---
title: SMS API Built on Carrier Infrastructure | Telnyx
canonical: https://telnyx.com/products/sms-api
---
# SMS API Built on Carrier Infrastructure | Telnyx

# SMS API

Send and receive SMS or [MMS](https://telnyx.com/products/mms-api) globally with the Telnyx Messaging API, our award-winning platform recognized as a leader for its results and ease of use.

[Talk to an expert](https://telnyx.com/contact-us)

Channels:[10DLC](https://telnyx.com/products/10dlc-registration)[Toll-free](https://telnyx.com/products/toll-free-sms)[Short code](https://telnyx.com/products/sms-short-code)[Alphanumeric Sender ID](https://telnyx.com/products/alphanumeric-sender-id)

## 1.3B+Messages sent and received monthly

## #1Ranked API for Results and Ease of Use

## 130+Countries with numbers

**WHY TELNYX**

## Why leading companies choose Telnyx SMS API

* ### Developer friendly  
REST APIs, comprehensive docs, SDKs in 5 languages, and award-winning 24/7 support. Go from first message to production in minutes.
* ### Cost efficient pricing  
Usage-based pricing with no hidden fees, no third-party markups, and no upfront investment. Typical savings of 30% vs other CPaaS providers.
* ### Billion-scale reliability  
One of the world's only billion-scale Messaging APIs. Automated queuing, intelligent encoding, and reliable delivery reports built in.

FEATURES

## SMS API with automated optimization and reporting

Whether it’s detailed, transparent delivery reports or automated delivery optimizations, our billion-scale Messaging API is built to take you from small to massive with ease.

* Message queuing  
Our automated message queuing is set based on your account limits and the latest industry standards, ensuring maximum throughput without compromising delivery or compliance.
* Reliable delivery reports  
Measure deliverability with greater transparency than the competition using our detailed reports and debugging tool.
* Automatic opt-outs  
If a customer replies to a message from the Telnyx API with a “stop word” message (e.g. STOP), Telnyx will automatically unsubscribe them from future sends.
* Message concatenation  
If a SMS is too long for its destination, our API will automatically separate it into two messages. No more breaking out content into parts—we’ll handle that for you.
* Use existing numbers to send SMS  
Have an existing, well-known number that you want to send SMS from? With Telnyx Hosted SMS, you can send and receive SMS and MMS without even changing providers.
* Intelligent message encoding  
We support any character set and language type. Our system automatically chooses the most compact encoding possible, minimizing cost per send.
* AI opt-out detection  
An LLM checks inbound messages that don’t match standard keywords and catches opt-out requests like “don’t message me again”, handling them exactly like a STOP with the same block and auto-reply. Enable it on any messaging profile.

“We have the ability to offer our services at scale through Telnyx… Telnyx works closely with us, making sure we're always connected and ready to send.”

Point Blank Political

HOW IT WORKS

[Talk to an expert](https://telnyx.com/contact-us)

### Purchase or port SMS numbers

Purchase or port number(s) with SMS capability. If you have an existing number that you wish to port, try our Hosted SMS solution.

### Complete registration

Set up a Messaging profile and complete any required registrations (such as 10DLC brand and campaign setup). You can do this via the Portal or our API.

### Test sending and receiving

Connect to our all-in-one SMS API service with your credentials. Test sending and receiving to and/or from handsets. Work closely with our award-winning expert support team to resolve any issues.

### Scale from tens to millions

Scale your messaging with one of the world’s only billion-scale Messaging APIs. Notifications, marketing and outreach, customer support, sales and much more.

Step 1/4

SMS API FOR DEVELOPERS

## Send your first message in minutes

With Telnyx REST APIs and SDKs in 5 languages, you can send and receive SMS globally with detailed delivery reports and 24/7 free support.

Send SMS cURL

```
curl -X POST https://api.telnyx.com/v2/messages \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "from": "+15551234567",
    "to": "+15559876543",
    "text": "Hello, world!"
  }'
```

Send SMS Python

```
import os
from telnyx import Telnyx

client = Telnyx(
    api_key=os.environ.get("TELNYX_API_KEY"),
)

response = client.messages.send(
    from_="+15551234567",
    to="+15559876543",
    text="Hello, world!"
)

print(response.data)
```

Send SMS Node.js

```
import Telnyx from 'telnyx';

const client = new Telnyx({
  apiKey: process.env['TELNYX_API_KEY'],
});

const response = await client.messages.send({
  from: '+15551234567',
  to: '+15559876543',
  text: 'Hello, world!'
});

console.log(response.data);
```

Send SMS Ruby

```
require "telnyx"

client = Telnyx::Client.new(api_key: ENV["TELNYX_API_KEY"])

response = client.messages.send_(
  from: "+15551234567",
  to: "+15559876543",
  text: "Hello, world!"
)

puts(response)
```

Send SMS cURLSend SMS PythonSend SMS Node.jsSend SMS Ruby

## Build faster with AI

Telnyx Agent Skills provides pre-built tools for AI coding agents like Claude Code, Cursor, and Windsurf to integrate with the Telnyx Messaging API in minutes. Available in Python, JavaScript, Go, Java, and Ruby. Let your AI coding assistant write Telnyx integrations. Build in minutes.

