Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about how SMSFlow works, what it costs and what you can do with it. Contact our team.
General
What is SMSFlow?
SMSFlow turns your Android phone into a professional SMS gateway. Instead of paying Twilio or Bandwidth $0.01–$0.05 per message, you use your own SIM to send notifications, reminders and marketing campaigns.
How is this different from Twilio or Bandwidth?
Traditional SMS APIs charge per message — at 10,000 SMS/month that's $100–$500 in fees. SMSFlow routes your messages through your own Android device and SIM, so the per-message cost is $0.00. You just pay for the monthly plan.
Do I need a dedicated Android device?
We recommend a dedicated device for business-grade reliability, but you can start with your personal phone. The app runs silently in the background without interrupting normal use.
Does it work on iPhone?
No. The gateway app is Android-only (8.0+). The web dashboard and API work from any browser or server.
How fast does SMSFlow send messages?
Each message is dispatched in 1–3 seconds. For bulk campaigns, the system uses an intelligent queue with automatic rate-limiting to avoid carrier throttling — typically 20–30 messages per minute per device.
Plans & Billing
How much does SMSFlow cost?
Plans start at $19/month (Starter) with a full web dashboard. We also offer a LifeTime plan (one-time payment) for users who prefer to pay once. There are zero per-message fees on any plan.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 7 days free with full Pro features. No credit card required to start.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) via Stripe. Monthly and annual plans are available.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. You keep access until the end of your billing period. No cancellation fees or contracts.
Is there an annual plan discount?
Yes — annual billing is equivalent to 10 months, meaning you get 2 months free (about 17% off vs monthly).
Technical Setup
How do I install the Android app?
Download the APK directly from your dashboard (Dashboard > Devices). Install it on your Android, log in with your account, and you're live. The app is distributed outside the Play Store — you'll need to enable "Install from unknown sources" in Android settings.
Do I need to keep the phone on all the time?
Yes. The device needs to be powered on and connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to receive send commands. The app handles everything in the background, even with the screen locked.
Which US carriers are supported?
SMSFlow works with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and all US MVNOs. Sending capacity depends on your carrier plan and local SMS policies.
Do you have a REST API?
Yes. Full REST API with documentation, Zapier/Make/n8n connectors, and real-time delivery webhooks. Integrate with Shopify, HubSpot, Salesforce or any custom stack.
Compliance & Privacy
Is SMSFlow TCPA compliant?
SMSFlow provides the infrastructure; TCPA compliance depends on how you use it. You must obtain proper consent before sending marketing messages and honor opt-outs. We provide documentation and best-practice guides for TCPA-compliant SMS marketing.
What about A2P 10DLC registration?
Because SMSFlow routes through your personal device and SIM rather than a shared shortcode, the A2P 10DLC carrier surcharges do not apply in the same way as API-based platforms. Consult our compliance guide for details.
Do my messages pass through SMSFlow servers?
The send command is routed through our servers, but the actual SMS is sent directly from your device. We never have access to message content.
Is my customer data secure?
Yes. We use 256-bit SSL encryption, Firebase/JWT authentication, and data is stored on protected servers. We follow SOC 2-aligned security practices.
Still have a question we didn't cover?
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