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What is Auto-Retry?

Auto-retry automatically reschedules calls that fail to connect. When a call ends with statuses like no-answer or busy, Bolna retries the call after a configurable delay, improving your overall contact rates without manual intervention.

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How to Enable Auto-Retry

Add the retry_config object when making a call via the Make Call API or Create Batch API. 
curl -X POST 'https://api.bolna.ai/call' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer <api_key>' \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-d '{
  "agent_id": "your-agent-id",
  "recipient_phone_number": "+1234567890",
  "retry_config": {
    "enabled": true,
    "max_retries": 3,
    "retry_on_statuses": ["no-answer", "busy", "failed"],
    "retry_intervals_minutes": [30, 60, 120]
  }
}'

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Configuration Options

ParameterTypeDefaultDescription
enabledbooleanfalseEnable auto-retry
max_retriesinteger3Maximum retry attempts (1–3)
retry_on_statusesarray["no-answer", "busy", "failed"]Statuses that trigger a retry
retry_on_voicemailbooleanfalseRetry if voicemail is detected
retry_intervals_minutesarray[30, 60, 120]Delay (in minutes) before each retry attempt

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Supported Retry Statuses

StatusDescription
no-answerCall rang but was not answered
busyLine was busy
failedCall failed to connect
errorTechnical error occurred

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Monitoring Retries via Webhook

When auto-retry is configured, your webhook receives retry information with each status update: 
{
  "id": "execution-id",
  "status": "scheduled",
  "retry_count": 1,
  "retry_config": {
    "enabled": true,
    "max_retries": 3
  },
  "retry_history": [
    {
      "attempt": 1,
      "status": "no-answer",
      "at": "2026-01-26T10:00:00Z"
    }
  ],
  "scheduled_at": "2026-01-26T10:30:00Z"
}

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Best Practices

Conservative Intervals

Start with 30+ minute intervals to avoid annoying contacts with rapid retries

Skip Voicemail Retries

Keep retry_on_voicemail: false (default) to avoid repeated voicemail deposits

Monitor Retry Counts

Track retry_count in webhooks to measure retry effectiveness over time

Match Urgency

Use 1–2 retries for time-sensitive calls, 3 for lead outreach campaigns

Batch Calling

Run campaigns with thousands of contacts

Webhooks

Get real-time call status updates

Call Details

View execution history and outcomes