# Multiple SMS Accounts

Scale your SMS operations by connecting multiple Android devices and SIM cards to WhatSnap. This guide shows you how to add, manage, and route messages across multiple SMS accounts for increased volume capacity and organized team communication.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Scale Your Messaging**: Each additional Android device/SIM adds 100-250 messages per day of capacity, allowing you to run larger database reactivation campaigns, separate departments, or provide redundancy.
{% endhint %}

## Why Use Multiple SMS Accounts?

### Benefits of Multi-SIM Setup

**📈 Increased Volume Capacity**

* Each SIM card adds 100-250 messages/day (after warm-up)
* Distribute large campaigns across multiple numbers
* Avoid hitting individual carrier limits

**👥 Department Separation**

* Sales team: Dedicated number and device
* Support team: Separate number for customer service
* Marketing: Distinct number for campaigns
* Each department has its own messaging identity

**🌍 Geographic Distribution**

* Different area codes for different regions
* Local presence in multiple markets
* Improved trust with local numbers

**🔄 Redundancy & Reliability**

* Backup if one device/SIM has issues
* Continue operations if one carrier has restrictions
* Distribute risk across multiple carriers

**👤 User-Based Assignment**

* Assign different numbers to different team members
* Personal accountability for conversations
* Clear ownership of customer relationships

## Multi-SIM Setup Overview

{% @mermaid/diagram content="graph TD;
A\["🏢 GoHighLevel Sub-Account"] --> B\["📱 Android Device 1<br/>Sales Number"];
A --> C\["📱 Android Device 2<br/>Support Number"];
A --> D\["📱 Android Device 3<br/>Marketing Number"];

```
B --> E["👤 User: Sales Rep 1<br/>Tag: sms-sales"];
C --> F["👤 User: Support Agent<br/>Tag: sms-support"];
D --> G["👤 User: Marketing Team<br/>Tag: sms-marketing"];

E --> H["📊 Contacts: Sales Leads"];
F --> I["📊 Contacts: Customers"];
G --> J["📊 Contacts: Campaign Recipients"];

classDef ghl fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2,stroke-width:3px,color:#000000;
classDef device fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2,stroke-width:2px,color:#000000;
classDef user fill:#e8f5e8,stroke:#00695c,stroke-width:2px,color:#000000;
classDef contacts fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#e65100,stroke-width:2px,color:#000000;

class A ghl;
class B,C,D device;
class E,F,G user;
class H,I,J contacts;" %}
```

## Adding Multiple Android Devices

### Step-by-Step: Adding Your Second (or Third, Fourth...) Device

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Prepare the New Device

1. Obtain a new Android device meeting [specifications](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications)
2. Install and activate a new SIM card
3. Test that the SIM can send/receive regular SMS
4. Charge the device and connect to internet
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Install WhatSnap Gateway App

Follow the same installation process as your first device:

1. In WhatSnap dashboard, click **"Add Account"** → **"SMS/iMessage (P2P)"** → **"Android"**
2. Download the WhatSnap Gateway APK to your new device
3. Install the app (disable Play Protect if needed)
4. Grant all required permissions
5. Authenticate with the new QR code shown in dashboard
6. Start the gateway service

Full instructions: [SMS Installation & Setup](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-installation-setup)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Name the Device Descriptively

Give each device a clear, meaningful name:

**Good Naming Examples:**

* `Android-Sales-Main`
* `Support-Device-247`
* `DBR-Campaign-1`
* `Marketing-Team-SMS`
* `Sales-Rep-John-Mobile`

**Poor Naming Examples:**

* `Device 1`, `Device 2` (not descriptive)
* `Android`, `Phone` (too generic)
* `Test` (unclear purpose)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Why Naming Matters**: Clear names help your team quickly identify which device handles which contacts, essential for troubleshooting and managing replies.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Note Each Device's Tag

Each device receives a unique tag:

* Device 1: `whatsnap-account-android-sales`
* Device 2: `whatsnap-account-android-support`
* Device 3: `whatsnap-account-android-marketing`

