Setting idle state
An agent in the idle state is available to receive or initiate work. Customize this state by configuring call controls such as the phone keypad for outbound calls, directory access, and the logout feature to manage the CCaaS platform session.
Before you begin
Role required: admin
[Omitted image "int-set-idle-state.png"] Alt text: Set idle state capabilities in the simulator
Procedure
-
Configure display fields by entering a key and value in the Key to display and Value to display fields.
This value is set by the contact center admin. For example, Key =
Selected Queue, and Value =Customer Inquiries. -
Select the Controls Options.
-
Select to enable the Phone directory option to display the Queues, Agents, External numbers, and Direct dial tabs.
-
Use the Edit icon to update entries.
By default, the Outbound call, Logout, and Phone directory options are enabled. You can clear any options as needed. See Configuring Transfer capabilities.
When you have the Outbound call feature enabled in the simulator, a system notification displays stating that outbound calls create new Interactions.
-
Select Save and continue to set the chosen options that opens the Global call window with the updated values.
The window displays icons for the enabled features. The Phone directory feature, if not selected, appears inactive.
-
Configure call controls by selecting options such as Mute, Hold, Transfer, Flag, DTMF, and End call.
-
Configure Recording controls by selecting options such as Start, Stop, Pause, or Resume recording.
-
Select Save and continue and move on to the next step for adding participants.
- Select Clear all to remove all input data for the section you’re updating.
- Select the Logout and Reset options to return to the idle state setup.
What to do next
If you enable Transfer, the simulator guides you through the transfer capabilities setup. If you choose not to select the Transfer capability, select Continue to proceed to adding participants. See Configuring Transfer capabilities.
---
title: Setting idle state
description: An agent in the idle state is available to receive or initiate work. Customize this state by configuring call controls such as the phone keypad for outbound calls, directory access, and the logout feature to manage the CCaaS platform session.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/customer-service-management/setup-idle-state-and-directory.html
release: australia
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-09-10"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Set up the Voice Controls Simulator tool, Voice Controls Simulator tool, Enable ICC for CCaaS calls and callbacks, Configure voice, Configure omnichannel, Configure, Customer Service Management]
---
# Setting idle state
An agent in the idle state is available to receive or initiate work. Customize this state by configuring call controls such as the phone keypad for outbound calls, directory access, and the logout feature to manage the CCaaS platform session.
## Before you begin
Role required: admin
\[Omitted image "int-set-idle-state.png"\] Alt text: Set idle state capabilities in the simulator
## Procedure
1. Configure display fields by entering a key and value in the **Key to display** and **Value to display** fields.
This value is set by the contact center admin. For example, Key = `Selected Queue`, and Value = `Customer Inquiries`.
2. Select the **Controls** Options.
3. Select to enable the **Phone directory** option to display the **Queues**, **Agents**, **External numbers**, and **Direct dial** tabs.
4. Use the **Edit** icon to update entries.
By default, the **Outbound call**, **Logout**, and **Phone directory** options are enabled. You can clear any options as needed. See [Configuring Transfer capabilities](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/customer-service-management/configure-transfer-capability.md).
When you have the **Outbound call** feature enabled in the simulator, a system notification displays stating that outbound calls create new Interactions.
5. Select **Save and continue** to set the chosen options that opens the Global call window with the updated values.
The window displays icons for the enabled features. The **Phone directory** feature, if not selected, appears inactive.
6. Configure call controls by selecting options such as **Mute**, **Hold**, **Transfer**, **Flag**, **DTMF**, and **End call**.
7. Configure **Recording** controls by selecting options such as **Start**, **Stop**, **Pause**, or **Resume recording**.
8. Select **Save and continue** and move on to the next step for adding participants.
- Select **Clear all** to remove all input data for the section you’re updating.
- Select the **Logout** and **Reset** options to return to the idle state setup.
## What to do next
If you enable **Transfer**, the simulator guides you through the transfer capabilities setup. If you choose not to select the **Transfer** capability, select **Continue** to proceed to adding participants. See [Configuring Transfer capabilities](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/customer-service-management/configure-transfer-capability.md).
| title | Setting idle state |
| description | An agent in the idle state is available to receive or initiate work. Customize this state by configuring call controls such as the phone keypad for outbound calls, directory access, and the logout feature to manage the CCaaS platform session. |
| locale | en-US |
| canonical_url | https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/customer-service-management/setup-idle-state-and-directory.html |
| release | australia |
| topic_type | task |
| last_updated | 2026-09-10 |
| reading_time_minutes | 1 |
| breadcrumb | Set up the Voice Controls Simulator toolVoice Controls Simulator toolEnable ICC for CCaaS calls and callbacksConfigure voiceConfigure omnichannelConfigureCustomer Service Management |