Zoom Phone? 
Yes. To migrate one person at a time with no existing GU phone number, contact UIS by emailing help@georgetown.edu. In the request, please include the person’s name, NetID, office location, and any special needs (e.g., physical phone). (Note: You (or your department) can also complete the Zoom Phone Group Claim Workbook if this is part of a group migration request.)

Can our department get Zoom Phone for a phone number that needs to be shared by multiple persons in our department?
A number of options are available. For assistance, contact the Georgetown Service Center with your request.

How can we get Zoom Phone for a phone number that needs to not be tied to one person?
For assistance, contact the Georgetown Service Center with your request.

Will I keep my existing phone number in Zoom Phone even if I no longer have a physical phone?
Yes, you’ll retain your existing phone number.

How would Zoom Phone work for a student employee or intern?
Since students cannot have their own Zoom Phone accounts, you will need a physical phone for any phone numbers or positions that are managed by student employees. Please submit the Zoom Phone Group Claim Workbook for such numbers, or contact the Georgetown Service Center if you have questions.

Can I get Zoom Phone for my department’s fax machine?
Zoom Phone does not support faxing. If you or your department require fax service, please contact UIS at help@georgetown.edu as soon as possible with the location and phone number of the fax machine you need to remain operational.

Getting Started

How do I log in to Zoom (to access Zoom Phone)?
To log in to Zoom, open the Zoom client, select the SSO option, and then enter your Georgetown NetID and password at the login prompt. (IMPORTANT: You must be logged in to the Zoom application to access and use Zoom Phone. Click here if you need to install the Zoom client.)

How do I get started with Zoom Phone?
To get started, log in to the Zoom client. (IMPORTANT: You must be logged in to the Zoom client to access and use Zoom Phone. Click here if you need to install the Zoom client.)

You can view the Zoom video on how to initially set up and personalize your Zoom Phone account. The video includes such tasks as how to set an emergency address, customize settings for handling incoming calls, setting up a custom voicemail greeting, setting the hours each day for receiving calls, and more.

Is Zoom Phone accessible only via the Zoom app?
Yes. (IMPORTANT: You must be logged in to the Zoom application to access and use Zoom Phone. Click here if you need to install the Zoom client.)

Is the Zoom Phone app different from the Zoom desktop app?
No, they both have the same functions, as well as the same look and feel.

I was using Cisco Jabber prior to being migrated to Zoom Phone. Can I still use Cisco Jabber?
No. Your Cisco Jabber account will no longer be available once you’re migrated to Zoom Phone.

How do I import personal contacts into Zoom Phone?
Click here for information on how to import personal contacts into Zoom Phone.

How do I set up a voicemail greeting?
Click here for instructions on how to set up a custom voicemail greeting in Zoom Phone.

How do I make and receive calls in Zoom Phone?
Click here for instructions on how to make and receive calls on your computer and mobile device.

Can I make calls outside Georgetown with Zoom Phone?
Yes, you can make local and long distance calls with Zoom Phone. For assistance with international calling, contact the Georgetown Service Center.

Can I use Zoom Phone from a handset?
Yes. You can use Zoom Phone from a desktop or laptop computer, mobile device, tablet, or handset. Please note that there is a cost to the department to obtain a handset.

I’m a new employee, can I edit my Zoom Phone profile information?
Yes. When you first log in to Zoom Phone, your name and Georgetown email address will be populated automatically in Zoom Phone. However, after your initial login, you’ll then be able to change profile information.

Can you record a conversation in Zoom Phone?
No, conversations in Zoom Phone cannot be recorded.

Where can I download the Zoom application?
For mobile devices, you can download the Zoom app from Google Play (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS). For desktop or laptop computers, download the Zoom desktop client by going to the Zoom Download Center.

When I move to Zoom Phone, will I still be able to access my current voicemails?
Yes, at least through the first half of 2024. However, voicemails you receive on Zoom Phone will only be available from Zoom Phone.

Do meeting rooms with Zoom Phone have a “Do Not Disturb” option?
You can set up calls to be forwarded to another phone number for a specified period of time. You can also set up calls to go directly to voicemail for a specified period of time.

Using Zoom Phone

How do I make calls with my mobile device?
Click here for information on how to make calls with your mobile device.

How can I check my voicemail?
Click here to find out how to check your voicemail.

What will I need to make voice and video calls?
You’ll need to install the Zoom app on each device you want to use to make calls. You also must be logged in to the Zoom application to make calls. Although not required, you can also use a headset when making and receiving calls.

Can I make calls using a keyboard?
Yes. Just click on the Enter a name or number field from the Zoom Phone number pad, and then use your keyboard to enter the phone number you want to call.

How do I begin dialing outside the University using Zoom Phone?
To dial a number outside Georgetown, you just dial that number. Note: You don’t need to include ‘9’ when dialing the number.

How can I block an external phone number as spam in Zoom Phone?
Click here for information on how to block a phone number as spam in Zoom Phone.

Can I set up different ringtones in Zoom Phone?

Yes. With Zoom Phone, you can set up different ringtones for each line you own or you have access to (e.g., group or shared line). You can even set up a different ringtone for both your extension (7-1234) and your full, 10-digit number (202-687-xxxx).

Note: If you want the same ringtone for a line to be reflected on all your devices, you’ll need to change that ringtone manually on each device. (Changes you make to a ringtone on one device will not automatically carry over to your other devices.) 

  • Set up a different ringtone in the Zoom client
  1. Open the Zoom client.
  2. Click on your profile photo, and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
  3. Select Audio from the left-side menu.
  4. Navigate to the Ringtones section on the right-hand side of the screen (you might have to scroll down to see this section).
  5. For each line you own or manage, you’ll see a drop-down menu (Default will probably be displayed).
  6. Click on the drop-down for a line, and then select the desired ringtone.
  7. Close the Settings window.
  • Set up a different ringtone in the Zoom Mobile app
  1. Open the Zoom Mobile app on your device.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Ringtones.
  4. Tap on the line whose ringtone you want to change.
  5. On the “Ringtones” screen, select your desired ringtone. You should see a check mark appear next to that ringtone.
  6. Navigate back to the main screen.

Help with Zoom Phone

I’m unable to call someone who is on Zoom Phone from my campus phone.
If your calls aren’t going through, please contact UIS and include the following:

  • Your phone number (the number you called from)
  • The phone number you’re trying to call
  • Date and time the problem occurred

How can I dispose of old Cisco/Avaya phones?
To dispose of old Cisco/Avaya phones, you can do either of the following:

  • Drop off your phones to one of the following campus e-waste bins:
    • Regents loading dock (near Leavey parking garage West entrance)
    • New Research Building loading dock
  • Submit a request to have someone from Planning & Facilities Management pick up your phones. Submit the request by going to the Facilities service request page, clicking Submit Request with NetID, and then completing the Submit a Service Request form.

    IMPORTANT: In your request, please indicate that you need an e-waste pickup, and specify the number of phones you need picked up.

Where can I go for more help on Zoom Phone?
You can visit UIS’s Zoom Phone Help Resources page. You can also visit Zoom’s online user guide for getting started with Zoom Phone.