**Write down all tags** - you'll use these to route messages to specific devices.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Assign Devices to Users (Optional but Recommended)

For multi-SIM setups, assign each device to a specific GHL user:

1. In WhatSnap dashboard, open device settings
2. Find **"Assign to User"** or **"User Assignment"**
3. Select the GoHighLevel user who will manage this device
4. Save settings

**Benefits:**

* Messages from this device show as coming from that user
* Replies automatically route to the correct user's inbox
* Clear accountability for conversations

See: [User Assignments](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/settings/user-assignments)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Message Distribution Strategies

### Strategy 1: Manual Tag Assignment

**How It Works:**

* Manually add specific device tags to contacts
* Each contact routes to its tagged device
* Simple, direct control

**When to Use:**

* Small contact lists
* VIP customer assignment to specific reps
* Specific use cases requiring manual control

**Example:**

```
Contact: John Doe
Tags: whatsnap-account-android-sales
→ All messages to John route through Sales device
```

### Strategy 2: Workflow-Based Distribution

**How It Works:**

* Use GHL workflows to automatically tag and distribute contacts
* Split actions divide contacts across devices
* Automated, scalable approach

**When to Use:**

* Large campaigns
* Database reactivations
* Automated lead distribution

**Example Workflow:**

{% @mermaid/diagram content="graph LR;
A\["📋 Campaign Starts<br/>1,000 Contacts"] --> B\["🔀 Split Action<br/>Divide by 3"];
B --> C\["33% → Tag:<br/>sms-device-1"];
B --> D\["33% → Tag:<br/>sms-device-2"];
B --> E\["33% → Tag:<br/>sms-device-3"];
C --> F\["📱 Send via Device 1"];
D --> G\["📱 Send via Device 2"];
E --> H\["📱 Send via Device 3"];

```
classDef workflow fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2,stroke-width:2px;
classDef split fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2,stroke-width:2px;
classDef send fill:#e8f5e8,stroke:#00695c,stroke-width:2px;

class A workflow;
class B,C,D,E split;
class F,G,H send;" %}
```

**Setting Up in GoHighLevel:**

1. Create a workflow with a **Split** action
2. Configure the split:
   * **Random**: Distribute contacts randomly across paths
   * **Percentage**: Set exact percentages (e.g., 33% / 33% / 34%)
3. After each split path, add **"Add Tag"** action with appropriate device tag
4. Add **"Send SMS"** action (automatically uses the tagged device)

{% hint style="success" %}
**Even Distribution**: Use random or percentage-based splits to evenly distribute load across your SIM cards, preventing any single carrier from flagging high volume.
{% endhint %}

### Strategy 3: Department-Based Routing

**How It Works:**

* Assign different devices to different business functions
* Route contacts based on their status or source

**When to Use:**

* Multi-department businesses
* Different messaging use cases
* Organized team structures

**Example Setup:**

| Device    | Purpose   | User           | Tag             | Contact Types        |
| --------- | --------- | -------------- | --------------- | -------------------- |
| Android 1 | Sales     | Sales Team     | `sms-sales`     | New leads, prospects |
| Android 2 | Support   | Support Team   | `sms-support`   | Existing customers   |
| Android 3 | Marketing | Marketing Team | `sms-marketing` | Campaign contacts    |

**Workflow Example:**

```
Trigger: New lead added
Condition: If source = "Website form" → Tag: sms-sales
Condition: If source = "Customer portal" → Tag: sms-support
```

### Strategy 4: Geographic Distribution

**How It Works:**

* Use SIM cards with different area codes
* Route contacts to devices with matching local area code
* Builds local trust

**When to Use:**

* Multi-location businesses
* Regional campaigns
* Local service providers (plumbers, HVAC, etc.)

