Get started with AIVA

This guide takes you from a new account to an assistant that answers your phone. You need an email address, an OpenAI account (for your API key) and a Twilio account (for your phone number). Your account starts on a 14-day free trial of the Starter plan. No card is needed to start.

1. Create your account

1. Go to the sign-up page.
2. Fill in First name, Last name and Email address.
3. Optional: choose a Workspace address (optional). This is your own address for signing in, such as your-name.aivachat.io. Use lowercase letters, numbers and hyphens. The form checks the name as you type and shows Available or tells you it's taken.
4. Choose a Password and type it again in Confirm password. It needs at least 8 characters, with one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one special character, and no spaces.
5. Tick the box to agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
6. Click Create account.

2. Verify your email

AIVA emails you a one-time code. In the Verify your email window, type the 6-digit code and click Verify & Continue. If it doesn't arrive, wait for the timer to run out, then click Resend code.

If you see Invalid or expired OTP, ask for a new code and try again.

3. Your trial starts

Your 14-day trial starts as soon as your account is created. It runs on the Starter plan, so you can use every feature within Starter's limits. You can check the end date at any time under Usage & Billing → Billing, where the plan badge reads Trial — ends and then the date.

When fewer than three days are left, a banner at the top of the dashboard tells you the date your trial ends. See Plans, trial and billing for what happens next.

4. Work through the setup checklist

New accounts are sent straight to the Create Assistant page. After that, the Analytics page (under Overview in the sidebar) shows a card called Finish setting up your AI. Each item ticks itself off once it's really done, based on what's in your account. Continue setup takes you to the first item that's still open.

Checklist item	Where it takes you	What "done" means
Connect your OpenAI key	Usage & Billing → OpenAI	An OpenAI API key is saved
Create your assistant	The Create Assistant page, under AI Configuration → Assistants	You have at least one assistant
Teach it about your business	AI Configuration → AI Training	You've added at least one knowledge entry
Connect a phone number	Communication → My Numbers	At least one number is connected
Add your business info	AI Configuration → AI Training	Your Company name (on the Identity tab) and business hours (on the Business Settings tab) are set
Hear your assistant on a first call	Opens the Call it now window	At least one call has been completed

Here's what each step involves:

• Connect your OpenAI key. AIVA runs every AI feature on your own OpenAI key, and OpenAI bills you for that usage. Calls and chat stay off until a key is connected. See Connect your OpenAI key.
• Create your assistant. Give it a name, choose how it sounds and write or generate its instructions.
• Teach it about your business. Add your website, files or typed notes so it can answer real questions.
• Connect a phone number. Add your Twilio credentials, then buy a number or bring in one you already have on Twilio. See Connect Twilio and a phone number.
• Add your business info. Your company name and business hours shape how the assistant introduces itself and when it answers.
• Hear your assistant on a first call. Click Call it now, pick the Assistant, enter Your phone number in international format (for example +14155550123) and click Call me now. Your assistant phones you so you can hear it.

You can do the steps in any order. Once all six are ticked, the card goes away. To hide it before then, click Hide setup checklist (the X on the card). It stays hidden in that browser.

Common questions

Do I need a credit card for the trial? No. The trial starts without a card. You add one only when you choose a plan.

Can I invite teammates? No. Each AIVA account has one login. You can turn on two-factor sign-in for extra security.

I skipped the workspace address. Is that a problem? No. The field is optional. You can still sign in at the main dashboard address.

Next steps

• Connect your OpenAI key
• Connect Twilio and a phone number
• Add the website widget