Limit Call Duration of an Outbound Call

An outbound call is any call a user places out to an external number (as opposed to an internal extension-to-extension call). You can set a ceiling on how long those calls are allowed to last for a single extension. Once a call reaches the limit, Cloud Voice ends it automatically.

The usual reason to do this is cost and line control: a forgotten or runaway call left off the hook can tie up a line and run up per-minute charges. A duration cap makes sure the system hangs up on its own.

Tip

Set a generous ceiling rather than a tight one. The goal is to catch calls that were clearly left connected by mistake, not to interrupt real conversations. Pick a value comfortably longer than your longest normal call.

Set the maximum duration

1. Sign in to the management portal and go to Extension and Trunk > Extension, then open the extension you want to configure for editing.

2. Select the Security tab.

3. Under Call Restrictions, set Max Outbound Call Duration (s). Pick one of the preset values from the drop-down list, or type your own value. The value is measured in seconds (the (s) in the field name), so 300 means five minutes.

   Note

   This limit applies only to the extension you are editing. If several extensions need a cap, repeat these steps for each one.

   Danger

   Emergency calls (for example 911) are outbound calls too, so this limit applies to them. A value set too low could disconnect someone during an emergency. Always choose a duration long enough that it will never cut off an emergency call. The same limit will also end a normal long call mid-conversation once the time is reached, so do not set it shorter than your legitimate calls need.

4. Click Save, then Apply.

   Caution

   The change does not take effect until you click Apply. Clicking Save alone stores the value but leaves the old behavior active.

Result

Whenever a user on this extension places an outbound call, Cloud Voice tracks the elapsed time. As soon as the call reaches the Max Outbound Call Duration (s) you set, the system disconnects it, even if the call is still in progress.