---
title: "Dial by Name or Extension Directory"
slug: "dial-by-name-or-extension-directory"
description: "Dial-by directories ensure callers reach the correct person or line, every time.Dialpad offers two different types of 'dial-by' directories."
tags: ["call routing", "contact center routing", "Extension dialing", "shared line extension"]
updated: 2025-12-24T21:15:29Z
published: 2025-12-24T21:15:29Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.dialpad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Dial by Name or Extension Directory

Dial-by directories ensure callers reach the correct person or line, every time. No awkward transfers or holds.

Dialpad offers two different types of 'dial-by' directories:

- Dial by name: Callers enter letters of the person's name that they want to speak with.
- Dial by extension: Callers enter the extension of the person they want to speak with.

Let's go over the details.

> [!NOTE]
> Who can use this
> 
> This feature is available to users on an Enterprise [Dialpad Connect](https://www.dialpad.com/pricing/#business) plan, and [Dialpad Sell](https://www.dialpad.com/pricing/#sales-dialer) and [Support](https://www.dialpad.com/pricing/#contact-center) users on an Advanced or Premium Plan.

## Dial by name directory

When a caller reaches the dial by name directory, they'll tap in the keypad number that corresponds to the letters of their intended recipient's first name (e.g. 2 = ABC, 3=DEF, 4=GHI, etc.) Dialpad provides two different types of Dial by name directories:

- **Dial by name directory - this office:**Lets callers search team members within in the office.
- **Dial by name directory - company wide:**Lets callers search team members across the entire company.

To use the Dial by name directory, head to your **Dialpad Admin Settings.**

1. Navigate to the shared line
2. Select **Business Hours and Call Routing**
3. Navigate to **Call Routing**
4. Select **Edit Call Routing**

![Business hours and Call routing settings](https://cdn.us.document360.io/0f28ad44-2863-4372-a27e-c6728808d742/Images/Documentation/Edit-call-routing.png)
5. Navigate to **Routing options**
6. Select **Other routing options**
7. Select **To an automated response menu**
8. Select the desired **Dial by name directory** type

![Dial by name directory selection in Call routing options](https://cdn.us.document360.io/0f28ad44-2863-4372-a27e-c6728808d742/Images/Documentation/Dial-by-name-directory.png)

## Dial by extension directory

To enable Dial by extension functionality, please reach out to [Customer Support.](https://dialpad.com/contact-support)

Once this has been added to your account, you'll see the Dial by extension directory option available in your routing options.

![Select Dial by extension directory in Call routing settings](https://cdn.us.document360.io/0f28ad44-2863-4372-a27e-c6728808d742/Images/Documentation/Dial-by-extension-directory(1).png)

When your caller reaches the dial by extension directory, they'll be prompted to enter in [your team member's 3, 4, 5 or 6 digit extension](/v1/docs/add-edit-and-remove-extensions) (unless otherwise specified, 5 is the default).

## Related

- [Set Call Routing Rules for Departments](/set-call-routing-rules-for-departments.md)
- [Set Call Routing Rules for Contact Centers](/set-call-routing-rules-for-contact-centers.md)
- [Extension FAQs](/extensions-faqs.md)
- [Add, Edit, and Remove Extensions](/add-edit-and-remove-extensions.md)