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How to answer Phone Calls with an AI agent

Phone calls need a voice platform such as Vapi or Retell AI. Your coding agent sets it up: connect the Vapi MCP server, then ask it to create an assistant with your hours, FAQ and handoff number. Get consent before any outbound AI calls, because US law treats AI voices as artificial.

Checked against official docs on Oct 26, 2026.

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Claude Code

  1. Create a Vapi API key in the Vapi dashboard
  2. claude mcp add --transport http vapi https://mcp.vapi.ai/mcp --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_VAPI_API_KEY"
  3. Ask: "List my Vapi assistants, then create one that answers for my business using faq.md and transfers urgent calls to my cell."

Codex

  1. Add to ~/.codex/config.toml: [mcp_servers.vapi] with url = "https://mcp.vapi.ai/mcp" and bearer_token_env_var = "VAPI_TOKEN"
  2. export VAPI_TOKEN=your key, then run codex
  3. Ask Codex to create and test the assistant

Cursor

  1. Add to .cursor/mcp.json: {"mcpServers":{"vapi":{"url":"https://mcp.vapi.ai/mcp","headers":{"Authorization":"Bearer ${env:VAPI_TOKEN}"}}}}
  2. Ask the agent to build the assistant from your FAQ file

Grok Bot

  1. Ask Grok Bot to compare Vapi, Retell AI and done-for-you receptionists for your call volume
  2. Have it write the call script, FAQ and escalation rules as a document
  3. The line itself runs on the voice platform you pick

Gotchas

  • Test with your own phone first and listen to every recording.
  • Always give callers a way to reach a human.
  • Vapi and Retell bill per minute plus telephony. Check their pricing pages before you go live.

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FAQ

Are AI phone calls legal?

Answering inbound calls with AI is common. Outbound AI calls fall under the TCPA, and the FCC said in 2024 that they need prior express consent.

What is the easiest AI receptionist?

A done-for-you service like Rosie or Goodcall. Vapi and Retell AI give you more control but more setup.

Related how-tos

Sources

Commands change. Check the linked docs before you run anything. All how-to guides