Getting Started
Keep your number or use a Tideflow number
Choose the right phone number setup for your business and understand the trade-offs clearly.
Last updated: 2026-03-27
Two ways to connect
When you set up Tideflow, you choose one of two phone number paths. This is one of the most important decisions in your setup because it affects how callers reach you and what your number looks like publicly.
Option 1: Keep your existing number
If your business already has a phone number that customers know and use, you can keep it. You set up call forwarding from your existing number to your Tideflow number, so callers still dial the number they already have. Tideflow answers the forwarded call.
When this works best
- You have an established number on business cards, signage, or online listings
- You do not want customers to learn a new number
- You want to keep your current carrier and plan
What to keep in mind
- You must configure call forwarding with your phone carrier or provider
- There may be a short delay (usually a few seconds) while the forwarding connects before Tideflow picks up
- Some carriers charge for call forwarding; check with your provider if you are unsure
Option 2: Use a Tideflow number
Tideflow can provision a dedicated Australian phone number for your business. Calls come directly to Tideflow with no forwarding step, so there is no carrier dependency and no forwarding delay.
When this works best
- You are starting fresh and do not have an established business number yet
- You want the simplest possible setup with no carrier configuration
- You are happy to update your public contact details to the new number
What to keep in mind
- You will need to share your new Tideflow number with customers and update listings
- The number is an Australian number provisioned through Tideflow
Comparison summary
| Keep your number | Use a Tideflow number | |
|---|---|---|
| Customers dial | Your existing number | A new Tideflow number |
| Carrier config needed | Yes (call forwarding) | No |
| Setup complexity | Moderate | Simple |
| Best for | Established businesses | New businesses or fresh starts |
Can I change later?
Yes. You can switch between forwarding your own number and using a Tideflow-provisioned number through your workspace settings. If you start with one option and want to change, you can do that without losing your call history.
Next steps
If you chose to keep your existing number, set up call forwarding next. If you chose a Tideflow number, move on to making your first test call.
Next up
Set up call forwarding→Configure forwarding so inbound calls reach Tideflow reliably from your existing business number.