Recognising returning callers turns on with the AI receptionist. We connect Google Sheets now; until that is switched on for your line, the receptionist takes a message instead.
Setup steps
- Choose Connect. A short guided-setup form opens, and our team takes it from there.
- Tell us which sheet and tab to use, and which columns callers may hear.
- On a short call, someone with access to the sheet signs in with Google to approve read-only access. We never see the password.
- We call in with a test row, check what is read out, and confirm on your ticket.
Permissions we ask for, and why
- See your Google Sheets (read-only): So the receptionist can find a caller's row by phone number in the sheet you pick and read the columns you choose. We only read that sheet and never change it.
What the AI receptionist will do
- Will find the caller's row by the number they call from, or by an account number they give.
- Will text a one-time code to the number on file, and read out balances or other personal columns only after the caller enters it.
- Will read only the columns you choose, word for word, and transfer the call or take a message for anything else.
What it can't do, and limits
- Guided setup: our team connects it with you and tests it on your account before callers rely on it.
- One row per customer with a phone number column works best. We help you tidy the sheet on the setup call.
- The texted code needs the Texting add-on and carrier registration (usually 1 to 2 weeks).
- Read-only: callers can't change anything in your sheet. Payments and changes go to your team.
- Not for patient or medical records.
The AI says something is booked or ordered only when Google Sheets confirms it. If Google Sheets doesn't answer in time, the AI takes a message instead and tells the caller someone will follow up.
Troubleshooting
Can callers change my sheet?
No. We only read it.
What if two rows have the same phone number?
The receptionist asks for an account or order number to pick the right one, and never reads out a row it isn't sure about.
Does it read my other files?
No. We only read the one spreadsheet you pick, and we never change it.
Disconnecting, and the data we keep
An owner or admin can disconnect at any time from Phone, then Connectors, in the app. Disconnecting stops TimberSwitch using Google Sheets straight away.
- An encrypted Google access token and refresh token, and the sheet and columns you chose.
- A log of each lookup and code check: time, result and a masked caller number. Never the values read out.
- Disconnecting removes our tokens straight away.
Still stuck?
Get help: it opens an Integration support ticket. Include the time of the call and what you expected to happen.
Google is a trademark of its owner; TimberSwitch is not affiliated.