---
ref: tool:twilio/make-call
name: Make a phone call
company: company:twilio
workflows: []
access: [cli]
tags: [capability:make-calls, category:messaging, has:cli]
docs: https://www.twilio.com/docs/voice/api/call-resource#create-a-call
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Make a phone call

Places an outbound call from a Twilio number to a phone number, SIP address or client and runs the TwiML you give it when the call connects.

Pass `--to`, `--from` (a Twilio number or a verified caller ID) and the call's
instructions as `--twiml` or as a `--url` that returns TwiML. Every completed
call is charged, including one a voicemail answers. The REST call is
`POST https://api.twilio.com/2010-04-01/Accounts/{AccountSid}/Calls.json`. The
CLI also needs `TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID` and `TWILIO_API_SECRET`, or a
`twilio login` profile.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### CLI (official)

Install the command, then confirm it runs.

```sh
brew tap twilio/brew && brew install twilio
twilio --version
```

Run `twilio api:core:calls:create`.

Set `$TWILIO_API_KEY` in your environment first (get a key: https://www.twilio.com/docs/iam/api-keys/keys-in-console).

Before doing anything else, make one read-only call to confirm access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data.
- Never print API keys.