Whether it’s for scalability reasons or to increase productivity, many businesses have decided to make the switch to a VoIP phone system in recent years.

A VoIP phone system can be a beneficial asset to your business, but it’s important to know how to set one up. This applies to those working in the office, and those who work remotely.

So, if you’re interested in how to set up VoIP at home, read on to find out more. We’ll discuss how you can do so in five simple steps, what you will need, and the benefits of a VoIP phone system.

How to Set up a VoIP Phone at Home in 5 Simple Steps

3 things you need to set up VoIP at home

You might be wondering what equipment you’ll need to set up VoIP at home. Fortunately, the answer is simple, just ensure you have the following items:

A steady internet connection: VoIP relies on a reliable business internet connection in order to work. Ensure you’re happy with your business internet provider before making the switch.

A VoIP provider: Like telephone and mobile contracts, you will need a contract with a VoIP provider. There are many out there, so make sure you research properly to find the best one for you.

The right software/ hardware: Next, you need to have the right software/ hardware to be able to set up your VoIP phone system. Ensure you have a working router, as well as a headset or speakers so you can hear clearly.

How to set up VoIP at home

Step One: Test your equipment

Before setting up your VoIP phone system at home, ensure that your equipment is in tip-top shape.

Test your internet connection and make sure that there are no problems you need to fix. Furthermore, ensure you have installed the latest updates on your hardware and software to prevent issues from occurring with the transfer.

Is a high-speed internet connection necessary for VoIP phone systems?

Yes, a high-speed internet connection is necessary for VoIP phone systems. For example, if you have ten VoIP handsets, you’ll need 1 megabit per second of bandwidth.

You’ll also need a high download speed, so that any video conferencing calls run smoothly.

Step two: Choose a provider

Next, you need to choose a VoIP phone provider.

Having never used a VoIP provider before, you might wonder how to make a decision that suits your business best.

What VoIP provider should I choose for my business?

To pick a VoIP provider for your business, consider the following factors (depending on what you want to prioritise):

Reliability: How reliable is the provider for supplying a dependable service?
Scalability: Can you purchase more phone systems/scale up your business with the service as it grows?

Features: Do you need to purchase other features, such as reporting tools?

Pricing: How much can you spend on purchasing a VoIP phone system?

Customer reviews: What do their existing customers say about their service?

Ensure you do your research and ask other business owners what they use, and ask them why VoIP has worked for their business. Recommendations from people you trust are the most valuable ones you can receive as they offer credibility.

Step three: Set up your account

Next, set up your account on your VoIP phone system. Let your new provider know whether you will be signing the contract with a ported number. Be aware that you might have to fill out a porting authorisation form if so.

Ensure you use the same information you applied to your previous landline account – this helps to avoid delays in the process. And, they might even be able to transfer the data of existing contacts over.

Why should I keep my business number when transferring to a VoIP phone system?

There are several reasons why you should keep your business number when transferring to a VoIP phone system. The main one is that it prevents existing customers from losing these details.

For more information on transferring your business number to a VoIP phone system, check out our blog.

Step four: Confirm when the new service will be live

Next, so you can cancel your old contract at the right time without any periods of downtime, confirm when the new service will be live with your new provider.

Once your new provider has confirmed this date, you’ll know when the best time is to cancel your old contract without experiencing overlaps.

What happens to my VoIP phone system during a power outage?

VoIP phone systems need electricity and internet to work properly, otherwise, they simply won’t.

So, if a power outage occurs, your VoIP phone system will experience downtime. To avoid this, you could connect your phone to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

Step five: Test your service

Now you’ve set your account up and have handled the logistics, you can set up your service and test it. You might have been given a VoIP adapter to use with your existing telephone or a dedicated VoIP phone.Either way, your chosen service will provide detailed instructions on how to set up your equipment so you can ensure a smooth transition. Ensure you test your service to identify any problems you might encounter early on – so your provider can get it sorted.

What should I do if my brand-new VoIP phone system isn’t working?

If your VoIP phone system isn’t working, get in touch with your provider immediately.

They’ll likely have 24/7 customer service support – but aim to set up your phone system during business hours so you can receive the help you need immediately.

Why choose a VoIP phone system?

There are several reasons why businesses are opting to choose a VoIP phone system. VoIP offers many benefits, such as:

Scalability: Most VoIP phone systems allow businesses to scale up when they grow. They can simply purchase more handsets if needed.

Extensive features: VoIP providers tend to offer other features, such as video conferencing and call recording.

Increased collaboration: VoIP phone systems allow for increased collaboration, as communication is much smoother and employees can use the system wherever they are in the world – they just need to have an internet connection.

Looking for an expert-led business telecommunications provider with extensive experience? Choose Infinitel today

If you’re interested in sourcing a leading business telecommunications provider that can offer expert knowledge and guidance, Infinitel can help. No matter your business size, industry, or budget, we’ll help you achieve world-class communications for your clients, customers, and members of staff.

We work with several leading network providers, such as Vodafone and O2 – so we’re able to offer you the best possible deals for your business. Whether you’re in the market for a new phone system, or simply want information on which one would work best for your business, get in touch with our expert team today.