> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.goassay.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.goassay.ai/use-tools/get-started/make-your-first-call.md).

# Make your first free call

Try a free tool and confirm that your AI app is connected to Assay.

Ask your AI app to use a free tool through Assay. You do not need funds or permission to pay for this test.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Before you start:** [Connect your AI app](/use-tools/get-started/connect-your-ai-app.md) and finish its browser approval.
{% endhint %}

## Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Ask for a free tool call

Send this request in your AI app:

> Use Assay to find a free tool for the weather, then get the weather in Lisbon.

The app should find a free tool and call it. Allow the tool to run if your AI app asks. If no free weather tool is available, ask it to find another available free tool and use that instead.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Read the result

Look for a tool result followed by the AI's answer based on it. A list of tools or an answer from the AI's own knowledge does not confirm a tool call. This test should not ask you to add funds or turn on payments.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check the connection in Assay

Return to **Controls → Connect** and find **Is it working?**. After your call arrives, the panel says **Connected. Your agent made its first call through** followed by the server name and a recent call time.

The first-call item on **Get started** also completes.

<figure><img src="https://141356682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAhFBOJnejgrUxXsfscIS%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f022b0ee997bc0a493630e1a49739fb1c77c2558%2Fmake-your-first-call-1.png?alt=media" alt="Is it working panel confirming the first call arrived through Assay"><figcaption><p>The first call confirms the connection.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Check it worked

Your AI app returned a tool result, and **Is it working?** confirms a recent call. You have a working free connection.

**If you use claude.ai or ChatGPT's hosted connector, you are done.** Keep using free tools. You do not need to add funds or enable payments for this connection. To use paid tools later, first connect one of the local apps described in [Connect your AI app](/use-tools/get-started/connect-your-ai-app.md).

## If something goes wrong

| You see                                                                             | Do this                                                                                                                     |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Waiting for the first call… (updates by itself)**                                 | Make sure the AI actually ran a free Assay tool. Check that **Connect** is showing the same agent your app uses.            |
| **We could not check your keys just now. This does not mean your config is wrong.** | Reload **Connect** and check again before changing the app configuration.                                                   |
| A request to pay                                                                    | Ask explicitly for a free tool. Do not approve a paid call for this test.                                                   |
| The AI cannot find Assay tools                                                      | Return to [Connect your AI app](/use-tools/get-started/connect-your-ai-app.md), restart the app and finish browser sign-in. |

## Next

For a local app that can pay:

* [Add funds](/use-tools/get-started/add-funds.md)


---

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