What to do when Slang phone service is not working

Last updated: June 6, 2026

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:

  1. Identify which number is configured as your transfer line in Slang

  2. Contact your phone provider for that transfer line

  3. Have them disable call forwarding on that specific number

  4. Ensure the transfer line physically rings a phone at your location that staff can answer

The transfer line needs to reach your location directly – Slang passes the call off out of the system at that point, so this number must ring your staff's phone without any forwarding enabled.

Additionally, ensure your staff are transferring calls to your secondary/transfer line (the number configured in Slang for transfers), not your main restaurant number, as transferring to the main number will route the call back through Slang and create the same loop.

Additional Loop Scenario: A call loop can also occur if you change your public‑facing phone number to a number that's already programmed into Slang for transfer topics (like “Talk to a Human”). In this case, calls to your new public number will forward to Slang, but when guests request a transfer, Slang will attempt to call the same number, creating a loop.

Resolution Options:

  1. Update your public listing: Change your Google Business Profile (or other public listings) to display your Slang number directly instead of your main restaurant number. This provides the best caller experience since guests reach Slang immediately without call forwarding.

  2. Switch transfer topics to email: In your Slang dashboard at ilove.slang.ai, go to Concierge → Topics and change any topics set to “Forward call to staff” to “Email us” instead. Check all topics, not just “Talk to Human.” After updating topics, set up call forwarding from your public number to your Slang number through your phone carrier.

Setting Up Call Forwarding: For most major carriers (AT&T, Comcast/Xfinity, Spectrum, T‑Mobile, Verizon), dial *72 followed by your Slang number. If your carrier uses a different method, contact them for specific instructions.

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.

Google Business Profile Phone Number Reversion Issue

A common but often overlooked cause of Slang service disruption is that Google Business Profile may automatically revert your phone number back to the original restaurant number, breaking the connection to Slang even when call forwarding is correctly set up.

How to Check and Fix Google Business Profile Settings

  1. Log into your Google Business Profile and verify it still displays your Slang number.

  2. If Google has automatically changed it back to the original number, update the profile to show your Slang number again.

  3. Monitor the profile regularly, as Google can revert the number multiple times.

Prevention Tips

  • Enable Google Business Profile notifications to alert you of any changes.

  • Regularly audit your business listings across all platforms.

  • Keep documentation of your Slang number for quick reference when updating profiles.

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.