Managing Caller ID (CID) groups efficiently is crucial for call centers, outbound campaigns, and businesses that rely on dynamic caller ID presentation to improve answer rates and compliance. VICIdial, a leading open-source call center solution, provides an API function called update_cid_group_entry API, which allows administrators to add, modify, and manage CID groups dynamically.
Instead of manually updating caller ID entries within the VICIdial admin panel, this API allows for automated bulk updates, real-time changes, and seamless integration with external systems.
Why Use the update_cid_group_entry API?
✅ Dynamically assign different caller IDs based on campaign needs
✅ Improve answer rates by matching local caller IDs to target locations
✅ Integrate CID management with external CRMs and dialers
✅ Automate caller ID rotation to meet compliance regulations
✅ Easily add, update, and delete CID entries without manual intervention
In this tutorial, we’ll cover:
🔹 How the update_cid_group_entry API works
🔹 How to configure and authenticate API access
🔹 How to construct and send API requests
🔹 Examples using a browser, cURL, and Postman
🔹 How to interpret API responses and troubleshoot errors
🔹 Best practices for using the update_cid_group_entry API efficiently
Let’s dive in! 🚀
Understanding the update_cid_group_entry API Function
The update_cid_group_entry API allows administrators to add, update, and delete Caller ID (CID) entries dynamically in VICIdial. This enables real-time control over outbound caller IDs, helping call centers optimize answer rates and maintain compliance with regional calling regulations.
What Can Be Managed Using update_cid_group_entry API?
✔ Adding a new caller ID entry to a CID group
✔ Updating an existing caller ID in a CID group
✔ Deleting an existing caller ID from a CID group
✔ Modifying caller ID expiration dates and statuses
Common Use Cases for update_cid_group_entry API
🔹 Rotating caller IDs dynamically to improve answer rates
🔹 Using local numbers to increase call pick-up rates
🔹 Automating CID assignment for outbound campaigns
🔹 Deleting expired or non-compliant caller IDs
🔹 Integrating caller ID management with external CRMs
Step 1: Prerequisites for Using the API
Before using the update_cid_group_entry API, ensure you have:
✅ VICIdial installed and configured
✅ An API-enabled user account with administrative permissions**
✅ A valid CID group ID to modify
✅ VICIdial server access credentials
How to Enable API Access in VICIdial
1️⃣ Log in to the VICIdial Admin Panel
2️⃣ Navigate to Admin > Users
3️⃣ Select the user who will access the API
4️⃣ Set API Access to 1 (Enabled)
5️⃣ Set User Level to 8 or higher** (Admin-level access) 6️⃣ Add update_cid_group_entryto the **Allowed API Functions** (or set toALL`)
7️⃣ Click Save Changes
Now, your user is authorized to manage CID groups dynamically using the API.
Step 2: Constructing the API Request
The VICIdial API uses HTTP GET requests, meaning you can access it via a browser, cURL, or API tools like Postman.
Base API URL
🔹 Replace your-vicidial-server with your actual VICIdial instance.
Required Parameters for update_cid_group_entry API
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
function |
Specifies the API function (update_cid_group_entry) |
update_cid_group_entry |
user |
VICIdial API username | admin |
pass |
VICIdial API password | 1234 |
source |
Identifier for tracking API calls | CIDUpdate |
cid_group_id |
The Caller ID group to modify | US_SALES |
cid_number |
The phone number to add/update | 18005550123 |
cid_description |
Description for the CID entry | Sales Line 1 |
active |
Enable (Y) or disable (N) the CID entry |
Y |
delete_entry |
Delete a CID entry (Y to delete) |
N |
Step 3: Sending the API Request
Method 1: Adding a New Caller ID Entry via a Web Browser
Simply enter the following URL in your browser (replace credentials accordingly):
🔹 Press Enter, and the API should add the new CID entry.
Method 2: Updating a Caller ID Entry via cURL (Command Line)
For developers, cURL is a convenient tool for making API requests. Use the following command:
🔹 This will return a success message confirming the CID update.
Method 3: Deleting a Caller ID Entry via Postman
1️⃣ Open Postman
2️⃣ Set the request type to GET
3️⃣ Enter the API URL with delete_entry=Y
4️⃣ Click Send
5️⃣ The response should confirm that the CID entry was deleted
Step 4: Understanding API Responses
If the request is successful, VICIdial returns a response confirming the CID update:
Breaking Down the Response
| Response Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
SUCCESS |
The request was processed successfully |
US_SALES |
The CID group that was modified |
18005550123 |
The phone number that was added/updated |
CID Entry Updated Successfully |
Confirmation message |
Step 5: Handling Errors & Troubleshooting
| Error Message | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
ERROR: USER DOES NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO USE THIS FUNCTION |
Insufficient API permissions | Ensure user level is 8+ and API Access is enabled |
ERROR: INVALID USERNAME OR PASSWORD |
Wrong credentials | Verify API username and password |
ERROR: CID GROUP NOT FOUND |
The specified CID group does not exist | Ensure cid_group_id is correct |
ERROR: NO FUNCTION SPECIFIED |
Missing function parameter | Ensure function=update_cid_group_entry is included |
Conclusion
The update_cid_group_entry API function is an essential tool for managing outbound caller ID groups dynamically in VICIdial. Whether you’re adding, updating, or deleting CID entries, this API provides a fast and efficient way to optimize call center performance.
Feel free to contact us or simply start a live chat to get connected to one of our team members. Here is our contact information.
Calling from US: +1 954-990-0053
Email: office@callix.ai
