Getting started

Key information at a glance

Important timelines

SMS signature: If submitted during business hours, approval is expected within 24 hours.
Create message content: This refers to creating an SMS template. Approval takes approximately 2 to 4 hours.
Sender ID registration: The time required varies by country or region due to local compliance requirements. See the console for details.

Transparent pricing

SMS offers pay-as-you-go and prepaid resource package billing. Billing.
SMS resource package quota is consumed first. After exhaustion, pay-as-you-go billing applies.

Limitations

Mobile originated (MO) messages can only be received through callbacks, not queried via the API or console.
Per-number rate limit: 20 messages per day.

Workflow

Chinese mainland

Step	Description	Estimated time	Notes
① Prepare your account	Prepare your account and add funds.	5 minutes	Complete identity verification and add funds to your account.
② Apply for a qualification	Create an SMS signature.	As fast as 24 hours	The SMS signature is the identifier in brackets, such as [YourCompany], that appears before the message content. It must be related to your verified entity and requires you to submit qualification documents for review.
② Apply for a qualification	Create message content.	2 to 4 hours	This means creating an SMS template. The content must comply with regulations, and variables must be in the format `${variable}`.
③ Send message	Send a message.	Instant	Send messages through the console or by calling the API.

International destinations

International SMS has a simpler workflow. Most countries and regions do not require a signature or template in advance.

Prepare your account: Complete account registration, identity verification, and add funds.
Send directly: Use the console or API to send messages.
Ensure compliance: Some countries have special requirements that you need to be aware of in advance.
- India: DLT registration is required. A2P SMS regulations for India.
- Saudi Arabia: Pre-register your Sender ID. Sender ID registration process.
- United States/Canada: We recommend using a local number (long code or short code) to improve delivery rates.
- Other countries or regions: Check the International SMS registration rules for destination-specific compliance requirements. This list is continuously updated; local regulations prevail.

Try the service

You can log on to the console and go to the Quick Start page. quickly send a test message.

Send test message

Note

Test messages are billable. Ensure your account has sufficient balance before you begin.
SMS messages sent to the Chinese mainland require you to create an SMS signature and create a message template, and can be sent only after the signature and template are approved.
For detailed instructions, see Send a test message.

The test page offers two modes: Send test message via API and Send test message via Console. Bind up to five test phone numbers. Select the [Custom] Signature/Template type, choose an approved signature and template, then click Send Message via API.

Sending methods

Console

If you prefer an interactive UI, you can use the console to create message content, send messages, and query statistics.

Send SMS messages using the console

API

If you prefer to code, you can use the API or SDK to send messages.

Send SMS messages using an API

FAQ

If you have questions while using Short Message Service (SMS), see the FAQ.