### Answer The

ring_duration_ms

parameter only affects outbound calls and call transfers, not inbound calls. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() For inbound calls, the agent should pick up right away. If you're experiencing delays before the agent starts speaking, check these settings: 1. Set the agent to "Agent Speak First" — If your agent is set to "User Speak First," it will wait for the caller to speak before responding. Switch to "Agent Speak First" or "Dynamic" so the agent initiates immediately. [(3) ]() 2. Check

begin_message_delay_ms

— This setting delays the agent's first message. Set it to

0

or leave it unset for immediate response. [(1) ]() [(2) ]()

javascript
begin_message_delay_ms: 0

[(1) ]() 3. Inbound Webhook latency — If you have an inbound webhook configured, the call stays in ringing state until your webhook responds (timeout is 10 seconds) . [(4) ]() Ensure your webhook responds quickly to minimize any perceived delay. If callers are still waiting 30-60 seconds before pickup, the issue is likely on the carrier/telephony side rather than Retell agent configuration.

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Update Voice Agent](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/update-agent) [[2] Create Voice Agent](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-agent) [[3] Does ring_duration affect inbound calls?](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1422531425101676615) [[4] Inbound webhook](https://docs.retellai.com/features/inbound-call-webhook) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.

### Answer --- The

ring_duration_ms

parameter in Retell AI only applies to **outbound call ringtime and call transfer ringtime**—it does not control inbound call ring behavior. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() The ringing you hear on inbound calls before pickup is controlled by your telephony provider/carrier, not by Retell AI agent settings. This is the standard phone network behavior where the caller hears ringing while the call is being connected. What you can control on the Retell side: - **Inbound Webhook latency**: If you have an inbound webhook configured, the call won't be answered until your webhook responds (up to 10 second timeout) . [(3) ]() Ensure your webhook responds as quickly as possible. - **`begin_message_delay_ms`**: This delays the agent's first message after pickup, not the pickup itself. Set to

0

for immediate speech. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() To eliminate or reduce the ring time callers hear before your agent picks up, you would need to work with your telephony provider (Twilio, Telnyx, etc.) on their call routing/answering configuration—this is outside Retell AI's control.

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Create Voice Agent](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-agent) [[2] Update Voice Agent](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/update-agent) [[3] Inbound webhook](https://docs.retellai.com/features/inbound-call-webhook) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.