8x8 — After-Hours Setup
How to forward after-hours calls to PupPilot on 8x8.
How 8x8 Works
8x8 is a general-purpose UCaaS platform. Call routing is managed through the 8x8 Admin Console. Key concepts: Auto Attendant (IVR with time-based rules), Ring Groups (sets of phones that ring together), Call Queues, and Business Hours Schedules.
Call Flow
Open Hours
Caller
Main Number
Auto Attendant
Desk phones ring
After Hours
Caller
Main Number
Auto Attendant
Forward
PupPilot answers
Setup Steps
1
Log in to the 8x8 Admin Console
Sign in at admin.8x8.com with admin credentials.
2
Navigate to Auto Attendant
Go to
Auto Attendant in the admin console and select your main line's auto attendant (or create one).3
Set Business Hours
Under the auto attendant settings, define your business hours schedule (e.g., Mon–Fri 8 AM – 6 PM).
4
Configure After-Hours Routing
In the after-hours call flow, select Transfer to External Number and enter your PupPilot phone number.
5
Save and Test
Save your changes. Call your main number after hours to confirm PupPilot answers.
Important Notes
- 8x8 supports both Basic and Custom Auto Attendant modes. Use the Custom mode for time-based routing.
- You can set holiday schedules separately in the Auto Attendant for special closures.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Calls don't reach PupPilot | Verify the forwarding number is correct in the Auto Attendant or call handling settings. Check that the after-hours schedule is active. |
| Desk phones still ring when forwarding should be active | Forwarding may be set at the extension level instead of the main number. Ensure the forwarding applies to the Auto Attendant or trunk-level routing. |
| Internal number doesn't ring desk phones | Verify the Ring Group has a DID assigned and the correct extensions are added. Check at Ring Groups in the admin console. |
| Calls loop between PupPilot and your system | The internal number's no-answer fallback is forwarding to PupPilot. Change it to voicemail immediately. |