Issue

When someone calls your Twilio phone number, they hear the default message:
"Thanks for the call. Configure your number’s voice URL to change this message. Let us know if we can help you in any way during your development."

This happens when the number’s Voice URL is not configured with custom instructions.

Product

Programmable Voice

Environment

Twilio Console

Cause

By default, Twilio phone numbers use a generic Voice URL. If you haven’t set up your own Voice URL or TwiML instructions, callers will hear Twilio’s default message.

Resolution

To play a custom message or greeting when someone calls your Twilio number, you need to update the Voice URL to point to your own TwiML (Twilio Markup Language) instructions. You can do this using a TwiML Bin or your own web server.

Steps to Update the Voice URL

1. Log in to the Twilio Console and go to the Phone Numbers section.
2. Click on the phone number you want to update.
3. Scroll to the Voice & Fax section.
4. In the "A CALL COMES IN" field, enter the URL of your web application that returns TwiML, or select a TwiML Bin you’ve created.
5. Save your changes.

Example: Using a TwiML Bin for a Custom Greeting

You can quickly create a TwiML Bin with a custom message. For example:

<Response>
  <Say voice="alice">Thank you for calling. This number is for text chat only.</Say>
</Response>

1. Go to TwiML Bins in your Twilio Console.
2. Create a new TwiML Bin and paste the above code.
3. Save the TwiML Bin and use its URL in the Voice URL field for your number.

Additional Information 

If callers are hearing Twilio’s default message, it means your Voice URL is not set up with custom instructions. Update the Voice URL to point to your own TwiML or a TwiML Bin to provide a personalized caller experience.

• You can use <Say> to play a spoken message or <Play> to play an audio file.
• If you want to build more advanced call flows, consider using Twilio Studio or your own webhook.