> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dialgen.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Call Duration Limits

> Set maximum call duration to automatically terminate calls and manage resources.

## What are Duration Limits?

Duration limits set a maximum length (in seconds) for calls. Once reached, the call automatically terminates.

***

## Why Use Duration Limits?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Control Costs" icon="dollar-sign">
    Prevent unexpectedly long calls from consuming excessive credits
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage Resources" icon="server">
    Ensure fair allocation of concurrent call capacity
  </Card>

  <Card title="Safety Net" icon="shield-check">
    Protect against technical issues that prevent natural endings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Predictable Billing" icon="receipt">
    Better forecast and manage calling expenses
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Configuration

Set the maximum duration in your agent settings:

```json theme={null}
{
  "maxCallDuration": 900
}
```

* **Unit**: Seconds
* **Default**: 1800 (30 minutes)
* **Recommended**: 300-1800 based on use case

***

## Recommended Durations

| Use Case           | Duration | Seconds |
| ------------------ | -------- | ------- |
| Quick inquiries    | 5 min    | 300     |
| Lead qualification | 10 min   | 600     |
| Customer support   | 15 min   | 900     |
| Sales calls        | 20 min   | 1200    |
| Consultations      | 30 min   | 1800    |

***

## What Happens at Limit?

When the duration limit is reached:

1. Call terminates immediately
2. Hangup message is played (if configured)
3. Status updates to `COMPLETED`
4. Recording and transcript are saved
5. Metrics are generated
6. Webhooks are triggered

<Warning>
  The call ends immediately when the limit is reached, even mid-sentence. Consider adding a warning before the limit.
</Warning>

***

## Best Practices

### Set Realistic Limits

* Analyze average call durations
* Set limits 20-30% above average
* Account for edge cases

### Add Warning Messages

Include a prompt to warn users:

```text theme={null}
DURATION WARNING:
- When 80% of max duration is reached, say: "We have about 2 minutes left. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
- When 95% is reached, say: "We're almost out of time. Let me quickly address your main concern."
```

### Monitor Metrics

Track:

* Calls hitting duration limit
* Average duration by use case
* Correlation with satisfaction scores

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Hangup Detection" icon="phone-hangup" href="/guides/call-management/hangup-detection">
    Configure natural call endings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Call Status" icon="signal" href="/guides/call-management/call-status">
    Monitor call status and metrics
  </Card>
</CardGroup>