> 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/caller-memory.md).

# Caller memory

Let the assistant recognise people who have called before.

Open **AI Receptionist → Caller Memory**.

## What it does

**Recognize returning callers** lets the assistant know it has spoken to someone before, and refer to that earlier conversation.

Without it, every call starts from zero — a customer who rang yesterday about a broken boiler has to explain the whole thing again.

With it:

> "Hello again Mrs Patel — is this about the boiler repair we booked for Thursday?"

## How it works

Callers are matched on their phone number against your contacts. When a match is found, the assistant is given the relevant history: previous calls, what was discussed, any open items.

## What it remembers

Summaries and outcomes of previous conversations, rather than full transcripts. It knows a caller rang about a quote and was told £2,400; it does not replay the whole earlier call.

You can set how far back it looks. A long window is useful for businesses with a slow cycle — legal, property, big-ticket services. A short one is better where the same customer calls often about unrelated things.

## Where the history comes from

The contact record. Every call, message and widget submission from a number is attached to the same contact, so memory covers every channel — the assistant knows about a WhatsApp exchange when the person later rings.

See [Contacts](/inbox-and-leads/contacts.md).

## Privacy

Caller memory means one caller's information being spoken aloud to whoever is holding that phone.

Consider this for shared numbers — a family landline, a shared office line, a reception desk. If your calls involve health, legal or financial matters, be cautious about how much the assistant volunteers unprompted, and prefer confirming identity before referring to specifics.

You can limit how much it offers before the caller has identified themselves.

## When to leave it off

Turn it off if:

* your calls are mostly one-off strangers, so there is no history to draw on;
* your subject matter is sensitive enough that mistaken identity would be damaging;
* you operate under rules requiring explicit consent before processing call history this way.

## Testing it

Call twice. On the second call, check it recognises you and that what it recalls is accurate and appropriate to say out loud.