> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tools Not Working

> Fix integrations when Alter won't use your connected tools and apps

<Note>
  **Quick check:** Does your chosen AI model support tools? Some smaller models don't have tool-calling capabilities.
</Note>

## What's happening?

You ask Alter to do something like "Send a message to John" or "Add a calendar event," but:

* The AI responds with text instead of taking action
* Nothing happens in the target app
* You get "I don't have access to that" or similar responses

## Why this happens

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Model Doesn't Support Tools" icon="brain">
    Some AI models can't call tools – they only generate text
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tool Not Enabled" icon="toggle-off">
    The tool is available but not turned on in Tools Manager
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wrong Prompt Format" icon="message">
    The AI needs clear instructions about what tool to use and how
  </Card>

  <Card title="Global Tools Toggle Off" icon="toggle-off">
    All tools are disabled via the global toggle in Active Tools
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Step-by-step fix

<Steps>
  <Step title="Switch to a tool-capable model">
    Not all models can use tools. Try one of these:

    * **Alter Best** (our smart router)
    * **Gemini 2.0 Flash**
    * **Claude Sonnet**
    * **GPT-5**

    Press `/` in the prompt box to switch models.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the global tools toggle">
    In the Tools Manager, there's a master switch that can disable **all** tools at once:

    1. Click the **three dots** in Alter → **Tools Manager**
    2. Look for the global toggle in the **Active Tools** section
    3. Make sure it's turned **on** (enabled)

    If this is off, none of your individual tools will work even if they're enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the right tools">
    Once the global toggle is on, enable specific tools:

    1. In the Tools Manager, find the tool you want (Messages, Calendar, etc.)
    2. Toggle it **on**
    3. Check if it needs additional setup (like signing in)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Be explicit in your request">
    Instead of: *"Tell John I'm running late"*

    Try: *"Send a message to John Smith saying 'I'm running 10 minutes late' using the Messages tool"*

    The more specific you are, the better the AI understands.
  </Step>

  <Step title="For Apple Shortcuts">
    If using Apple Shortcuts:

    1. Open the **Shortcuts** app
    2. Edit your shortcut
    3. Add "Receive input from" and set it to accept text
    4. Save the shortcut
    5. Try again in Alter
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Test it

Try this simple test:

1. Make sure you're using a tool-capable model
2. Enable the **System Notification** tool
3. Say: "Send a system notification saying 'Test successful'"
4. **Success:** You should see a macOS notification appear!

<Tip>
  **Start simple:** Test with basic tools like System Notification before trying complex integrations. This helps identify if it's a general tool issue or specific to one integration.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Try Flow:** If you're unsure which tool to use or having trouble with tool selection, enable [Flow](/workflows/use-flow-orchestration) - Alter's tool orchestrator that automatically selects the right tool for you.
</Tip>

## Still not working?

Some models are better at tools than others. If one model isn't working well with tools:

1. Switch to **Alter Best** (it automatically picks capable models)
2. Or try **Gemini 2.0 Flash** or **Claude Sonnet**

## Related help

* [Tool Manager Guide](/how-to/tool-manager-guide)
* [Integrations overview](/apps-tools/integrations-overview)