> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://portaldocs.peartelco.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Announcements
> Change the recorded messages that play to callers in your call flow
## Overview
Announcements are pre-recorded messages your phone system plays to callers. Examples include your after-hours message, your break message, and voicemail greetings. This page shows all your announcements. You can swap out the recording each one uses.
Announcements requires Manager access or above. If you don't see this page in the menu, your role doesn't include this feature.
## What you'll see
Each announcement is listed in a table with:
| Column | What it shows |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Description** | The name of this announcement in your call flow |
| **Recording** | The audio file currently assigned to it |
| **Destination** | Where calls go after the announcement finishes playing |
| **Actions** | Play the current recording, or edit the announcement |
The **Destination** column is read-only. It is set up by Pear. To change where calls go after an announcement, contact Pear Support via the **Support** link in the left menu.
## How to change an announcement recording
1. Find the announcement in the list.
2. Click the **edit** icon (pencil) on the right of that row.
3. In the panel that opens, click the **Recording** dropdown.
4. Select the recording you want to use from the list.
5. Click **Save Changes**.
The announcement will immediately use the new recording. The next time a caller reaches that point in your call flow, they will hear the new message.
If the recording you need doesn't exist yet, you'll need to create it first in **System Recordings** before it appears in this dropdown. See the workflow below.
## How to preview a recording
If a recording is assigned to an announcement, a play button appears in the **Actions** column:
1. Click the **play** icon (triangle) on the right of the row.
2. An audio player opens showing the recording details.
3. Click play in the audio bar to listen.
## Workflow: updating your after-hours message for Christmas
Here's a complete example of how to swap your after-hours announcement for a special holiday recording, then verify it's working.
### Step 1: Record the new message in System Recordings
If you don't already have a Christmas recording ready:
1. Go to **System Recordings** in the left menu.
2. Click **Record Over Extension** (to record from your desk phone) or **Upload New** (to upload an existing audio file).
3. Name it something clear, like *Christmas After Hours 2025*.
4. Save the recording.
It will now be available to use as an announcement recording. See the [System Recordings](/call-flow/system-recordings) page for detailed steps.
### Step 2: Update the announcement
1. Go to **Announcements** in the left menu.
2. Find **After Hours Announcement** in the list.
3. Click the **edit** icon on the right.
4. In the **Recording** dropdown, select your new *Christmas After Hours 2025* recording.
5. Click **Save Changes**.
### Step 3: Verify it in Inbound Call Routing
To confirm the right recording is now attached to your call flow:
1. Go to **Inbound Call Routing** in the left menu.
2. Find your after-hours time condition (e.g. *Default Business Hours*).
3. The **Outside scheduled hours** destination should point to your after-hours announcement.
4. If a play button is visible, click it to preview the audio and confirm it plays the Christmas message.
Once verified, your callers will hear the new recording automatically whenever your after-hours routing applies.
When Christmas is over, go back to **Announcements**, find the After Hours Announcement, and swap it back to your regular recording.
## Frequently asked questions
**Why can't I see a play button next to some announcements?**
The play button only appears if a recording is currently assigned. If the **Recording** column shows "None", there is no audio to play.
**Can I change where calls go after the announcement?**
No. The destination is fixed by your call flow configuration. To change it, contact Pear Support via the **Support** link in the left menu.
**The recording I want isn't in the dropdown. What do I do?**
You need to add it in **System Recordings** first. Go there, upload or record the audio file, then come back to **Announcements** and it will appear in the dropdown.
**Will the change take effect immediately?**
Yes. As soon as you click **Save Changes**, the new recording is live. The next caller who reaches that point in your call flow will hear the updated message.