[Learn more](https://www.telnyx.com/resources/ai-agent-skills-claude-code)

**PRICING**

## See our SMS API pricing

Customers typically save 30% by switching to Telnyx, with lower list pricing and automatic volume discounts.

Starting at:

$0.004

Per message

[See pricing](https://telnyx.com/pricing/messaging)

PRODUCTS

## Build with SMS API

* [![RCS](https://d2efw2akbx8gaf.cloudfront.net/https://dotcom-payload-assets-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/cms-media/RCS-clothing-store-copy-b310efb8.png?width=1327&format=webp)RCSReimagine customer engagement with RCS. Deliver rich, interactive, and branded messages with multimedia capabilities.](https://telnyx.com/products/rcs)
* [![WhatsApp Business API](https://d2efw2akbx8gaf.cloudfront.net/https://dotcom-payload-assets-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/cms-media/whatsapp-business-api-hero-new.jpg?width=864&format=webp)WhatsApp APISend and receive WhatsApp messages and voice calls through Telnyx, using the same number and AI workflows you already use.](https://telnyx.com/products/whatsapp-business-api)
* [![Verify API](https://d2efw2akbx8gaf.cloudfront.net/https://dotcom-payload-assets-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/cms-media/what_is_verify_api_featured_9ff3f1e236.webp?width=1120&format=webp)Verify APIAdd verification to any flow with SMS, voice, and WhatsApp OTP. Build a custom 2FA experience with one API.](https://telnyx.com/products/verify-api)
* [![Global Numbers](https://d2efw2akbx8gaf.cloudfront.net/https://dotcom-payload-assets-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/cms-media/Products_Global_Numbers_2x-1.webp?width=1024&format=webp)Phone NumbersSearch and provision local, national and toll-free DIDs in 130+ countries. Voice, SMS, MMS, and fax on the same number.](https://telnyx.com/products/phone-numbers)

## Ready to get started?

[Talk to an Expert](https://telnyx.com/contact-us)[Sign up](https://telnyx.com/sign-up)

## FAQ

### What is an SMS API? What is an SMS gateway API?

An [SMS API](https://www.taloflow.ai/blog/best-sms-api "SMS API Providers") (or SMS Gateway API) is a software interface that allows developers to build code that can send and receive SMS messages using an Application Programming Interface (API).

