The University is transitioning to Zoom Phone. Zoom Phone is a modern phone service that works within the Zoom app on your laptop or desktop, on an iOS or Android mobile device, or traditional deskphones. To assist in the transition to Zoom Phone, use this page as a resource and our FAQ page for more information.
Campus Calls
During the 2025 Zoom transition period, to make a call from one campus phone to another, dial the full 10-digit phone number (e.g., 315-228-XXXX) for all calls, including those to campus numbers.
Choose Your Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is a modern phone service that works across many devices - and you're not limited to just one way to use Zoom Phone. You can choose to use Zoom Phone only on your laptop or mobile device - or you may decide to use it on both. You can even use a desk phone. Below are some things to consider to help you choose how you will use Zoom Phone.
What it is
Zoom Desktop App is The Zoom software/app you can install on your Mac or Windows computer.
What is does
It's the same app you use for Zoom meetings or webinars. Zoom Phone features are added to the app so you can send and receive calls all within the same app.
Things to consider with the Zoom Desktop App
If this is your only way to send and receive calls, you will want to make sure it is up and running on your computer.
You may also consider changing your phone settings to automatically not disturb whenever you are in a Zoom Meeting. This can be done within the app's settings. (More information below.)
If privacy is a concern, you may want to ensure you have headphones or wireless earbuds to use to avoid phone conversations that use your computer's speakers.
Summary
The app is a great option for those on the go or those that spend most of their day at a desk - you are probably using the app already and provides an excellent option for being mobile while remaining connected and able to send and receive calls.
What it is
It鈥檚 a mobile app you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for use on your mobile device.
What it does
It adds your work phone to your mobile device. Take and make calls anywhere you can take and use your mobile device.
Things to consider with the Zoom Desktop App
You will want to make sure that you have your phone with you charged and ready if you are expecting any calls.
Summary
The mobile app can be a good option for those that are very mobile - it provides plenty of flexibility. It can also be a great option for those that want to reserve their laptop for certain functions while placing and receiving calls on their mobile phone.
What it is
The Zoom Desk Phone is a traditional phone that sits on your desk and plugs into the wall for network connection and power.
What is does
It sends and receives phone calls - offering a speakerphone option as well as a traditional handset.
Things to consider with the Zoom Desk Phone
The Desk Phone is not mobile - it is tied to your office network port and has other limitations. You cannot convert a phone call to a Zoom Meeting, and listening to voicemails is more cumbersome compared to the other methods of listening to voicemail.
Summary
The traditional desk phone is a familiar and easy to use device that functions as one would expect.
Getting the Zoom Apps or Request a Desk Phone
Download the app from the Zoom website for or .
Download the mobile app in the or Google .
To request a Desk Phone, contact the ITS Service Desk at itshelp@colgate.edu or call us at 315-228-7111.
New Zoom Phone and Polycom Desk Phone Guide
The guides below will walk you through the essential functions, including how to place calls, set your business hours, forward calls, check your voicemail, start a conference call, and more.
You can perform these actions from several platforms:
- Zoom Desktop App: The Zoom software/app installed on your Mac or Windows computer.
- Zoom Mobile App: The app downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store onto your mobile device.
- Desk Phone: A traditional desktop phone (available upon request).
- Many of these settings can also be found on the Web at colgate.zoom.us: Login at colgate.zoom.us and go to Personal > Phone > Settings.
On your Zoom Desktop App
To call a campus extension: Dial the 4-digit extension (e.g., 1234).
To call off-campus: Dial area code + phone number.
To call internationally: Dial 011 + country code + city code + phone number.
On your Zoom Mobile App
To call a campus extension: Dial the 4-digit extension (e.g., 1234).
To call off-campus: Dial area code + phone number.
To call internationally: Dial 011 + country code + city code + phone number.
On a Desk Phone
To call a campus extension: Dial the 4-digit extension (e.g., 1234).
To call off-campus: Dial area code + phone number.
To call internationally: Dial 011 + country code + city code + phone number.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
Not supported for placing calls. Use the Zoom desktop or mobile app instead.
On your Zoom Desktop App
To check voicemail:
- Click the Phone tab.
- Select the Voicemail tab.
Click a message to play it or read the transcription.
To record a VIDEO greeting:
- Click your profile picture (top-right) > Settings.
- Select the Phone tab.
- Scroll to Greeting & Voicemail
- Click Record, Add Audio, or Edit to manage your greeting.
On your Zoom Mobile App
To check voicemail:
- Tap the Phone icon.
- Tap the Voicemail tab.
- Tap a message to listen or read the transcript.
To record a VIDEO greeting:
- Tap your profile picture > Settings > Phone.
Tap Voicemail > Record Greeting.
On a Desk Phone
To listen to or delete voicemails:
- Press the Messages button or the Voicemail soft key
- Select Message Center.
