What to do when Slang phone service is not working

Last updated: December 3, 2025

If you're experiencing issues with Slang not answering calls or guests receiving error messages when calling your restaurant, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Check for Service Outages

Slang relies on third-party infrastructure that may occasionally experience outages. During these events, you may notice:

  • Calls not being answered by the Slang concierge

  • Guests receiving "application not available" or "call cannot be completed" messages

  • Dashboard functionality being impacted

Immediate Steps to Take

Test Your Slang Number Directly

First, try calling your dedicated Slang number directly to see if the concierge answers. This will help determine if the issue is with Slang's service or your call forwarding setup.

Check Call Forwarding Settings

Call Transfer Loop Issue: If guests can reach Slang but transfer requests (asking to speak to a human, host, or live representative) result in the call ringing a few times and then returning to the Slang prompt, you may have a call loop configuration. This occurs when your main restaurant number forwards to Slang, but Slang's transfer number is set to forward back to your main number, creating a circular loop. To resolve this, ensure your transfer number in Slang's settings points to a direct line that doesn't forward back to Slang.

If the direct Slang number works but your main restaurant line doesn't reach Slang, the issue may be with your call forwarding configuration. Contact your phone provider to verify that calls are properly forwarding to your Slang number.

Temporary Workaround

If Slang services are experiencing an outage, you can temporarily disable call forwarding to ensure guests can reach your restaurant directly:

  1. Contact your phone provider

  2. Disable call forwarding from your main number to the Slang number

  3. Re-enable forwarding once the issue is resolved

Fallback System

During service disruptions, Slang automatically activates a fallback system that routes calls to a secondary phone number you have on file. However, this may not work properly if:

  • Your fallback number isn't correctly configured

  • Your phone provider is also experiencing issues

When to Contact Support

Contact Slang Support immediately if:

  • The issue persists after checking your call forwarding settings

  • Your direct Slang number is not responding

  • You need assistance configuring your fallback number

  • Transfer requests are looping back to Slang instead of reaching your staff

When contacting support, provide details about what error messages guests are hearing and whether you've tested calling your Slang number directly.