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This guide explains how to create and configure a chat agent in Retell. Chat agents allow you to implement conversational AI experiences through text-based interfaces. Note: Retell does not provide native integration with SMS or chat applications at this moment. You can only interact with the chat agent via API.

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Creating a Chat Agent

You have two options:

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Create a New Chat Agent

  1. Navigate to the Agents section in your Retell dashboard
  2. Click “Create New Agent”
  3. Select “Chat Agent” as the agent type
  4. Configure your agent settings and prompts
Create a New Chat Agent

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Convert an Existing Voice Agent

  1. Open an existing voice agent
  2. Click “Convert to Chat Agent”
  3. Review the conversion warnings
Convert an Existing Voice Agent
Note: Chat agents do not support certain voice-specific functions like call transfers, DTMF (press digits), or telephony features. During conversion, such nodes or functions will be automatically removed.

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Next Steps

Chat agents are headless — Retell does not host a chat UI for end users. You choose how to surface the agent. Pick the path that fits your product:
  • Website widget — embed a single <script> tag on your site for text (and optional voice) chat with no backend required. See Retell Website Widget.
  • SMS — connect a chat agent to a Twilio phone number so users can text the agent directly. See Enable SMS.
  • Custom integration — build your own web or mobile UI on top of the chat API by calling Create chat to start a session, then Create chat completion to send messages and stream responses.