### Answer To set up time-based call transferring in Retell AI, you need to use Conversation Flow rather than a single prompt agent [(1) ]() . The Conversation Flow allows you to implement conditional logic based on time. Here's the recommended approach: 1. Use Conversation Flow with conditional transitions Configure your conversation flow to check the current time before allowing transfers. You can use the

{{current_time}}

dynamic variable and set up equation-based transitions [(1) ]() [(2) ]() . 2. Add time-checking logic in your agent prompt [(2) ]() [(3) ]() Include instructions like:

1. Check the {{current_time}}.
2. If the time is between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM:
   - Proceed to transfer the call using the function transfer_call.
3. If the time is outside of these hours:
   - Inform the user that call transfers are only available between 9 AM and 5 PM.

[(2) ]() 3. Handle timezone awareness [(3) ]() State the current time in your system prompt, including timezone adjustments: "Now is {{current_time}}. Add X hours to make it our timezone" . Alternatively, you can pass the current time as a dynamic variable when initiating or receiving the call via backend or no-code tools like Make, n8n, or Zapier . 4. Use dynamic variables for transfer numbers [(2) ]() You can load transfer numbers with dynamic variables and use boolean values to control whether transfers are enabled during specific hours . The key limitation is that while you can prompt the agent to respect business hours, relying solely on prompts for rule-based behavior can be breakable . Using Conversation Flow with conditional transitions provides more reliable time-based control than single-prompt agents [(1) ]() .

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

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Discord message from @dunbar_68134_54083 on 2026-01-24](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1186462578310910112/1464721085064020028) [[2] How can I make it not transfer during certain hours?](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1359465662803611839) [[3] Discord message from @brooklyn88ua on 2025-03-03](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1186462578310910112/1345998492212007004) ​

### Answer For a multi-prompt agent, you can implement time-based transfer logic using dynamic variables and explicit tool-calling instructions in your prompt. [(1) ]() [(2) ]() Approach: 1. Use the

{{current_time}}

dynamic variable [(1) ]() Retell AI provides system default dynamic variables including

{{current_time}}

which shows the current time in

America/Los_Angeles

(e.g., "Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11:46:04 PM PST") . If you need a different timezone, use

{{current_time_[timezone]}}

format, for example

{{current_time_Australia/Sydney}}

. 2. Add explicit tool-calling conditions in your prompt [(2) ]() In your state prompt or general prompt, include clear instructions about when to call the transfer tool. Retell recommends giving explicit trigger conditions for each tool with clear "call TOOL_X when…" rules and exact tool names. Example prompt section:

Current time: {{current_time}}

Tool Usage Instructions:
- Only call the transfer_call tool if the current time is between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM PST
- If the time is outside business hours (before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM) , inform the caller that transfers are only available during business hours and offer to take a message or schedule a callback

3. Set default dynamic variables [(3) ]() [(4) ]() You can configure

default_dynamic_variables

in your Retell LLM configuration as key-value pairs that get injected into your prompt. Important note: This approach relies on the LLM following your prompt instructions. If you find the tool is still being called outside business hours, you may need to strengthen your tool-calling instructions or add conversation examples to fine-tune the behavior. [(2) ]()

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Dynamic Variables](https://docs.retellai.com/build/dynamic-variables) [[2] Tools not being triggered](https://community.retellai.com/t/tools-not-being-triggered/201) [[3] List Retell LLMs](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/list-retell-llms) [[4] Update Retell LLM](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/update-retell-llm) ​

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