Skip to main content

How to Buy a Phone Number

Nikita Podelenko avatar
Written by Nikita Podelenko
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Overview

Phone numbers let your AI agents receive incoming calls and make outbound calls. Each number costs approximately $1/month and can be assigned to any of your agents.

Numbers are available in three types:

  • Mobile - Best for SMS capabilities

  • Local - Area-specific numbers (e.g., 415 for San Francisco)

  • Toll-Free - 800 numbers for nationwide presence

How to Buy a Phone Number

Step 1: Open the Phone Numbers Page

Go to Phone Numbers in your dashboard sidebar. You'll see all your existing numbers organized by status (Active and Inactive).

Step 2: Click "Buy Phone Number"

Click the Buy Phone Number button in the top right corner. A search dialog will open.

Step 3: Select Number Type

Choose the type of number you need:

  • Mobile - Recommended for most use cases, supports SMS

  • Local - Choose this if you want a specific area code

  • Toll-Free - Professional 800 numbers

Step 4: Search by Area Code (Optional)

If you want a specific area code:

  1. Select Area Code from the Search Pattern dropdown

  2. Enter the area code (e.g., "415" for San Francisco, "212" for New York)

  3. Click the search icon to find available numbers

You can also search by numbers that start with, contain, or end with specific digits.

Step 5: Select and Buy

Browse the available numbers in the list. Each number shows:

  • The phone number itself

  • Number type (mobile, local, or toll-free)

  • Estimated monthly cost in calling minutes

Click Buy next to your chosen number. The purchase is instant - your number will be ready immediately.

After Purchase

Assign an Agent

Once purchased, your number appears in the Phone Numbers list. To start receiving calls:

  1. Find your new number in the list

  2. Under Assigned Agent, click the dropdown

  3. Select which AI agent should handle calls to this number

That's it! Calls to this number will now be answered by your selected agent.

Activate or Deactivate

You can temporarily disable a number without removing it:

  • Deactivate - Stops the number from receiving calls (still incurs monthly cost)

  • Activate - Re-enables call handling

Note: Inactive numbers still incur monthly rental costs. To stop billing, you must remove the number entirely.

Remove a Number

If you no longer need a number:

  1. Click the three-dot menu on the number card

  2. Select Remove Number

  3. Confirm the removal

Removed numbers are released and may become available to others. If you want the same number back later, you'll need to search for it again (availability not guaranteed).

Quick Stats

The Phone Numbers page shows helpful stats at the top:

  • Active - Numbers currently receiving calls

  • Inactive - Numbers on hold (still billed)

  • With Agents - Numbers assigned to AI agents

Pricing

Phone number rental costs approximately $1/month per number. This is deducted from your account balance along with usage costs for calls.

Tips

  • Choose a local area code that matches your business location for a professional appearance

  • Mobile numbers support both voice calls and SMS

  • You can have multiple numbers assigned to the same agent

  • Different numbers can be assigned to different agents for departmental routing

Did this answer your question?