Provider API Keys
BuildVoiceAI connects to your voice AI providers through API keys. You need at least one provider key configured before you can create agents or make calls. Manage keys under Settings → API Keys.
Supported Providers
BuildVoiceAI supports three voice AI providers:
| Provider | Key Type | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Retell | API Key | Retell dashboard → Settings → API Keys |
| Vapi | API Key | Vapi dashboard → Organization → API Keys |
| Bland | API Key | Bland dashboard → Settings → API |
You can connect one, two, or all three providers. Each agent you create is linked to a specific provider, so you only need keys for the providers you plan to use.
Adding an API Key
- Navigate to Settings → API Keys
- Find the provider you want to connect
- Paste your API key into the field
- Click Save
After saving, BuildVoiceAI runs a sync to pull in your agents, phone numbers, and other resources from that provider. This typically takes 5-15 seconds.
Keys are masked after saving. You will see only the last four characters. If you need to change a key, paste the new key and save again.
Sync Behavior
When you add or update a provider key, BuildVoiceAI immediately:
- Validates the key by making a test API call
- Imports agents and phone numbers from the provider
- Updates any existing agents linked to that provider
If validation fails, you will see an error message. Double-check that you copied the full key without extra spaces.
Changing an API key for a provider that already has active agents will re-sync all agents. Any agents in the provider that no longer exist will be marked as inactive in BuildVoiceAI.
Agency-Level vs Client-Level Keys
By default, all clients under your agency use the agency-level API key. This means all calls across all clients go through your single provider account.
Client-Level Overrides
In some cases, you may want a specific client to use their own provider account. To set this up:
- Go to Clients → [Client Name] → Settings
- Under Provider API Key Override, enter the client’s own key
- Save the client settings
When a client-level key is set, that client’s agents will use their key instead of your agency key. This is useful when:
- A client wants to manage their own provider billing
- You need to separate usage tracking at the provider level
- A client has a specific provider plan with features you want to leverage
Most agencies use a single agency-level key for simplicity. Only set client-level overrides if you have a specific reason to separate provider accounts.
Removing a Key
To disconnect a provider, clear the API key field and save. Agents linked to that provider will no longer be able to make or receive calls until a valid key is restored.
Troubleshooting
”Invalid API Key” Error
- Ensure you copied the entire key with no trailing spaces
- Verify the key is still active in your provider dashboard
- Check that you are pasting the correct key type (some providers have separate test and production keys)
Agents Not Appearing After Sync
- The sync may take up to 30 seconds for large accounts
- Refresh the Agents page after waiting
- Check if the agents exist in the provider dashboard under the same account as the API key
Rate Limiting
Provider API calls are subject to the provider’s rate limits. If you see sync errors, wait a minute and try again.