how do i enable tools when creating agent using api | ElevenLabs | Page 1

AI-generated Answer for zqilk

Short answer:

Create the tools first, capture their IDs, then pass those IDs when you create the agent. Use prompt.tool_ids for client/server tools and prompt.built_in_tools for system tools. Do not send the legacy prompt.tools field.

How to do it

POST /v1/convai/tools, e.g. to register a client or server (webhook) tool; the response returns an id you’ll reference on the agent. (elevenlabs.io)

POST /v1/convai/agents/create with:
{
"conversation_config": {
"agent": {
"prompt": {
"tool_ids": ["tool_xxx", "tool_yyy"], // client/server tools by ID
"built_in_tools": ["end_call","language_detection"] // system tools by name
}
}
}
}
Notes:
tool_ids is the supported way to attach client/server tools to an agent; built_in_tools is how you enable system tools. (elevenlabs.io)
The Create Agent endpoint and payload shape are documented here. (elevenlabs.io)
Available system tools (names you can place in built_in_tools) are documented here (e.g., end_call, language_detection, transfer_to_number, skip_turn, voicemail_detection, etc.). (elevenlabs.io)

Important compatibility note

Legacy prompt.tools has been removed (July 23, 2025). Do not send it; use prompt.tool_ids and (for system tools) prompt.built_in_tools. Requests containing prompt.tools are rejected. (elevenlabs.io)

Optional checks

List tools (to get IDs) via GET /v1/convai/tools. (elevenlabs.io)
Conceptual overview of tool types (client, server/webhook, system) is here. (help.elevenlabs.io)

Sources:
Create tool | ElevenLabs Documentation
Agent tools deprecation | ElevenLabs Documentation
Create agent | ElevenLabs Documentation
System tools | ElevenLabs Documentation
Agent tools deprecation | ElevenLabs Documentation
Agent tools deprecation | ElevenLabs Documentation
How to use tools with ElevenLabs Agents (formerly Conversational AI)? – ElevenLabs

#how do i enable tools when creating agent using api