Call Automator requires at least one active phone number before it can make calls on your behalf. You set this up in Settings → Tools under the Phone Console section.
There are two options: Custom Phone Number ($3/month) and Verified Phone Number (free). You can use one or both. We recommend using the Custom Phone Number to get the most out of Call Automator.
Before you start
To set up a phone number, you need:
At least $3.00 in your available balance (for the custom option)
If your account isn't Active, both options will appear grayed out.
Option 1: Purchase a custom phone number ($3/month)
This gives you a dedicated US VoIP phone number that's yours exclusively.
When Call Automator makes a call, the recipient sees this number. Additionally, the recipient can call this number back (if needed) and your AI Assistant can answer.
This is the recommended way to use Call Automator.
How to purchase:
Go to Settings → Tools
Scroll to the Phone Console section
Under Custom Phone Number, click Get a Custom Number
Enter a 3-digit area code (we'll try to match your area code by default) and click Search
Select a number from the available options
Click Purchase Number - your balance will be charged $3.00
Your number will be active immediately and renews monthly. You can see the renewal date below the number in your settings.
Good to know:
If no numbers are available for your area code, we'll automatically search for numbers in your state.
Personal accounts can only have one custom number at a time.
Business accounts can have multiple, but you must open a support ticket.
Deleting your custom number is permanent - you'll lose that specific number and the monthly charge will stop.
Option 2: Verify your personal phone number (free)
This uses the phone number already on your Loophole account as the outgoing caller ID. When Call Automator makes a call, the recipient's phone will display your personal number.
How to verify:
Go to Settings → Tools
Scroll to the Phone Console section
Under Verified Phone Number, click Verify Your Number
A confirmation screen will explain the process - click Confirm & Call Me
You'll receive a phone call within a few seconds
A 6-digit verification code will appear on screen - enter it using your phone's keypad when prompted
Once confirmed, your number will show as Verified
Verification is completely free and there's no recurring charge.
Good to know:
Verification registers your number as an outgoing caller ID only - it tells Call Automator "use this number when placing calls." Your phone line itself doesn't change. If the recipient calls back, it rings your personal phone directly, just like any normal incoming call.
The verification call goes to the phone number on your account. If you need to update it, do that first.
If you don't pick up or miss the code, you can try again after a couple of minutes.
You can remove your verified number at any time by clicking the trash icon next to it.
Call Automator can not handle incoming calls if you're using a Verified Phone Number (your own personal number). This is because any return calls to your real number go to you directly, not to your AI assistant.
This is why we recommend purchasing a custom phone number.
Using both numbers
You can have a verified number and a custom number at the same time. If you do, a Default badge will appear next to one of them - that's the number Call Automator will use when placing calls. By default, your custom number is set as the default outgoing number.
To switch which number is used:
Go to Settings → Tools
In the Phone Console section, you'll see both numbers listed
Click Set as Default next to the one you want Call Automator to use
What if I don't have a phone number set up?
If you haven't set up a phone number, Call Automator won't let you submit a call request. You'll need to add at least one number (verified or custom) before you can use it.
Head to Settings → Tools and follow the steps above.