- If you have multiple lines, choose the line to check.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to listen to or manage messages.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
To listen to, download, or delete voicemails:
- Sign in at zoom.us and go to Phone > Voicemail.
- Listen to or download messages.
- Manage deleted voicemails and folders.
To update a greeting:
- Sign in at colgate.zoom.us > Go to Phone > Settings.
- In the Call Handling section, locate Greeting & Leave voicemail instruction and click Edit.
- Click Add Audio, then choose one of the following options:
- Record by Computer 鈥 use your microphone to record just your voice (no video).
- Upload 鈥 upload a pre-recorded .mp3 or .wav file (<鈥10鈥疢B).
- Text to Speech 鈥 type your message, and Zoom will read it aloud.
- Name the recording (Asset Name), select category (Voicemail Greeting) and language.
- Hit the Record button (or for upload/TTS, select the method), finish, then click Add and Save.
Additional Voicemail Information
Alternate access (optional): Dial *98 from another desk phone and follow prompts to retrieve voicemail if needed.
You can also record a voice-only greeting via the phone using the dial-in method:
Dial *86, enter your PIN, then press 2 to record a new greeting.
Voicemails are automatically emailed to your 含羞草传媒 email with audio and transcript.
On your Zoom Desktop App
- No option exists to change working hours in the Computer Application.
- Use the Zoom Web Portal to configure any call scheduling.
On your Zoom Mobile App
- No option exists to change working hours on the Phone App.
- Use the Zoom Web Portal to configure any call scheduling.
On a Desk Phone
- No option exists to change working hours on desk phones.
- Use the Zoom Web Portal to set your Business Hours.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
- Sign in at zoom.us.
- Go to Phone > Settings.
- Click Edit next to Business Hours to define your active call times.
- Adjust how calls are handled during those hours and outside of them.
On your Zoom Desktop App
To forward calls:
- Click your profile picture.
- Select Forward Calls.
- In the forwarding dialog, choose where to send the call鈥擭ame or Number, or straight to Voicemail/Videomail.
- Set a time limit (like 15 minutes, 1 hour, Always), adjust the "press 1 to connect" toggle if needed, then Save.
To enable/disable forwarding:
- Toggle the forwarding option on or off in Call Handling.
On your Zoom Mobile App
To forward your calls:
- Tap your profile picture (top-left).
- Tap Phone.
- Tap Forward Calls.
- Enter the number or user you want to forward to.
On a Desk Phone
Enabling Forwarding
- Press the Forward soft key鈥攐r go Home and select Forward if the key isn't visible.
- Choose the type of forwarding:
- Always (all calls)
- No Answer (after a set number of rings)
- Busy (when you're on a call)
- Enter the destination extension or external number.
- Press Enable to activate forwarding.
Disable Forwarding:
- Repeat steps 1鈥2 above and then press the Disable soft key.
- When forwarding is enabled, an icon appears at the top of the display to confirm it鈥檚 active
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
To forward calls during specific times (including holidays or after-hours):
- Sign in at zoom.us.
- Go to Phone > Settings.
- Under Holiday Hours, click Manage.
- Create a Schedule and name it
In the Call Handling section:
- Use the dropdown under 鈥淲hen a call is not answered鈥 to choose an action (e.g., Forward to another user, External number, or Voicemail).
- You can add multiple forwarding destinations or adjust the ring duration.
- Click Save.
On your Zoom Desktop App
Warm Transfer (talk to recipient first):
- While on a call, click Transfer > Warm Transfer.
- Call the recipient.
- When ready, click Complete Transfer.
Blind Transfer (send the call immediately):
- Click Transfer > Blind Transfer.
- Enter the number or extension, then click Transfer.
On your Zoom Mobile App
Warm Transfer (talk to recipient first):
- While on a call, tap More > Transfer > Warm Transfer.
- Call the person you鈥檙e transferring to.
- Tap Complete Transfer to finish.
Blind Transfer (send the call immediately):
- Tap More > Transfer > Blind Transfer.
- Enter the number or extension > tap Transfer.
On a Desk Phone
Warm Transfer (talk to recipient first):
- While on a call, Press and Hold the Transfer soft key.
- When you hear a dial tone, Dial the number or extension. Press Sebd
- Once the the caller picks up, the Transfer soft key will re-appear. Press Transfer to transfer the call.
Blind Transfer (send the call immediately):
- While on a call, press the Transfer soft key.
- Dial the number or extension.
- Press Send
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
Transferring is not supported through the web portal. Use the Zoom app instead.
On your Zoom Desktop App
- While on a call, click Add Call.
- You鈥檒l have two options (either via the Lines menu or the in-call UI):
- Merge: Add the new caller directly into the existing call鈥攅veryone can hear each other.
- Merge and Hold: Add the new caller, but keep them on hold until you're ready to bring them into the call.
- Enter the number or extension of the second party.
On your Zoom Mobile App
- While on a call, tap Add Call.