**Example:**

* Device 1: Los Angeles area code (213/310) → LA contacts
* Device 2: New York area code (212/917) → NYC contacts
* Device 3: Chicago area code (312/773) → Chicago contacts

***

## Reply Management with Multiple SIMs

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Critical**: When using multiple SIM cards, you must reply to contacts from the same device/number they originally messaged. Otherwise, conversations will be confusing for recipients.
{% endhint %}

### How Message Routing Works

**Inbound Message Flow:**

```
📱 Contact texts your Android 1 number
→ WhatSnap tags contact with device-1 tag
→ Message appears in GHL
→ Future outbound messages automatically use Android 1 (same number)
```

**The Problem:** If you're logged in as the wrong user or don't have the right tag, your reply might send from a different number, confusing the contact.

### Solution 1: Login As Correct User

**When replying to messages from different devices:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Check the Lead's Assignment

1. Open the contact in GoHighLevel
2. Check which **device tag** is assigned (or which user is assigned)
3. Note which device/number this contact expects messages from
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Use "Login As" Function

1. In GoHighLevel, find the **"Login As"** function (usually in user management)
2. Select the user assigned to the device this contact uses
3. Once logged in as that user, your replies will send from the correct number
4. Send your reply

{% hint style="info" %}
**Why This Works**: When you log in as a specific user, GHL sends messages using that user's assigned device/number, maintaining conversation continuity.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Return to Your User Account

After replying, you can switch back to your own user account or stay logged in as the other user to reply to more of their assigned conversations.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Solution 2: Use Conversation Filters

**Manage multiple device conversations more efficiently:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Apply Conversation Filters

1. In GoHighLevel, go to **Conversations**
2. Click **Filters**
3. Under **"Assigned To"**, select a specific user or device tag
4. This shows only conversations for that device/user
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Login As That User

1. Use **"Login As"** to switch to that user
2. Reply to all conversations in the filtered view
3. All replies send from the correct number
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Repeat for Other Devices

1. Clear filters or apply new filter for next device
2. Login as the next user
3. Reply to those conversations
4. Repeat for all devices

{% hint style="success" %}
**Efficiency Tip**: This batching approach is faster than switching users for individual conversations. Handle all Device 1 conversations, then all Device 2, etc.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Solution 3: Multi-SIM Reply Override Feature

WhatSnap includes a **reply override snapshot** for advanced multi-SIM management:

**How It Works:**

* Automatically detects which device/number a contact last messaged
* Routes your reply through the correct device, regardless of which user is logged in
* No need to switch users

**Setup:**

1. Install the **WhatSnap Multi-SIM Override Snapshot** in your sub-account
2. The snapshot includes workflows that handle reply routing
3. Reply normally - the system routes to the correct device automatically

{% hint style="info" %}
**Advanced Feature**: Contact WhatSnap support for access to the Multi-SIM Override Snapshot and installation instructions.
{% endhint %}

***

## Load Balancing and Volume Management

### Calculating Your Total Capacity

**Single Device Capacity (after warm-up):**

* Conservative: 100 messages/day
* Moderate: 150 messages/day
* Aggressive: 250 messages/day (varies by carrier)

**Multi-Device Capacity:**

| Devices    | Conservative | Moderate  | Aggressive |
| ---------- | ------------ | --------- | ---------- |
| 1 Device   | 100/day      | 150/day   | 250/day    |
| 3 Devices  | 300/day      | 450/day   | 750/day    |
| 5 Devices  | 500/day      | 750/day   | 1,250/day  |
| 10 Devices | 1,000/day    | 1,500/day | 2,500/day  |

{% hint style="success" %}
**Scaling Strategy**: Start conservative with each new device. Increase volume gradually as you confirm deliverability and avoid carrier issues.
{% endhint %}

### Monitoring Device Performance

**Track metrics for each device:**

**Daily Monitoring:**

* Messages sent (per device)
* Delivery success rate
* Response rate
* Any error messages or failed sends

**Weekly Review:**

* Carrier restrictions or warnings
* Device uptime and connectivity
* Unsubscribe rates
* Conversation quality