### How do I get started with the Telnyx SMS API?

### How does an SMS API work?

### Is there any free API for SMS? How much does SMS cost using the Telnyx API?

### Does Telnyx provide SDKs?

### Is there support for sending bulk SMS?

### Can I send images or videos via the Telnyx SMS API?

### Can I send texts via short code on the Telnyx SMS API?

### What is an alphanumeric sender ID?

### What use cases does the Telnyx API support?

### How do Carrier Fees work?

### Which number type should I use for sending?

### How does AI opt-out detection work?

**Resources, Docs, Support**

## sms api hub 

* ### Send a Message on the Telnyx Platform | Telnyx  
A short description of this page  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/docs/messaging/messages/send-message)
* ### Receive SMS and MMS | Telnyx  
inbound SMS or MMS  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/docs/messaging/messages/receive-message)
* ### Authentication V2 | Telnyx  
Telnyx's Developer documentation provides all the information needed to get started with our platform, including authentication methods.  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/docs/development/authentication)
* ### Messaging APIs | Telnyx  
With the Messaging family of products, you can send and receive SMS/MMS messages from your apps, facilitate interaction with The Campaign Registry (TCR) for 10DLC compliance, and more!  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/api/messaging)
* ### Send a message API | Telnyx  
Send a message with a Phone Number, Alphanumeric Sender ID, Short Code or Number Pool.  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/api/messaging/send-message)
* ### List messaging profiles API | Telnyx  
List messaging profiles  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/api/messaging/list-messaging-profiles)
* ### Retrieve a message API | Telnyx  
Note: This API endpoint can only retrieve messages that are no older than 10 days since their creation. If you require messages older than this, please generate an [MDR report.](https://developers.telnyx.com/api/v1/mission-control/add-mdr-request)  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/api/messaging/get-message)
* ### Send a message API V1 | Telnyx  
Sends a message by submitting an outbound message request.  
[Read more](https://developers.telnyx.com/api/v1/message-sending/submit-a-send-request)
* ### Learn about the powerful features of the Telnyx SMS API  
What is an SMS API? Dive into the world of real-time messaging, which connects apps to telecom networks, and discover its potential for your business.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/sms-api-explained)
* ### Send SMS With Telnyx Python SDK  
Sending SMS With Telnyx Python SDK is as Easy as API. Get started sending impactful customer messaging today.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/send-sms-with-the-telnyx-python-sdk)
* ### How to boost customer engagement with SMS  
Learn how SMS customer engagement drives meaningful interactions with tailored strategies, real-time updates, and personalized communication.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/how-sms-enhances-customer-engagement)
* ### Telnyx - How to Ensure Compliance With SMS Regulations.  
There are regulations that dictate how organizations can interact with end users via text. Understand what the rules are & how to comply with them.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/how-to-ensure-compliance-with-sms-regulations)
* ### Mass text messaging: How to get started with Telnyx  
Learn the advantages of mass text messaging for business and how to send messages in bulk with the Telnyx SMS API.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/bulk-sms-guide)
* ### SMS & RCS: Complementary solutions for businesses  
Learn how SMS & RCS complement each other to create a unified messaging strategy that combines reliability with rich media engagement for business success.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/sms-and-rcs-complementary-solutions)
* ### Telnyx Blog | CPaas & UCaaS Resources  
Find data-driven research, comprehensive guides and all things SIP trunking, voice and SMS APIs, wireless and more.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/topic/messaging)
* ### Leveraging SMS customer engagement to increase ROI - Telnyx  
Learn how SMS customer engagement can be used to deliver a positive customer experience and drive more sales.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/leveraging-sms-customer-engagement-to-increase-roi)
* ### How to text Canada: A guide to business communications  
Master texting in Canada with our guide: Understand phone number formats, country codes, and Canadian SMS regulations.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/how-to-text-canada)
* ### Telnyx vs. Twilio for SMS / Twilio SMS Alternative  
Telnyx and Twilio both offer programmable SMS messaging. But how do the two providers compare?  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/telnyx-vs-twilio-sms)
* ### Top 5 Twilio Verify API alternatives  
Looking for the best verification API for your business? Don’t just default to Twilio Verify API. Consider some of these great options instead.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/resources/twilio-verify-api-alternatives)
* ### #1 Plivo Alternative - Telnyx vs Plivo  
The top Plivo alternative. Find out why businesses are choosing Telnyx as the better Plivo alternative for CPaaS.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/the-better-plivo-alternative)
* ### Telnyx SMS Guide | Telnyx Help Center  
Here you will find a collection of links that will explain how to build applications using our SMS offering.  
[Read more](https://support.telnyx.com/en/collections/133103-telnyx-sms-guide)
* ### Setting Up a Messaging Profile | Telnyx Help Center  
Here we will explain how to get SMS ready with Messaging Profiles on Telnyx.  
[Read more](https://support.telnyx.com/en/articles/3562059-setting-up-a-messaging-profile)
* ### Send a Text with the Telnyx Python SDK | Telnyx Help Center  
A quick video walking you through using the Telnyx Python SDK to send messages.  
[Read more](https://support.telnyx.com/en/articles/3562061-send-a-text-with-the-telnyx-python-sdk)
* ### Receiving SMS on your Telnyx number | Telnyx Help Center  
Begin your journey with Telnyx: Learn how to sign up and set up a Mission Control account effectively.  
[Read more](https://support.telnyx.com/en/articles/4348981-receiving-sms-on-your-telnyx-number)
* ### Getting Started with Messaging | Telnyx Help Center  
Begin with Telnyx messaging: Toll-free, error codes, SDKs, and webhook utilization.  
[Read more](https://support.telnyx.com/en/collections/2500425-getting-started-with-messaging)
* ### Telnyx Messaging Error Codes | Telnyx Help Center  
This article provides a breakdown of the messaging error codes used by Telnyx and their meanings!  
[Read more](https://support.telnyx.com/en/articles/6505121-telnyx-messaging-error-codes)
* ### SMS API | Built for CRM and Sales  
Enhance your CRM tool with our SMS API. Build customer relationships seamlessly while ensuring compliance with data and privacy restrictions.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/use-cases/sms-api-crm-sales)
* ### SMS Marketing API and Platform \[Use Cases\]  
Enhance your SMS marketing with Telnyx's powerful API and platform. Start optimizing your campaigns today.  
[Read more](https://telnyx.com/use-cases/sms-marketing)

[Start building](https://telnyx.com/sign-up)