> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.limecall.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.limecall.com/ai-receptionist/ai-minutes-and-usage.md).

# AI minutes & usage

How AI time is metered, and how to avoid running out.

## What an AI minute is

Time your AI receptionist spends on a call, metered separately from ordinary call minutes.

A call answered by a human uses call minutes. The same call answered by the AI uses AI minutes. A call the AI answers and then transfers uses AI minutes for the AI's portion and call minutes for the rest.

## Where to see your balance

**Settings → Usage & credits** shows what you have used this period and what is left. The **Overview** pane of the AI Receptionist also shows whether it is answering right now and what it has left to answer with.

## What is included

Your plan includes an allowance per billing period. It resets at the start of each period and does not roll over.

See [Plans & billing](/account/plans.md).

## Running past your allowance

Usage beyond your included allowance draws on credits — **AI overage credit**. If you have a credit balance, the assistant keeps answering and draws down.

If you have no credits and no allowance left, **the assistant stops answering**.

{% hint style="warning" %}
When the assistant runs out of minutes, calls do not fail visibly — they fall through to whatever else that number is configured to do. If nothing is configured, callers get nothing. Set a fallback destination on every number the AI answers.
{% endhint %}

## Do not find out from a customer

Set a usage alert under **Settings → Notifications** so you are warned before you run out rather than after.

A sensible threshold is around 80% of your allowance — enough warning to top up before the weekend.

## What uses more than you expect

**Spam and robocalls.** Every one is metered. Enable screening — see [Spam & blocking](/ai-receptionist/spam-and-blocking.md).

**Long silences.** A caller who puts the phone down without hanging up keeps the call open. Set a sensible maximum call length.

**Patient response speed.** Longer waits mean longer calls. Worth it for the experience, but it does add up.

**Testing.** Test calls are metered like real ones. Keep them short.

## Reducing usage without losing calls

* Screen spam aggressively.
* Tighten the greeting — three seconds saved on every call adds up quickly.
* Keep required fields to what you will act on. Every extra question is call time.
* Transfer early on calls the AI cannot resolve.

## Topping up

Add credits under **Settings → Usage & credits**. See [Usage & credits](/account/usage-and-credits.md).

If you regularly exceed your allowance, moving up a plan is usually cheaper than repeated top-ups.

## Where usage is reported

Under **Analytics**, alongside call volume and outcomes, so you can see cost against results rather than in isolation.