Adding/Changing Extensions In FreePBX:
When adding VoIP phone extensions, creating an extension in FreePBX only configures the Server, the VoIP phone must also be configured to look to the Server address and register using it's designated extension and password. After adding the extension in FreePBX, use the Endpoint Manager to configure the VoIP phone, using the MAC address of the device. You must then set the phone to look to the Server for it's configuration. This process varies with manufacturers.

1. Login to FreePBX as described here.

2. Click the Setup tab at the top of the page.

3. On the left side of the page click the Extensions link under Basic.

4. From the drop down box choose the type of device associated with the extension. Then click the Submit button.

Most VoIP Phones will use the Generic SIP Device. This includes Polycom, Aastra, Cisco, Grandstream, Snom, and Linksys.


For Iax Phones or ATA's use Generic IAX Device. These are devices that use the IAX2 protocol, like Digium's IAXY ATA.


For Analog Extensions use the Generic ZAP Device. Use this to configure FXS (analog stations) ports installed with Digium, Sangoma, or Rhino cards.

For other custom extensions use Other Device. This is advanced programmers

5. Configure the extension as required following the guidelines below. When done, click the Submit button.

User Extension - Enter a 2 to 5 digit extension number, this number must not conflict with any extensions, feature codes, ring groups, or queues. If the user will have a direct phone number this extension number should match the last 3 or 4 digits of the phone number.

Display Name - This is the name that will appear for the caller ID of this extension, it will also be used for the company directory if the extension has voicemail configured.

Direct DID - This is the received digits for the users direct phone number. If you have a PRI circuit this is most likely the last 3 or 4 digits of the phone number. If you have a VoIP provider such as VoIPStreet, this will be the full 10 digit phone number. All calls to the number assigned here will ring directly to this extension.

DID Alert Info - Use this setting to change the ring tone when a call comes in on the DID. Consult your phone's administration guide for setting information

Music On Hold - Use this to set the music on hold class for this extension. Music on Hold classes must be configured in Freepbx Setup under Music on Hold.

Outbound CID - Use this to set the caller ID number shown for this extension on outbound phone calls. The extension will still be shown on internal calls. This only works with certain providers.

Emergency CID - Use this to set the caller ID for this extension on calls to 911. This only works with certain providers.

Secret - Enter a password for this device, this will be used to authenticate VoIP devices.

dtmfmode - leave at the default rfc2833, if the device does not seem to recognize DTMF tones set this to info.

Fax Extension - Choose the extension that a fax will go to if one is detected. Leave this at FreePBX Default, unless using this extension for incoming faxing.

Fax Email - This is the email address used for incoming faxes at this extension. This is only valid if the Fax Extension has been set to System.

Fax Detection Type - Leave this setting at None unless you are configuring the extension to detect incoming faxes. To detect incoming faxes on your Analog FXO ports use Zaptel. For SIP or IAX trunks use NVFax.

Pause After Answer - Leave this at 0 unless this extension will be used for detecting faxes. Then set this to the number of seconds the system will wait for a fax tone before ringing the extension as a normal call.

Privacy Manager - Set this to Yes if you would like incoming calls with blocked or unknown numbers to be prompted to enter their caller ID.

Dictation Service - Enable or Disable the dictation feature for this extension.

Dictation Format - Select the file type used for dictation recordings.

Dictation Email Address - Select the email address to send the dictations.

Record Incoming - Set Call recording options for inbound calls to this extension. The default is On Demand, this allows the user to dial *1 while on a call to activate recording. Always and Never are the other options.

Record Outgoing - Set Call recording options for outbound calls from this extension. The default is On Demand, this allows the user to dial *1 while on a call to activate recording. Always and Never are the other options.

Voicemail & Directory Status - Disable or Enable the voicemail box for this extension.

Voicemail Password - Set the voicemail password for this device. This should be a number to allow the user to check the voicemail from the phone.

Voicemail Email Address - Set the email address to send voicemail message notifications

Pager Email Address - Set the mobile email address for sending voicemail message notifications, this is intended for Blackberry type mobile devices that can receive limited sized messages.

Email Attachment - Select Yes to have the voicemail attached to the email as a sound file.

Play CID - Include the caller ID in the voicemail message

Play Envelope - Include the Date/Time in the voicemail message

Delete Vmail - Select yes if this extension will only check their voicemail messages through email, and messages will never be checked through the phone.

6. Click the Submit button when done.

7. To apply the changes click the red Apply Changes Bar in the upper right corner of the page. You may add more extensions before clicking Apply Changes, just be sure to click the Apply Changes bar before exiting.