SMS
The SMS integration texts one or more phone numbers the moment a new lead reaches out. You don’t need to bring your own phone service — Auto-Respond sends the text for you. Add the numbers that should get alerts, turn the integration on, and you’re done.
The SMS card is on any source’s Messaging Settings → Integrations tab. SMS delivery is currently US-focused; numbers outside the US may not reliably receive alerts.
What you’ll get
- A text message to every number on the list whenever a new lead reaches out.
- Lead’s name, phone number, and a snippet of the original inquiry in the message.
- Optionally, the source name so the recipient can tell where the lead came from.
Connecting SMS
Open the integration
In Auto-Respond, open the source → Messaging Settings → Integrations tab → SMS card.
Add a phone number
Click Add number and enter the phone number that should receive alerts. Use the full number including country code (e.g., +1 555 123 4567). Repeat to add more numbers — each one gets its own text for every lead.
Remove numbers you don’t want
Any number on the list can be removed individually with the remove button next to it. Removed numbers stop getting alerts immediately.
Validate and save
Click Validate Connection to send a test SMS to every number on the list. Check the phone(s) — if the test text arrived, you’re set.
Turn on the Enable toggle
The integration doesn’t send anything until Enable is on.
Options
Enable
Turns the integration on or off for this source. Default: off.
Inherit from parent
Only shown on a location with a parent business. When on, the location uses the parent’s list of phone numbers. When off, this location has its own list.
Phone numbers
The list of numbers that will receive an SMS for every lead. Add as many as you need — each number on the list receives its own text every time. Use this to route alerts to multiple on-call people at once.
For an on-call rotation, keep the list short and update it when the rotation changes. Everyone on the list gets every alert, so adding your whole team usually isn’t ideal.
Create customer only when contact info is captured
Default: off.
- When on — The text is sent only once the lead has shared a phone number or email.
- When off — The text is sent the moment the lead reaches out.
Create only for new leads
Default: off.
- When on — Returning leads don’t trigger a text.
- When off — Every lead triggers a text.
Include source name
Default: off. When on, the source name is added to the text so the recipient can tell which source the lead came from.
Validate Connection
Sends a test SMS to every number currently on the list.
Disconnect
Clears the list and turns the integration off. Confirmation required.
What the notification contains
Each SMS includes:
- Lead’s name (if shared)
- A short preview of the inquiry
- The source name (if Include source name is on)
SMS is a short format, so the message is kept short on purpose — open Auto-Respond to see the full conversation and history.
Disconnecting
Open the SMS card → click Disconnect → confirm. The list of numbers is cleared and no more alerts will be sent.
Troubleshooting
- No texts arriving — Check that Enable is on and that the number is on the list with the country code. If Create customer only when contact info is captured is on, the lead hasn’t shared a phone or email yet.
- “Validation failed” — At least one number on the list couldn’t receive a test SMS. Check the format (full international format with
+and country code), and make sure the phone can receive texts from unknown senders. - Texts are delayed — Rare, but carriers can introduce delivery delays during high-volume periods. If it’s a consistent issue, contact support.
- Non-US number not getting alerts — SMS delivery is US-focused. For teams outside the US, use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Slack instead.
Questions about the SMS integration? Email support@auto-respond.com.