**Signs of Trouble:**

* ⚠️ Delivery rates dropping below 95%
* ⚠️ Increased "failed to send" errors
* ⚠️ Carrier notifications or warnings
* ⚠️ SIM card restrictions

**Action Steps:**

1. Reduce volume on affected device
2. Improve message quality and personalization
3. Check carrier fair use compliance
4. Contact carrier if needed
5. Consider rotating to a backup SIM

### Warm-Up Strategy for Multiple Devices

**Don't warm up all devices simultaneously:**

**Recommended Approach:**

**Week 1:**

* Warm up Device 1 only
* Start slow: 10-20 msgs/day

**Week 2:**

* Device 1: Increase to 50-100 msgs/day
* Device 2: Start warm-up at 10-20 msgs/day

**Week 3:**

* Device 1: Full volume (100-250 msgs/day)
* Device 2: Increase to 50-100 msgs/day
* Device 3: Start warm-up at 10-20 msgs/day

**Benefits:**

* Staggered growth looks more natural
* Learn from first device before scaling
* Maintain some capacity while warming new devices
* Reduce risk of simultaneous carrier blocks

See: [Database Reactivations - SIM Warm-Up](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/broken-reference)

***

## Multi-SIM Workflow Examples

### Example 1: Database Reactivation Campaign (3 Devices)

**Goal**: Re-engage 3,000 old leads over 10 days

**Setup:**

* 3 Android devices, each warmed up
* Each can handle 100 messages/day = 300 messages/day total
* Campaign: 300 msgs/day × 10 days = 3,000 contacts

**Workflow:**

```
Trigger: Tag added → "DBR-Campaign-2025"
↓
Split (Random, 3 paths):
  → Path 1 (33%): Tag "sms-device-1"
  → Path 2 (33%): Tag "sms-device-2"
  → Path 3 (34%): Tag "sms-device-3"
↓
Drip Campaign (each path):
  → Day 1: Send initial message
  → Wait 2 days
  → If no reply: Send follow-up
  → Wait 3 days
  → If no reply: Final message
  → If reply: Move to "Engaged" pipeline
```

### Example 2: Sales Team Multi-Rep Setup (5 Devices)

**Goal**: 5 sales reps each have dedicated numbers

**Setup:**

* 5 Android devices, one per sales rep
* Each device assigned to rep's GHL user
* Leads distributed based on source or round-robin

**Workflow:**

```
Trigger: New lead created
↓
Round-Robin Assignment:
  → Assign to User: Rep 1 → Auto-tag: sms-rep-1
  → Assign to User: Rep 2 → Auto-tag: sms-rep-2
  → Assign to User: Rep 3 → Auto-tag: sms-rep-3
  → Assign to User: Rep 4 → Auto-tag: sms-rep-4
  → Assign to User: Rep 5 → Auto-tag: sms-rep-5
↓
Each rep manages their assigned leads
Messages automatically send from their device
```

### Example 3: Department Separation (3 Devices)

**Goal**: Separate numbers for Sales, Support, Marketing

**Setup:**

* Device 1: Sales number (new leads)
* Device 2: Support number (existing customers)
* Device 3: Marketing number (campaigns)

**Workflow:**

```
Trigger: Contact created or updated
↓
Conditions:
  → If Pipeline = "Sales" → Tag: sms-sales
  → If Tag contains "Customer" → Tag: sms-support
  → If Tag contains "Campaign" → Tag: sms-marketing
↓
Messages automatically route to appropriate device
```

***

## Best Practices for Multi-SIM Management

### Organization

**✅ Do:**

* Maintain a spreadsheet tracking all devices, SIMs, and assignments
* Document which phone number belongs to which device
* Keep tags consistent and descriptive
* Label physical devices clearly (write device name on phone with label)

**❌ Don't:**

* Mix personal and business use on the same device
* Swap SIM cards between devices without updating settings
* Use vague or generic device names

### Redundancy Planning

**Prepare for device failures:**

* Keep 1-2 backup devices ready
* Store backup SIM cards (inactive but available)
* Document the process for activating backup devices
* Test backups periodically

