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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bland.ai/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

This quickstart walks you through sending your first AI phone call with the Bland API. By the end, you’ll have placed a live call from a script.

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Prerequisites

  • A Bland account
  • Your API key from the dashboard
  • A phone number to call (include the country code, e.g. +15551234567)

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Step 1: Get your API key

  1. Sign in to the Bland dashboard.
  2. Open Settings and copy your API key.
  3. Store it as an environment variable so you don’t commit it to source:
export BLAND_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

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Step 2: Send a call

Use the POST /v1/calls endpoint to dispatch a call. The task field describes what the AI agent should do on the call. 
curl -X POST https://api.bland.ai/v1/calls \
  -H "Authorization: $BLAND_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "phone_number": "+15551234567",
    "task": "You are calling to confirm a dentist appointment for tomorrow at 2pm. Be polite and friendly.",
    "voice": "maya",
    "record": true
  }'
A successful response returns a call_id you can use to track the call: 
{
  "status": "success",
  "call_id": "9d404c1b-6a23-4426-953a-a52c392ff8f1"
}

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Step 3: Check the call status

Use the call_id to fetch call details, including the transcript and recording URL once the call completes. 
curl https://api.bland.ai/v1/calls/$CALL_ID \
  -H "Authorization: $BLAND_API_KEY"
You can also watch calls in real time on the Call Logs page.

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Common parameters

ParameterDescription
phone_numberThe number to call, in E.164 format (e.g. +15551234567).
taskPlain-language instructions for the agent.
voiceVoice persona for the agent. Browse options in the dashboard.
first_sentenceThe first line the agent speaks.
wait_for_greetingIf true, the agent waits for the recipient to speak first.
max_durationMaximum call length in minutes.
recordSet to true to record the call.
webhookURL to receive a post-call payload with transcript and metadata.
See the Send Call API reference for the full list.

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Next steps

Send 1,000 calls at once

Batch dispatch calls from a CSV or list.

Build a conversational pathway

Design branching conversations with structured logic.

Set up post-call webhooks

Receive transcripts and analysis after each call.

Create an agent persona

Define reusable agent personalities across calls.