Get started

Quickstart

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Get from zero to a sent SMS using the Dial CLI. The CLI is the fastest path and the one most agents use.

1

Install the CLI

$npm install -g @getdial/cli

Requires Node 22 or newer. Confirm it’s on your path:

$dial --version
2

Request a sign-up code

$dial auth login you@example.com

Dial emails you a 6-digit code and remembers the pending sign-up locally.

3

Verify your email

$dial auth verify-otp --code 123456

If you already have an account, this signs you in and you’re done — skip to Confirm your setup. For a new account, Dial confirms your email and asks for a phone number next.

4

Register your phone number

$dial auth register-number +14155550123

Registering an account requires a verified phone number. Dial texts a 6-digit code to that number. Use a number that can receive SMS and that you keep.

5

Verify your phone number

$dial auth verify-otp --number --code 123456

This creates your account, saves your API key locally, and provisions your first phone number.

6

Confirm your setup

$dial doctor

doctor reports your account, saved key, and number — and tells you what to do next if anything is missing.

7

Send your first SMS

$dial message --to +14155550123 --body "Hello from Dial"

Dial sends from your onboarded number. Add --from-number-id <id> to choose a specific number.

What’s next

Using Dial from an agent
Wire the CLI or an SDK into your agent.
Place a voice call
Make an AI voice call.
Receive an SMS
Capture a one-time code.
Authentication
API keys and base URL.
MCP
Skip the install — connect an MCP client over OAuth, or run dial mcp locally.