> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://doc.call24x7.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Quick start guide for Call24x7.AI developers

## Overview

This guide will help you get started with Call24x7.AI quickly. You'll learn how to set up your account, create your first AI agent, and make your first call.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* A Call24x7.AI developer account
* An API key from the [Developer Portal](https://manage.call24x7.ai)
* A phone number to test with (your own number is recommended for testing)

## Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Visit the [Call24x7.AI Developer Portal](https://manage.call24x7.ai)
2. Sign up for a new account
3. Verify your email address
4. Complete your profile setup

## Step 2: Get Your API Key

1. Navigate to the **API Keys** section in your dashboard
2. Click **Create New API Key**
3. Copy and securely store your API key

<Warning>
  Your API key is sensitive. Never share it publicly or commit it to version control. Use environment variables or secure secret management.
</Warning>

## Step 3: Create Your First Agent

An AI agent is the "personality" that handles your phone calls. You can create agents through:

* **Developer Portal**: Use the web interface to create and configure agents
* **API**: Create agents programmatically using the API

### Using the Developer Portal

1. Go to the **Agents** section
2. Click **Create New Agent**
3. Configure your agent:
   * **Name**: Give your agent a descriptive name
   * **Instruction**: Write the prompt that defines how your agent behaves
   * **Voice**: Select a voice model
   * **Language**: Choose the language for conversations

### Agent Instructions

The instruction/prompt is crucial - it defines how your agent will behave during calls. Example:

```
You are a friendly customer service representative for ABC Company. 
Your role is to:
- Greet customers warmly
- Answer questions about our products
- Schedule appointments when requested
- Be professional and helpful at all times
```

## Step 4: Make Your First Call

### Using the Developer Portal

1. Navigate to the **Send Call** page
2. Enter the recipient's phone number
3. Select your agent
4. Click **Send Call**

### Using the API

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.call24x7.ai/outbound_call \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "to_phone_number": "+1234567890",
    "agent_id": "your-agent-id"
  }'
```

## Step 5: Monitor Your Calls

After initiating a call, you can:

* **View call status**: Check the status in your dashboard
* **Listen to recordings**: Access call recordings after completion
* **Review transcriptions**: Read full conversation transcripts
* **Set up webhooks**: Receive real-time notifications when calls complete

## Next Steps

Now that you've made your first call, explore these resources:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/essentials/authentication">
    Learn about API authentication and security
  </Card>

  <Card title="Webhooks" icon="webhook" href="/essentials/webhooks">
    Set up webhooks for call notifications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Agents" icon="robot" href="/essentials/agents">
    Deep dive into creating and managing agents
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="book" href="/api-reference">
    Explore the complete API documentation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How much do calls cost?">
    Calls are billed at \$0.15 per minute with precise second-by-second billing. You only pay for the actual call duration.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What phone number formats are supported?">
    Phone numbers must be in E.164 format (e.g., +1234567890). Include the country code and the + prefix.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I test calls before going live?">
    Yes! We recommend testing with your own phone number first. You can also use the testing suite in the Developer Portal.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I handle errors?">
    All API responses include error codes. Check the [API Reference](/api-reference) for a complete list of error codes and their meanings.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Support

Need help? We're here for you:

* [Help Center](https://manage.call24x7.ai)
* Email: [support@call24x7.ai](mailto:support@call24x7.ai)
* [API Reference](/api-reference)