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

# Your phone numbers

> Renting numbers through Fuse or adding a number your business already owns, what each option can do, and what stays with your existing phone service.

Before you can call anyone you need at least one number to call from. Fuse gives you two ways to get one.

## Renting a number through Fuse

These numbers are acquired and managed from inside Fuse.

They can be used for:

* Outbound calling
* Inbound call routing
* Automatic number selection
* Number health monitoring
* Trusted calling and caller name registration
* Local presence across different regions

Because Fuse manages these numbers, it can configure how they behave on a call and associate them with your approved [business profile](/dialer/business-registration).

<Warning>
  **Releasing a rented number gives it up permanently.** It may later be assigned to someone else, so avoid releasing a number your customers already recognize.
</Warning>

## Adding a number you already own

You can also bring a number your business already owns. Fuse runs a one-time verification challenge to confirm that you control it.

Once verified, the number can appear as your outbound caller ID on calls placed through Fuse. Ownership stays with you, and adding it here does not transfer or replace your existing phone service.

<Tip>
  This is the option to reach for when your contacts already recognize your established business number.
</Tip>

### What stays with your existing phone service

A number you own is not managed the way a rented number is. Four things work differently:

|                                     | What happens                                                             |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Incoming calls**                  | Continue to arrive through your existing phone service, not through Fuse |
| **Registration and reputation**     | Fuse cannot fully manage either for this number                          |
| **Messaging and inbound features**  | May not be available in Fuse                                             |
| **Caller name and trusted calling** | Any existing setup remains tied to the number's current phone service    |

## Where to go next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="How Fuse picks a number" icon="shuffle" href="/dialer/number-selection">
    Once you have more than one number, this is how Fuse decides between them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Business registration" icon="shield-halved" href="/dialer/business-registration">
    Connecting your verified business identity to the numbers you rent.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>