This guide helps new users get started with Alibaba Cloud Short Message Service (SMS). It explains the whole process, from activating the service and fulfilling the compliance requirements to sending messages. It also provides a timeline estimate to help you plan your project.
Before you begin
Important timelines
Signature review: If you submit during business hours, approval takes at least 24 hours.
Template review: It is expected to take 2 to 4 hours.
Sender ID registration: The time required varies based on the registration and compliance requirements of each country or region. For details, refer to the registration page in the console.
Billing
You are charged only when you send a message. SMS offers two billing models: pay-as-you-go and resource packages. Choose the option that best suits your needs. For more information, see Billing.
If you have a resource package, the system uses its quota first. When the quota is exhausted, subsequent messages are charged on a pay-as-you-go basis, and fees are deducted from your account balance.
Limitations
You cannot query mobile originated (MO) messages using the API or console. They can only be received by configuring callbacks.
Rate limit: You can send up to 20 messages to a single phone number per day.
Understand the workflow
Go China
Step | Description | Estimated time | Notes |
① Preparations | Prepare your account. | 5 minutes | Complete identity verification and top up your account. |
② Qualification application | Create an SMS signature. | At least 24 hours | The signature is the identifier in |
Create a message template. | 2 to 4 hours | The content must comply with applicable regulations. Variables format: | |
③ Message sending | Send a message. | Instant | Send a message via the console or by using the API/SDK. |
Go Globe
The workflow for sending messages to countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland, including Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), and Taiwan (China), is streamlined. For most destinations, you do not need to apply for a signature or template in advance.
Prepare your account: Register an account, complete identity verification, and top up the account.
Send messages: Use the console or API to send messages.
Ensure compliance: Some destinations have special compliance requirements.
India: You must complete DLT registration. For more information, refer to the A2P SMS Messaging Regulations for India.
Saudi Arabia: You must register your sender ID. For more information, see Register a sender ID.
United States/Canada: Use a local number (long code or short code) to improve delivery rates.
Other countries or regions: For specific compliance requirements, refer to the information in the console. You can also go to the Supported countries/regions page and find the destination country or region to view its specific requirements. The information on this page is for reference only and will be continuously updated. The official policies shall prevail.
Try the SMS service
Log on to the console and go to the Quick Start page to send a test message. Send test message Note
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Choose how to send messages
Console
- Use the SMS console
If you prefer an interactive user interface, use the console to create message content, send messages, and view statistics.
API
- Use the SMS APIs or SDKs
If you prefer coding, use APIs to send messages.
FAQ
For answers to common questions, see the FAQ.