# What is an auto dialer?

> An auto dialer is software that dials phone numbers from a list automatically, so a person or a system does not have to type each number. When a call connects, it either passes the call to an available agent, plays a recorded message, or hands it to an AI voice agent that holds the conversation.

Source: https://agents.elevatebox.in/glossary/auto-dialer  
Updated: 2026-10-12

## How an auto dialer works

You upload a list of numbers and set the rules: calling hours, how many attempts per number, and the gap between retries. The dialer works through the list, skips busy or switched-off numbers to try later, and records what happened on each attempt. Telecallers save the minutes they used to spend dialling and waiting for rings.

## Types of auto dialers

- Preview dialer: shows the agent the lead's details before it dials, one call at a time
- Progressive dialer: dials the next number only when an agent is free
- Predictive dialer: dials several numbers per agent, guessing how many will answer (see [predictive dialer](https://agents.elevatebox.in/glossary/predictive-dialer))
- Voice broadcasting: dials and plays a recorded message with no agent (see [voice broadcasting](https://agents.elevatebox.in/glossary/voice-broadcasting))

## Auto dialers in India

An Indian business running an auto dialer still has to follow TRAI's rules on calling hours, consent and DND preferences, and the numbers used should be on a registered setup. A dialer makes calling faster; it does not make an unwanted call legal. Read [AI calling rules in India](https://agents.elevatebox.in/guides/ai-calling-rules-india-trai-dlt) before you load a list.

> An AI caller is an auto dialer with a conversation built in: it dials, talks in Telugu, Hindi or English, and logs the outcome. See [auto dialer vs AI voice agent](https://agents.elevatebox.in/guides/ai-voice-agent-vs-auto-dialer) and the [bulk calling campaign guide](https://agents.elevatebox.in/guides/bulk-calling-campaign-guide).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is an auto dialer legal in India?

The dialer itself is a tool. What matters is who you call and how: respect DND preferences, consent and permitted calling hours, and run on a registered setup.

### What is the difference between an auto dialer and a predictive dialer?

A predictive dialer is one kind of auto dialer. It dials more numbers than there are free agents, betting that some will not answer. Simpler auto dialers dial one number per free agent.