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

# Phone call testing

> Place outbound test calls or dial in to your Retell AI agent to check DTMF, transfers, voicemail detection, SMS, and audio quality.

Call your agent from your phone, or have it call you. Test it over the phone before going live to check how it handles a real conversation.

<Note>
  You can attach any draft agent version to a [phone number](/deploy/purchase-number) without publishing it first.
</Note>

## Place an outbound test call

Newer workspaces require [identity verification](/accounts/kyc) before making outbound calls, including test calls. If verification is required, you'll see a verification prompt instead of the call button on the number's page.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Attach an outbound agent to a number">
    On the <code className="ui-btn">Phone Numbers</code> page, select a number you own. Set its <code className="ui-btn">Outbound agent</code> and choose the version to test.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make the call">
    Click <code className="ui-btn">Make an outbound call</code> and enter your phone number. If your agent uses [dynamic variables](/build/dynamic-variables), enter their values in the same dialog, then place the call.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Test with an inbound call

<Steps>
  <Step title="Attach an inbound agent to a number">
    On the <code className="ui-btn">Phone Numbers</code> page, select a number you own. Set its <code className="ui-btn">Inbound agent</code> and choose the version to test.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Dial the number">
    Call that number from your phone to talk to the agent.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to check

Test the features your agent uses:

* **DTMF and press-digit**: Check that the agent navigates phone menus or responds to keypad input as expected.
* **Call transfers**: Try a warm or cold transfer and check that it connects. Transfers to a phone number can't be tested in a web call.
* **[Voicemail and IVR detection](/build/handle-voicemail)**: Check that the agent detects voicemail or an automated menu and takes the action you configured. You can test detection with recorded audio in a [web call](/test/test-web); a phone call also tests the carrier audio path.
* **SMS**: Check that messages sent by the agent arrive. This also requires a phone number.
* **Audio quality and latency**: Listen for audio problems and delays in the conversation.

For example, if your agent transfers billing questions to a person, ask a billing question and check that the transfer connects you to the right person.

<Tip>
  After a test call, ask [Conductor](/conductor/test-and-improve) to review it and suggest fixes.
</Tip>

## Next steps

* [Web call testing](/test/test-web): Talk to your agent in the browser without a phone number.
* [Simulation testing](/test/llm-simulation-testing): Run automated tests across different scenarios.
* [Testing overview](/test/test-overview): Compare testing methods.


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