# Phone numbers

> Buy a phone number and point it at an agent, so inbound calls reach it.

Source: https://docs.vlayers.ai/build/numbers

Kind: How-to guide

## What you'll learn

How to buy or import a number, assign it to an agent, and check it before you go live. A number is how the outside world reaches an agent. There is no trunk to configure on your side.

## Prerequisites

- A live agent. See [Your first voice agent](https://docs.vlayers.ai/build/first-voice-agent).

## Step 1: Search for a number

Open **Dashboard → Numbers → Buy a number**. Search by country and area code to see what the carrier has right now.

## Step 2: Buy it

Pick one and confirm. The number appears in your Numbers list within a few seconds.

## Step 3: Assign it to an agent

Choose the agent in the number's **Agent** column. That sets up the call route end to end.

A number routes to exactly one agent at a time. Reassigning takes effect on the next call; you do not need to publish anything again. To test a second agent, reassign the number or buy a second one.

## Bring your own number

If you already own numbers with a carrier, connect the carrier account under **Settings → Provider accounts**, then use **Import** on the Numbers page. Your numbers appear and you assign them like any other. The carrier credentials are encrypted and never exposed to an agent.

## Outbound calls

A number is also who your outbound calls come from, so the person you call sees a number they can call back. Outbound calls are started by your systems (an API call or a trigger, see [Variables](https://docs.vlayers.ai/build/variables)), never by the agent deciding to call someone.

## What each column means

| Column | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **Number** | The number in E.164 format: what callers dial. |
| **Friendly name** | Your label, such as "Support line". |
| **Agent** | Who answers. An unassigned number rings with nothing behind it. |
| **Environment** | Which environment's agents the number can point at, so a test number cannot serve production traffic. |

## Test it

Call the number from a phone. The assigned agent answers and runs its flow. This is the only check that proves the whole path. See [Testing](https://docs.vlayers.ai/build/testing).

## Common problems

| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The number rings but nobody answers | It is not assigned to an agent, or not to the agent you think. Check the **Agent** column. |
| A transfer from the agent fails | Check the destination. See [Transfers](https://docs.vlayers.ai/build/transfers). |

## Before you go live

- Call the number yourself, end to end.
- If the agent transfers calls, make sure the destination is a line someone answers.
- Phone calling is regulated and rules vary by country: business calling registration, caller ID rules and consent for outbound calls. Check what applies to you before you call people at volume.
- Numbers cost a monthly fee and calls are billed per minute. Release numbers you do not use: the Numbers page lists everything you pay for.

## Next steps

- [Transfers](https://docs.vlayers.ai/build/transfers): Hand a call to a person.
- [Send SMS](https://docs.vlayers.ai/developers/send/sms): Text from the same numbers with the API.