Beside is your AI-powered business phone. This guide walks you through the essentials so you can start receiving calls in just a few minutes.
Whether you're setting up your first business line or joining a team, these five steps will get you up and running.
Step 1: Download and sign in
Beside works on iPhone, Android, macOS, and web. Start by downloading the app on your phone - that's where most users spend their time.
Download Beside from the App Store or Google Play
Open the app and create your account
Complete the short onboarding flow - it takes less than a minute
💡 Good to know:
You can also access Beside from your browser at app.beside.com and on Beside for macOS.
Your account syncs across all devices automatically.
Step 2: Get your business number
During setup, you'll get a phone number with your preferred area code. This is your Beside line - the number your AI Receptionist answers and where your calls and texts are managed.
You have three options for your number:
Use your new Beside number as-is - start fresh with a dedicated business line
Forward your existing number to Beside - keep your current number and let Beside answer when you can't
Port your existing number to Beside - transfer your number entirely so everything runs through Beside
📌 Not sure which to pick? Most users start with call forwarding - it's instant and reversible. You can always port later.
Step 3: Set up call forwarding
Call forwarding is what makes Beside go live. When someone calls your existing business number, the call gets routed to Beside so your AI Receptionist can pick up.
In the Beside mobile app, go to Settings
Tap your line, then Call Forwarding
Follow the guided steps to enable call forwarding from your carrier
It usually activates within a few seconds. Some carriers may take a few minutes.
💡 Good to know:
You can skip this step if you only want to use your new Beside number.
Call forwarding doesn't change your carrier plan or affect your personal calls.
Step 4: Activate your AI Receptionist
Your AI Receptionist answers calls when you're busy, takes messages, qualifies leads, and books appointments - 24/7. It learns from your business info to give accurate answers from day one.
Go to Settings in the Beside mobile app
Tap your line, then AI Receptionist
Turn on the AI for the 📞 Calls tab (and optionally 💬 Texts and 📧 Emails)
Add your business info: name, what you do, business hours
Customize your greeting and closing message
Step 5: You're live
That's it. Your business phone is set up and your AI Receptionist is ready to answer calls.
Here's what happens next:
When a call comes in, your phone rings first. If you don't pick up, your AI Receptionist answers.
Every call gets a transcript and AI summary - check them in your Beside line.
You'll get a Daily Recap each evening with your key conversations and follow-ups.
Explore more:
FAQ
Does Beside replace my personal phone?
Does Beside replace my personal phone?
No. Beside is a separate business line that runs alongside your personal number. Your personal calls, texts, and data plan are not affected.
Do I need WiFi to make calls?
Do I need WiFi to make calls?
Beside uses your internet connection (WiFi or cellular data) for calls - not your carrier's voice minutes. A stable connection is all you need. Most calls use about 0.5 MB per minute, similar to streaming music.
Can my callers tell they're talking to an AI?
Can my callers tell they're talking to an AI?
Your AI Receptionist uses a natural-sounding voice and responds conversationally. You can customize the greeting, tone, and voice to match your brand. Most callers won't notice a difference.
Do I need to install anything on my computer?
Do I need to install anything on my computer?
Not necessarily. The Beside mobile app is the primary experience. If you also want to make calls from your desk, you can use Beside for macOS or the web dashboard at app.beside.com.
What if I have a team?
What if I have a team?
If you're on the 👥 Business plan, you can invite team members, share lines, and set up transfer rules so calls go to the right person. Check 📖 Plans and pricing to compare plans.