Phonic provides built-in tools that work seamlessly while handling calls on Phonic’s infrastructure. Unlike custom tools, these are enabled by adding their name to an agent’s or conversation’s tools array rather than being created through the Tools API.

Keypad Input (DTMF)

keypad_input lets the agent press keypad buttons including digits (0-9) and special keys (#, *, A, B, C, D). Phonic uses out-of-band DTMF (RFC 4733) signaling with our telephony integration.

Include keypad_input in the agent’s tools list. When running a conversation via WebSocket, handle the dtmf message on your infrastructure.

Natural Conversation Ending

natural_conversation_ending lets the agent hang up. Include it in the agent’s tools list. When running via WebSocket, handle the assistant_ended_conversation message on your infrastructure.

Choose Not to Respond

choose_not_to_respond lets the agent stay silent for a turn instead of always replying — useful when the caller is thinking out loud, talking to someone else, or hasn’t finished speaking. Include it in the agent’s tools list.