**If a device fails:**

1. Activate backup device with same number (SIM swap)
2. Or: Quickly reassign contacts to working devices
3. Update tags and user assignments
4. Notify team of changes

### Cost Management

**Track monthly costs per device:**

* SIM plan: $10-30/month
* Device cost (amortized): $3-10/month
* Electricity: \~$2/month per device
* **Total: \~$15-42/month per device**

**ROI Calculation:**

* Cost per device: \~$30/month
* Capacity: 100-250 messages/day = 3,000-7,500/month
* Equivalent Twilio cost: $22-56/month (at $0.0075/msg)
* **Break-even or better**, plus benefits of personal number

### Security

**Protect your devices and SIMs:**

* Use screen locks on all devices
* Store devices in secure location
* Don't share authentication credentials
* Monitor for unauthorized access
* Regularly review message logs for anomalies

***

## Troubleshooting Multi-SIM Setups

### Message Sent from Wrong Number

**Problem**: Contact receives message from different number than they expect.

**Cause**: Wrong user logged in, or contact has wrong tag.

**Solution**:

1. Check contact's current device tag
2. Ensure tag matches the number they've been messaging
3. Use "Login As" to switch to correct user before replying
4. Or: Use Multi-SIM Reply Override feature

### Conversations Split Across Devices

**Problem**: Same contact has conversations in multiple devices/threads.

**Cause**: Contact's tag was changed mid-conversation, or manual messages sent from different devices.

**Solution**:

1. Choose the primary device for this contact
2. Update contact's tag to match primary device
3. Reply only from that device going forward
4. Archive or delete duplicate threads (if possible in GHL)

### Uneven Load Distribution

**Problem**: One device handles much more volume than others.

**Cause**: Workflow split not configured correctly, or manual tag assignment is unbalanced.

**Solution**:

1. Review workflow split percentages - should be equal
2. Check "Random" split is truly random (test with small sample)
3. Manually review contact distribution across tags
4. Re-balance by changing tags on some contacts

### Device Shows as Offline but Phone is On

**Problem**: WhatSnap dashboard shows device offline, but phone is powered on with internet.

**Cause**: Gateway app stopped, network issue, or authentication expired.

**Solution**:

1. Open WhatSnap Gateway app on device - check status
2. Restart gateway service (stop and start)
3. Check internet connection (WiFi and/or mobile data)
4. Re-authenticate if needed (scan new QR code)
5. Check battery optimization settings (ensure app isn't being killed)

See: [SMS Troubleshooting Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/broken-reference)

***

## Scaling Beyond 10 Devices

For enterprise-level operations requiring more than 10 devices:

**Infrastructure Considerations:**

* Dedicated device charging station
* Managed WiFi network for all devices
* Device management software (MDM)
* Centralized monitoring dashboard

**Alternative Approaches:**

* Consider **Twilio SMS** for ultra-high volume (1,000+ msgs/day)
* Hybrid: P2P SMS for personal conversations, Twilio for bulk
* **WhatsApp** for international contacts (no SMS charges)

**Contact WhatSnap Support:** For enterprise multi-SIM setups requiring 10+ devices, contact <support@whatsnap.ai> for consultation and advanced features.

***

## Next Steps

After setting up multiple SMS accounts:

1. [**Create distribution workflows**](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/conversations/workflow-automation) - Automate contact routing
2. [**Set up drip campaigns**](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/broken-reference) - Maximize your capacity
3. [**Configure user assignments**](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/settings/user-assignments) - Organize team communication
4. [**Monitor performance**](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/broken-reference) - Track deliverability and issues
5. [**Review compliance**](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/..#compliance-and-legal-considerations) - Stay within regulations

{% hint style="success" %}
**Multi-SIM Mastery!** With multiple devices properly configured, you can scale your SMS operations significantly while maintaining personal touch and high deliverability.
{% endhint %}

***

**Questions about multi-SIM strategies?** Contact WhatSnap support at <support@whatsnap.ai> for personalized guidance.
