# Connect a phone number

Do this after your ElevenLabs preview and n8n email tests pass. Buying a number doesn't test the rest of the system. This setup guide has been checked against the official documentation; a live phone call has not been tested as part of this kit.

## Connect Twilio to ElevenLabs

1. In Twilio, provision a voice-capable number. Complete the account verification and any country-specific number requirements. Check the rental and usage rate before purchase.
2. In ElevenLabs Agents, open Phone Numbers and import the Twilio number. Supply a label, number, Twilio SID and token/secret in the integration's fields. The native integration supports Account SID/Auth Token or API Key SID/Secret; follow its current permissions guidance.
3. Assign your receptionist agent to the imported inbound-capable number. A verified caller ID is outbound-only, so it cannot replace an inbound number.

The native integration configures Twilio routing. Save the existing routing before changing an already-used number. Keep credentials out of prompts, screenshots and shared files.

Official steps: https://elevenlabs.io/docs/eleven-agents/phone-numbers/twilio-integration/native-integration

## Test before using a business line

- Call the test number from a different phone. Does the correct agent answer?
- Give fictional job details, correct the number mid-call, then confirm consent to a callback.
- Check that the request reaches the operator inbox once. A successful tool response alone doesn't prove inbox delivery.
- Ask about an unsupported booking or price and check that the agent stays within its instructions.
- In a test copy, break the email connection. Check that the voice agent doesn't claim successful submission.
- Test the actual hours and call path the client wants. If the client's carrier forwards calls, check its forwarding charges, ring delay and voicemail behavior too.
- Document how to pause coverage and restore the previous routing. Let the owner approve the change before their customers use it.

The included workflow collects non-emergency callback requests. It doesn't book appointments, dispatch help, or transfer calls. Those need their own setup and tests.

## Budget

Twilio has a restricted trial. Check the current trial rules and your account's upgrade amount. Treat the often-mentioned $20 as account funding, with number rental and usage drawing down the balance. It is not an unlimited monthly plan. Geography, number type, taxes and additional services can change your total.

Trial: https://www.twilio.com/docs/usage/trials
US voice rates (use your country's page): https://www.twilio.com/en-us/voice/pricing/us
Billing: https://help.twilio.com/articles/223135487-How-Twilio-billing-works