# Test a voice sequence with real calls

Use **Place a call** after [previewing your sequence](/docs/guides/voice/sequences/preview) to verify audible prompts and real call behavior. Test and production modes both place real calls and incur normal calling charges.

## Prepare the call

You need Voice management write and Voice calling write permissions, an eligible calling number, and a recipient you control. Enable the destination country under [**Destinations**](https://bird.com/dashboard/w/voice/destinations). Review [caller ID setup](/docs/guides/voice/caller-ids) if verification is needed.

Save your draft before testing. Unsaved edits do not reach a real call. Check the selected audio, speech language, recipient, and any Dial destinations.

## Place an outgoing test call

1. Open the sequence and select **Place a call**. In the editor, find it under **More editor actions**.
2. Choose the definition and mode. A saved draft uses test mode; an active publication supports test or production mode.
3. If the sequence has several call entries, select **Call entry**.
4. Choose **From** and enter **To** with its country code.
5. Supply **Entry data (JSON)** matching the entry schema. Use `{}` when it accepts empty data.
6. Review the ringing timeout, confirm the real call and charges, and submit.

Answer the call and follow the intended path. Open **Runs** to inspect its mode, saved draft revision or publication, and selected step outcomes.

An unpublished draft can be tested. Explicit test calls also work for paused or archived sequences; production requires an active, enabled, unarchived sequence. Testing does not resume the sequence or change its incoming tester list.

## Route incoming testers to a draft

An incoming test needs a number bound to an entry in an active publication. For a new sequence, first [publish a version](/docs/guides/voice/sequences/publishing) with an entry accepting `{}`. Use an outgoing draft test when you need to test before first publication.

1. Open [**Numbers**](https://bird.com/dashboard/w/voice/numbers) and select an inbound-capable number.
2. Under **Inbound routing**, select **Run a sequence**, choose the sequence and call entry, and select **Save**.
3. Return to the sequence editor and make your draft changes.
4. Open **Draft testers**, enter the caller numbers with their country codes, and select **Save draft and testers**.
5. Call the bound number from a listed tester number.

Listed callers use the saved draft; other callers use the active publication. Saving number routing changes how real incoming calls are handled. A paused or archived sequence refuses incoming calls, including draft testers.

Publishing clears draft testers. Add them again after publication when testing subsequent changes. If a tester reaches the published flow, check the observed caller number, tester list, and bound entry.

## Verify more than the main path

Test silence, unmatched keys, interruption during prompts, busy or unanswered Dial destinations, and a clean hangup. Review recordings separately if the flow records audio.

The sequence result, telephone outcome, and any external business effect are distinct. Use [Runs](/docs/guides/voice/sequences/runs) for workflow decisions and the [call log](/docs/guides/voice/call-log) for telephone results.

## Next steps

- [Publish and manage sequences](/docs/guides/voice/sequences/publishing).
- [Create a call through the API](/docs/guides/voice/create-calls).
- [Inspect sequence runs](/docs/guides/voice/sequences/runs).
- [Troubleshoot a sequence](/docs/guides/voice/sequences/troubleshooting).

## Related resources

- [Voice sequences](/docs/guides/voice/sequence-builder) (docs)