> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.servicem8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to divert calls to an external number

> Learn how to divert calls to an external number in ServiceM8.

A feature of ServiceM8 Phone is the Secondary Call Group, where you can create a backup individual or group of staff members within the business — so, if a call comes in that would normally be answered (but isn't), it will ring through to the "backup" Secondary Call Group, instead of going straight to voicemail. Click here for [How to divert calls to a Secondary Call Group](/help-center/servicem8-add-ons/servicem8-phone/how-to-divert-calls-to-a-secondary-call-group) of one or more staff members.

However, if you use an external service to help manage your phone lines, such as a virtual assistant or call-answering service, you can set unanswered ServiceM8 Phone calls to ring through to them instead. This is known as setting an External Secondary Call Group.

To set up an External Secondary Call Group, got to Settings > ServiceM8 Phone > Advanced Settings, and click 'Edit' next to Secondary Call Group.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/servicem8/sTK6j5U9UHCByGFd/images/005-643-325-31befede-a503-4b3d-b87b-d5d984e05352.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sTK6j5U9UHCByGFd&q=85&s=cc92e7321667202057159ca7c8606573" alt="" width="789" height="155" data-path="images/005-643-325-31befede-a503-4b3d-b87b-d5d984e05352.png" />

Set calls to go to an External Phone Number.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/servicem8/sTK6j5U9UHCByGFd/images/005-643-327-a614760b-938d-42b3-b514-6aeea0b43975.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sTK6j5U9UHCByGFd&q=85&s=e74e317c0b793698f89f38777a93b0c7" alt="" width="666" height="205" data-path="images/005-643-327-a614760b-938d-42b3-b514-6aeea0b43975.png" />

Then enter their phone number.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/servicem8/sTK6j5U9UHCByGFd/images/005-643-329-f0b30005-3ff1-47ff-b65b-b3a80c5dee63.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sTK6j5U9UHCByGFd&q=85&s=2c6fb4f97bac93551a88f4e92f1df723" alt="" width="721" height="291" data-path="images/005-643-329-f0b30005-3ff1-47ff-b65b-b3a80c5dee63.png" />

## Related FAQs

* [How do I forward calls from my ServiceM8 Phone number to an external answering service or virtual receptionist?](/questions/general/forward-calls-coming-servicem8-phone-number-external-answering-service-virtu)