# Ring Time and Fallback

> How long each forward-to number rings, per-number ring times for ring one by one, backup numbers, and what happens when nobody answers.

Source: https://edesy.in/docs/call-forwarding/rules/ring-time-and-fallback

Ring time is how long a forward-to number rings before Edesy gives up on it: 5 to 120 seconds, 25 by default. With ring one by one, each number can have its own ring time, and the numbers lower in the list act as backups. When the last number does not answer, the call ends.

## Ring time

| Setting | Range | Default | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule ring time (`ring_timeout_sec`) | 5 to 120 seconds | 25 | Ring all at once: how long all numbers ring. Ring one by one: how long each number rings |
| Per-number ring time (`targets[].ring_timeout`) | 5 to 120 seconds | Rule ring time | Ring one by one only |

Set the rule ring time under **Ring behaviour** in the portal. Per-number ring times are set in the **Call handling** card on the number's page in voice-app.edesy.in, or with the API:

```json
{
  "strategy": "sequential",
  "targets": [
    { "number": "9876543210", "label": "Account manager", "ring_timeout": 15 },
    { "number": "9123456789", "label": "Sales desk", "ring_timeout": 20 },
    { "number": "9000012345", "label": "Manager" }
  ]
}
```

Here the account manager rings for 15 seconds, then the sales desk for 20, then the manager for the rule's ring time.

## Backup numbers

With ring one by one, every number after the first is a backup. Put your main person first and backups after. A number moves on to the next when it:

- is not answered within its ring time
- is busy or rejects the call
- fails to connect (switched off, out of coverage, network error)
- is answered by voicemail that does not press a key, when [screening](https://edesy.in/docs/call-forwarding/rules/call-screening) is on

## When nobody answers

When the list runs out (or, with ring all at once, the ring time ends), the call ends. With connect on pickup on (the default), the caller was never answered, so the call is not charged and shows in the call log as no-answer, busy or failed, with the reason.

## FAQ

**What is the default ring time?**
25 seconds.

**What is the longest a number can ring?**
120 seconds per number.

**Can the call go to voicemail when nobody answers?**
Call forwarding does not include a voicemail step. The call ends when the list runs out.

**How long can a caller wait with ring one by one?**
The sum of the ring times of the enabled numbers. Five numbers at 25 seconds each is up to 125 seconds.