Docs/Phone & calls/Buying or attaching a phone number
Buying or attaching a phone number
Phone & calls5 min read·Updated 11 July 2026
There are three routes to a working phone line: buy a new number through Cleo, attach your existing number, or forward your current number. This article covers buying and attaching — forwarding has its own article.
Before you start: everything number-related lives under Settings → Phone → Phone numbers.
Buying a new number
Under Get a new number you search the available stock and buy directly — the number is live in about a minute.
1
Search for a number
Pick the country and the number type (local, mobile or toll-free). Want specific digits in the number? Enter them in the search field.
2
Complete the purchase
Pick a number from the list and confirm. For some countries and number types a registered address is legally required — you fill in your company name and address once. Monthly costs apply per number.
3
Choose who answers
Assign the number to your assistant under Route calls to. Without an assistant the number won't answer.
Attaching an existing number
Want to keep using your current business number? Attach it under Or attach an existing number. A short verification call proves the number is yours; after that you forward it to your Cleo number with your carrier.
1
Enter your number
Use the international notation, for example +31201234567.
2
Answer the verification call
We call the number and speak a 6-digit code. Enter that code — ownership confirmed.
[ screenshot: Phone numbers page with "Get a new number" and the Your numbers list ]
Which assistant answers?
Every number points to one assistant. The Your numbers list shows who answers per number; a number without an assistant gets a warning and won't answer. The assistant itself — greeting, voice, capabilities — is configured via the main menu Assistant.
Common problems
I'm asked for a registered address
For some countries and number types that's a legal requirement from the telecom provider. Enter your office address — it's part of the purchase and one-time per address.
My preferred country or type isn't listed
Availability differs per country. Try another type (local instead of mobile) or contact us — we'll take a look with you.