SMS

Link your Android phone as an SMS gateway

Install the WaSMS SMS app on an Android phone, link it once, and send SMS from WaSMS through that phone's SIM card.

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WaSMS can send your SMS from your own Android phone. Install the WaSMS SMS app, link the phone once, and the SMS you send on WaSMS go out through that phone’s SIM card. Replies come back to WaSMS.

Best for: local SMS, codes from a local number, and anyone with an SMS package on their SIM.

Have the old WaSMS Gateway app? Uninstall it first, then install the new app. You only do this once.

1. Install the app

On the phone, open Channels and press Download SMS app in the SMS section. If Android asks, allow installs from this source. The app needs Android 6 or newer and is under 1 MB.

  1. On wasms.net, open Channels, then Add SMS Device, and make a pairing code. It shows a QR code and an 8-character code, and works for 10 minutes.
  2. In the app, tap Start, then Scan the QR code. If the camera does not work, choose Type the code.

3. Allow access

The app asks once for each of these and says why: Send and read SMS, Phone and SIM cards and Notifications are needed. Contacts is only for copying your phone’s contacts to WaSMS, and you can skip it.

4. Keep WaSMS running

Android closes apps to save battery. The app shows the exact steps for your phone, for example Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo or Infinix, and opens the right setting. Follow them once. The full steps are in Turn off battery optimization on Android.

5. Send a test

From Campaigns, send one SMS to your own other number. In the app, Messages shows it as Sent, then Delivered.

What the app shows

  • Sending: linked and working.
  • Needs you: Android may stop the app. Tap Fix it now.
  • Offline: no internet. SMS wait on WaSMS and go out when the phone is back online.
  • SIM cards: choose which SIMs send, a daily limit for each SIM, and the sending speed. Safe speed is best for your SIM.

Troubleshooting

  • The phone shows Offline on WaSMS: open the app and check the internet. If the phone stays offline for more than 30 minutes, the organization owner gets a WhatsApp message and an email.
  • An SMS failed: the app says why, for example no signal. Check the SIM’s balance or package, then tap Try again.
  • The app keeps stopping: go to Settings, Keep WaSMS running in the app and follow the steps again.

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