Questions about Hootline? Start here.

What is Hootline?

Do I need a second phone?

Hootline gives your business its own phone number on the mobile you already use. Depending on your plan, you can either forward calls to your mobile or manage business calls through the Hootline app, helping you keep work and personal calls separate.

No. Hootline is designed to work with your existing mobile, so you do not need to buy another handset or carry two phones. Customers call your Hootline number, while you decide how those calls reach you.

How quickly can I get set up?

Hootline is designed to be simple to set up. You choose your plan, select your business number and configure how calls should reach you, without needing a desk phone, engineer visit or complicated phone system.

Is Hootline easy to use?

Yes. Hootline is built for small businesses that want a practical business number without telecoms jargon. The aim is to make business calls easier to manage, not to give you a complicated phone system to learn.

Do I need technical knowledge to use Hootline?

No. Hootline is designed to be simple and easy to understand. You do not need to know about phone systems or technical setup.

Do I need any special equipment?

No. You do not need a desk phone, phone line or office equipment. Starter forwards calls to your mobile, while Business and Business Pro use the Hootline app for app-based calling.

Getting started.

Can I get a local business number?

Can I use my Hootline number on my website and invoices?

Yes. Hootline is designed to give your business a local number where available. This helps your business look more established and gives customers a clear number to use when they need to contact you.

Yes. You can use your Hootline number anywhere you want customers to contact your business, including your website, Google profile, social media pages, invoices, email footer, van signage or printed materials.

Can I transfer an existing number to Hootline?

In many cases, number transfers may be possible, depending on the type of number and current provider. If you already have a business number you want to keep, it is best to ask before signing up so it can be checked properly.

Will customers know I am using my mobile?

No. Customers call your Hootline business number. The service is designed to help you present a more professional business presence while still using the mobile phone you already have.

Can I have more than one business number?

Hootline is designed around simple single-line business number setups. If you need something more complex, it is best to ask before choosing your plan so the right setup can be confirmed.

Can I keep my personal mobile number private?

Yes. One of the main reasons to use Hootline is to avoid publishing your personal mobile number on your website, invoices, social pages or customer messages. Customers call your Hootline number instead.

Business numbers.

How do calls reach me?

What is the difference between Starter and the app-based plans?

That depends on your plan. Starter forwards calls from your Hootline number to your mobile. Business and Business Pro are app-based, so you handle business calls through the Hootline app instead.

Starter is the simplest option. It gives you a business number that forwards to your mobile. Business and Business Pro are for customers who want the app experience, with more control over how business calls are handled.

Can I set working hours?

Yes, working hours are available on the app-based plans. This helps you decide when your business line should ring and when calls should be handled another way, so work calls do not have to take over your personal time.

Can I record calls?

Call recording is included with Business Pro. This can be useful if you want a record of important customer conversations, enquiries, bookings, quotes or service discussions.

Can I make outgoing calls from my Hootline number?

Yes, outgoing business calls are available on the app-based plans.

Can I use voicemail?

Yes, voicemail features are available on the app-based plans. This helps you manage missed calls more professionally and gives customers a better experience when you are unavailable.

Calls, app and features.

Which Hootline plan should I choose?

How are plans billed?

Starter is best if you simply want a business number that forwards to your mobile. Business is best if you want app-based calling and more control. Business Pro is best if you want call recording and the option to add users.

Plans are billed monthly by Direct Debit. This keeps billing simple and predictable, with one monthly payment for your chosen Hootline plan.

Do I have to sign a long contract?

No. Hootline plans are monthly rolling, so you are not tied into a long fixed-term contract. You can start with the setup that fits your business today and upgrade when you need more.

Can I add another user?

Yes. Additional users are available on Business Pro for £6.99 per user per month. This is useful if more than one person needs access to the same business phone setup.

Can I upgrade my plan later?

Yes. You can start with the plan that fits your business today and upgrade later if you need more features, such as app-based calling, working hours, voicemail, call recording or additional users.

Are prices excluding VAT?

Yes. Hootline prices are shown excluding VAT.

Plans and pricing.

Can I use Hootline if I work from home?

Is Hootline only for sole traders?

Yes. Hootline is ideal for people who work from home and want a clearer separation between work and personal calls. Your business can have its own number while you continue using your existing mobile.

No. Hootline works well for sole traders, but it is also suitable for freelancers, start-ups, local businesses, appointment-led businesses and small teams that want a simple business number.

Is Hootline a full business phone system?

No. Hootline is designed to be simpler than a full phone system. It is best for small businesses that want a professional business number, app-based calling options and useful call features without unnecessary complexity.

Can I use Hootline if I work on the move?

Yes. Hootline is designed for businesses that are not always based at a desk.

Is Hootline suitable for a small team?

Yes. Hootline can work for small teams, especially on Business Pro where additional users are available.

Is Hootline suitable for start-ups?

Yes. Hootline is a good fit for new businesses that want to look more established from the first customer enquiry, without setting up a full phone system or publishing a personal mobile number.

Who Hootline is for.

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