Vapi - Actions and Triggers in Workflows

Modified on: Tue, 17 Feb, 2026 at 9:47 AM

Connect HighLevel workflows with VAPI (Voice AI Platform Integration) to automate AI-powered voice assistants, calls, chats, and file handling — without third-party tools. This guide explains what the integration is, key benefits, setup steps, available triggers & actions, real-world use cases, and best practices.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is VAPI in Workflows?

VAPI allows HighLevel workflows to initiate and manage AI-powered voice and chat interactions.

There are two directions of automation:

VAPI → HighLevel (Triggers)

Start a HighLevel workflow when an event occurs in VAPI (e.g., a new call is created).

HighLevel → VAPI (Actions)

Trigger AI calls, chats, or file uploads inside VAPI when CRM events occur (e.g., a new lead submits a form).

This enables agencies and businesses to automate lead qualification, appointment reminders, onboarding assistance, and outbound campaigns using AI voice automation.


Key Benefits

  • Instant AI Lead Qualification – Automatically call leads after form submission.

  • CRM + AI Sync – Update opportunities based on AI outcomes.

  • Automated Appointment Confirmation – Reduce no-shows with reminder calls.

  • Knowledge-Powered Assistants – Upload documents to enhance AI responses.

  • Reduced Manual Work – Eliminate external webhook or Zapier setups.


Prerequisites & Permissions

Before using VAPI in workflows:

  • Access to Automation → Workflows

  • A connected and active VAPI account

  • Premium Workflow features enabled


Connecting Your VAPI Account

Connect from Workflow Builder

  1. Go to Automation → Workflows

  2. Add any VAPI trigger or action

  3. Click Connect Now

  4. Authorize your VAPI account

Connect from Integrations Page

  1. Go to Settings → Integrations

  2. Select VAPI

  3. Click Connect

  4. Complete authentication

Once connected, VAPI steps will load automatically in the workflow builder.

How to Find Your VAPI API Key
  1. Go to dashboard.vapi.ai and log in to your account.
  2. Open the Account menu.
  3. Click on “API Keys.”
  4. Generate a new key (if needed) and copy your Private API Key.

Available Triggers (VAPI → HighLevel)

TriggerDescription
New AssistantFires when a new AI assistant is created in VAPI
New CallFires when a new call is initiated in VAPI
New FileFires when a knowledge file is uploaded to VAPI

Use filters to limit workflow enrollments if needed. These triggers work on polling every 5 minutes.


Available Actions (HighLevel → VAPI)

ActionDescription
Create a CallInitiate an AI-powered voice call
Create ChatStart a new AI chat session
Upload FileUpload a knowledge file to power AI assistants
Delete Call DataRemove stored call data
Delete Chat DataRemove chat session data
Delete FileRemove a knowledge file
Update Call NameModify call metadata
Find CallRetrieve call details by ID

Upload File – Supported File Types

Only one file can be uploaded per Upload File action step.

If multiple files are required, add multiple Upload File steps in sequence.

Supported File Formats

  • Markdown (.md)

  • PDF (.pdf)

  • Text files (.txt, .log)

  • CSV / TSV (.csv, .tsv)

  • HTML / CSS / JS / TS (.html, .css, .js, .ts)

  • XML (.xml)

  • JSON (.json)

  • YAML (.yaml, .yml)

  • Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)

These files are typically used as knowledge sources for AI assistants.


Call Concurrency & Rate Limits

Default Concurrency

Every VAPI account includes 10 concurrent call slots by default.

This means:

  • Only 10 calls can run simultaneously.

  • Additional calls are automatically queued and retried as slots become available.

For example:
If 25 calls are triggered at the same time:

  • 10 calls start immediately.

  • 15 calls wait in queue until a slot frees up.


Increasing Concurrency

You can increase concurrency via:

VAPI Dashboard → Settings → Billing → Reserved Concurrency

Additional billing may apply depending on your subscription.


API Rate Limits

In addition to concurrency limits, API rate limits may apply depending on your VAPI subscription tier.

Best practices for high-volume campaigns:

  • Avoid triggering hundreds of calls simultaneously.

  • Use Wait steps in workflows.

  • Stagger outbound automation.

  • Monitor Execution Logs for API errors.


Supported Phone Numbers

Currently, only phone numbers purchased directly inside VAPI are supported.

The following are not supported:

  • Custom Twilio numbers (Coming soon)

  • HighLevel phone numbers (Coming soon)

  • Imported external numbers (Coming soon)

If you attempt to initiate a call using an unsupported number, the call will fail.


How To Set Up VAPI in a Workflow

  1. Go to Automation → Workflows

  2. Create or open an existing workflow

  3. Choose a trigger (e.g., Form Submitted, Appointment Created, Pipeline Stage Changed)

  4. Add a VAPI action (e.g., Create a Call)

  5. Map dynamic fields using merge values such as:

    • {{contact.first_name}}

    • {{contact.phone}}

    • {{opportunity.name}}

    • {{custom_values}}

  6. Add conditions or Wait steps if needed

  7. Test in draft mode

  8. Click Publish


Common Use Cases

1. Instant AI Lead Qualification
Trigger: Form Submitted → Action: Create Call
If AI result = Qualified → Move to Sales Stage
If Unqualified → Add to Nurture Campaign

2. AI Appointment Reminder
Trigger: Appointment Created → Wait (before appointment) → Create Call
If no answer → Send SMS reminder

3. AI Onboarding Assistant
Trigger: Deal Closed Won → Upload File (Onboarding PDF) → Create Chat → Internal Notification

4. Automated Data Cleanup
Trigger: Deal Closed Lost → Find Call → Delete Call Data → Delete Chat Data


Where to View Call Details

HighLevel confirms call initiation.

For detailed call-level intelligence, go to the VAPI Dashboard.

The VAPI dashboard includes:

  • Call transcript

  • Call duration

  • Call latency

  • AI interaction logs

  • Recording (if enabled)

  • Call outcome and status

  • Assistant behavior and analytics

All detailed call data is stored inside VAPI.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the default concurrency limit?

A. 10 concurrent calls per VAPI account.

Q. Can I increase concurrency?

A.Yes, through Reserved Concurrency in VAPI billing settings or the enterprise plan of VAPI. This has to be configured in the VAPI dashboard.

Q. Can I upload multiple files?

A.Only one file per Upload File step. Add multiple steps if needed.

Q. What file types are supported?

A. .md, .pdf, .txt, .log, .csv, .tsv, .html, .css, .js, .ts, .xml, .json, .yaml, .yml, .doc, .docx

Q. Can I use my own phone numbers?

A. No. Only phone numbers purchased directly inside VAPI are supported.

Q. Are these premium workflow steps?

A.Yes. VAPI actions and triggers follow Premium Workflow billing. These will be charged at default premium actions and triggers rate.

Q. What are some of the common error causes?

A. 

  • Concurrency limit reached

  • Unsupported phone number

  • Integration disconnected

  • Missing assistant configuration

  • Invalid phone format

  • API rate limit exceeded


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