Blog
Twilio Webhook Setup Guide for Incoming Calls and Messages

Set Up Webhooks to Receive Incoming Calls, Messages, and Status Updates
What You’ll Learn
How Twilio webhooks work for calls and SMS
Steps to configure webhook URLs in your Twilio console
How to handle incoming messages and voice calls with real examples
Ways to secure your webhook endpoints
Practical testing tools to ensure everything works smoothly
Understanding Twilio Webhooks
Think of a webhook like a doorbell for your app. When someone sends a message or calls your Twilio number, Twilio rings that bell by sending a request (usually in JSON or XML format) to your specified server URL. That URL is your webhook endpoint.
This allows you to:
Receive real-time updates
Trigger automatic responses (like auto-replies)
Log or analyze communication data instantly
Setting Up Webhooks for Incoming Calls
Here’s how to set up a webhook for handling incoming voice calls in Twilio:
Step 1 Access Your Twilio Console
Log in to your Twilio Console.
Go to Phone Numbers under the Super Network section.
Select the number you want to configure.
Step 2 Configure Voice Settings
Scroll to the Voice & Fax section.
In the A CALL COMES IN field, select Webhook.
Enter the URL where your server handles the incoming request. For example:
https://yourdomain.com/handle-call
Select HTTP POST.
(Optional but recommended) Add a URL for Status Callback URL to get updates like “completed,” “no answer,” etc.
📝 Example TwiML response for a basic greeting:
Setting Up Webhooks for Incoming Messages
You can also set up webhooks to receive incoming text messages (SMS or MMS).
Step 1 Navigate to Messaging Settings
From the same phone number configuration page, scroll to the Messaging section.
Step 2 Enter Your Webhook URL
In the A MESSAGE COMES IN field, choose Webhook.
Enter your endpoint URL. Example:
https://yourdomain.com/receive-message
Choose HTTP POST and save changes.
How to Secure Your Webhook
Twilio provides security features to verify that requests come from them:
Use HTTPS: Always use a secure endpoint.
Validate Twilio Signature: Twilio sends a special header (
X-Twilio-Signature
) with each webhook. Use Twilio’s helper libraries to verify it matches.Rate Limiting: Prevent abuse by adding request limits on your endpoint.
Testing Your Webhooks Before Going Live
Don’t launch without testing! Here are a few useful tools:
Ngrok: Expose your local server to the internet securely.
Postman: Simulate Twilio webhook payloads manually.
Twilio’s Console Logs: View recent webhook events, responses, and errors.
Real-World Use Case Example
Say you’re running a real estate agency. You can:
Set up a webhook to forward incoming calls from new leads to your sales team.
Use a webhook to log and auto-reply to SMS inquiries about property listings.
Track call status (answered, missed, voicemail) using the status callback webhook.
Is This Going to Cost Me?
Twilio charges per call or message, not for using webhooks. Here’s a quick pricing breakdown (as of May 2025 for US-based numbers):
Service | Price |
---|---|
Inbound Call (Toll-free) | $0.013 per minute |
Inbound SMS | $0.0075 per message |
Outbound SMS | $0.0079 per message |
Voice Recording | $0.0025 per minute |
➡️ You’re only billed for usage—setting up webhooks is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my webhook server is down?
Twilio will retry the request several times. It’s still recommended to implement fail-safes on your server.
Can I use multiple webhooks for one number?
No, Twilio only allows one URL per event (e.g., one for incoming calls, one for messages). However, you can create logic on your server to branch requests.
Can I test if the webhooks work?
Yes. Send a test SMS or make a call to your number and check the Conversations tab in GoHighLevel. You should see it show up immediately.
Is it possible to use Twilio Studio instead?
Yes! Twilio Studio offers a no-code workflow builder. But for more customization, webhooks are preferred.
Conclusion
Twilio webhooks are the secret sauce behind real-time messaging and call handling. Once you’ve configured them properly, your app or CRM can instantly react to customer interactions—automatically.
It’s simple, secure, and scalable. Whether you’re managing a high-volume call center or just want an SMS chatbot, webhooks give you control and visibility. And now that you know how to set them up, you’re ready to make the most of your Twilio-powered communication system.
Table of Contents

Twilio Webhook Setup Guide for Incoming Calls and Messages
Set Up Webhooks to Receive Incoming Calls, Messages, and Status Updates If you’re using Twilio to manage communications for your

Receive GoHighLevel Incoming Calls via Mobile App
How to Receive GoHighLevel Incoming Calls via Mobile App If you’re always on the move and still want to handle

Transfer Incoming Calls to Multiple Agents in GoHighLevel
Transfer Incoming Calls to Multiple Agents in GoHighLevel Are you looking to route inbound calls to multiple team members in

HighLevel vs Lead Connector Mobile Apps
HighLevel vs Lead Connector Mobile Apps What’s the Difference, and Which One Should You Use? If you’re part of the

GoHighLevel Workflows vs n8n Workflows: Which One is Right for You?
GoHighLevel Workflows vs n8n Workflows When choosing between GoHighLevel and n8n for business automation, it’s essential to understand their unique

GoHighLevel CRM vs Systeme.io: Which CRM is Best for Your Business?
GoHighLevel CRM vs Systeme.io Choosing the right CRM platform is crucial for business growth. It can streamline your marketing efforts,