- Your current caller will be placed on hold.
- Dial the second number or extension.
- When the second call connects, you鈥檒l be prompted:
- Current Call 鈥 merge the new caller with the original one.
- Separate Call 鈥 keep the calls on hold independently.
- To merge all three participants, select Current Call > then tap Merge.
On a Desk Phone
- While on a call tap More
- While on a call, press the Confrnc soft key.
- Dial the second number or extension.
- When the second party answers, press Conference again to join all callers.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
- Not supported for making or merging calls directly.
On your Zoom Desktop App
- Go to the Phone tab.
- Find the call in History or Voicemail.
- Click the three dots (鈰) next to the number.
- Select Block Number.
On your Zoom Mobile App
To block a number:
- Tap the Phone icon > History.
- Tap the i next to the number.
- Select Block this Caller.
To manage blocked numbers:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked List.
On a Desk Phone
- Number blocking is not supported directly on the phone.
- Use the Zoom app or website to block or unblock numbers.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
To manage your blocked list:
- Sign in at zoom.us.
- Click Phone > Settings > Blocked List.
- Add numbers manually or unblock existing entries.
On your Zoom Desktop App
To enable DND:
- Click your profile picture (top-right).
- Hover over Availability
- Select Do Not Disturb.
- Choose a duration (20 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.).
- Some versions include a Custom option to set recurring DND.
While DND is active:
- You won鈥檛 receive incoming call or chat pop-ups.
- Calls will follow your voicemail or call handling rules automatically.
On your Zoom Mobile App
To enable DND:
- Tap your profile picture > availability.
- Toggle Do Not Disturb on or off.
- When enabled, all calls will bypass ringing and follow your call handling or voicemail settings.
On a Desk Phone
To enable/disable DND:
- Press the DND soft key (or go to more > DND).
- When active, the DND icon appears on screen.
- Press the DND key again to turn it off.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
- DND cannot be managed through the web portal.
- Use the Zoom desktop or mobile app to enable it.
On your Zoom Desktop App
To update your emergency address:
- Click your profile picture > Settings > Phone.
- Scroll to Emergency Address.
- Click Add or Edit to update your current location.
- Be sure to keep this updated when working off-campus.
On your Zoom Mobile App
- You cannot set or edit your emergency address.
- For a 911 call, the mobile app always uses your native cellular carrier鈥檚 location鈥攁nd Zoom doesn鈥檛 track or manage it.
On a Desk Phone
- Emergency address must be configured through the Zoom app or website.
- Phones located on campus are automatically assigned a registered address.
On the Web at colgate.zoom.us
To manage your emergency address:
- Sign in at zoom.us.
- Go to Phone > Settings.
- Scroll to Emergency Address.
- Add or edit your current location.
Zoom Desk Phone Guides


Cisco Phones & Guides
Note: The phone and phones guides below are being phased out beginning Summer 2025.
Dial 0, then follow the prompt to find the phone number, or Dial 315-228-7755 (x7755) and then say the first and last name of the person, or the name of the department, you would like to reach.
From you own phone, press the "messages" button.
From a different campus phone, dial x7840 and follow the instructions.
From your mobile phone or any other phone off campus, dial 315-228-7840 and follow the instructions.
Campus phones allow users to connect with two other lines by utilizing the "Confrn" button. If you plan to connect to more than two other lines, you should use Zoom Conferencing.
How to Make a Conference Call using your Cisco Phone for up to three participants:
1. Make or Answer a Call.
2. Press the 鈥淢ore鈥 soft key followed by the 鈥淐onfrn鈥 soft key.
3. Dial the number of the caller you wish to add to the conference call and press 鈥淒ial鈥. When the caller answers, press 鈥淐onfrn鈥 to add them to the conference.
4. Press 鈥淗old鈥 to place the conference on hold.
5. Press 鈥淓ndCall鈥 to remove yourself from the conference. The two other callers will remain connected.
There is a charge associated with all directory assistance calls. Please access your favorite online resource (, for example) as a phone number resource. Otherwise, dial 9 + 1 + area code + 555-1212 (wait for tone) + access code.
Forwarding Your Phone
1. Press the CFwdALL softkey
2. Enter the 4 digit extention, or an off-campus phone number (9-1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx), or press the Messages button to forward to voice mail.
3. To verify that Call Forward All is active, look for the call forward icon and the 鈥淔orwarded to鈥 phone number.
To Turn Off Call Forwarding
1. Press the CFwdALL softkey. (You may need to press the "more" softkey first to see this button.)
Dial 9 + 1 + 315 + phone number
Outside the 315 Area Code
Dial 9 + 1 + area code + phone number
Inside the 315 Area Code
Dial 9 + 1 + 315 + phone number
Dial 9 + 011 + country code + city code + phone number




Ask for Help
If you are unable to find the information you need in the documentation available online, the ITS Service Desk is available to assist.