# SMS

Find answers to common questions about using WhatSnap SMS with Android devices and GoHighLevel.

## Common Questions

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>🌍 International SMS</strong></td><td>How to send SMS internationally and use eSIM for local numbers</td><td><a href="sms/international-sms">international-sms</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>⚡ Setup Speed</strong></td><td>How fast can you get started? 15-20 minutes vs. weeks with Twilio</td><td><a href="sms/setup-speed">setup-speed</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>🔧 GoHighLevel Features</strong></td><td>What features work with WhatSnap SMS in GoHighLevel?</td><td><a href="sms/ghl-features-compatibility">ghl-features-compatibility</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>☁️ Reliability</strong></td><td>How reliable is WhatSnap SMS? Infrastructure and uptime explained</td><td><a href="sms/reliability">reliability</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📈 SMS Campaign Benefits</strong></td><td>Why WhatSnap transforms your SMS campaigns vs. traditional providers</td><td><a href="sms/sms-campaign-benefits">sms-campaign-benefits</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>🚫 SIM Blocking &#x26; Recovery</strong></td><td>What happens if your SIM gets blocked and how to recover</td><td><a href="sms/sim-blocking-recovery">sim-blocking-recovery</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📱 Lead Connector App</strong></td><td>How to use GoHighLevel's mobile app with WhatSnap SMS</td><td><a href="sms/lead-connector-app">lead-connector-app</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>💼 Reselling WhatSnap</strong></td><td>How agencies can resell WhatSnap SMS and pricing strategies</td><td><a href="sms/reselling-whatsnap">reselling-whatsnap</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>🔄 Reusing SIM Cards</strong></td><td>Can you reuse SIM cards across different accounts?</td><td><a href="sms/reusing-sim-cards">reusing-sim-cards</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📞 Using Existing Number</strong></td><td>Should you use your existing business number with WhatSnap?</td><td><a href="sms/using-existing-number">using-existing-number</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📧 Failed Message Notifications</strong></td><td>Configure email alerts for device failures and failed messages</td><td><a href="sms/failed-message-notifications">failed-message-notifications</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>🔒 Personal Messages Privacy</strong></td><td>How to prevent personal messages from appearing in your CRM</td><td><a href="sms/prevent-personal-messages">prevent-personal-messages</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📞 Number Porting</strong></td><td>How to port numbers out of Twilio and LeadConnector</td><td><a href="sms/porting-numbers">porting-numbers</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>💬 What is RCS?</strong></td><td>Understanding RCS and when to enable or disable it</td><td><a href="sms/rcs-settings">rcs-settings</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📱 eSIM Compatibility</strong></td><td>Using eSIMs with WhatSnap, including international setup</td><td><a href="sms/esim-compatibility">esim-compatibility</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>🇺🇸 Getting a US eSIM</strong></td><td>How to purchase and activate a US eSIM from outside the US</td><td><a href="sms/getting-us-esim">getting-us-esim</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📲 Dual-SIM Usage</strong></td><td>Using dual-SIM phones and sharing SIMs across accounts</td><td><a href="sms/dual-sim-usage">dual-sim-usage</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>❄️ Cold SMS Outreach</strong></td><td>Legal requirements and best practices for cold messaging</td><td><a href="sms/cold-sms-outreach">cold-sms-outreach</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>📋 A2P Requirements</strong></td><td>Do you need A2P registration for WhatSnap SMS?</td><td><a href="sms/a2p-requirements">a2p-requirements</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>♾️ Unlimited SMS</strong></td><td>Understanding volume limits and fair use policies</td><td><a href="sms/unlimited-sms">unlimited-sms</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>⚖️ WhatSnap vs Twilio</strong></td><td>Why choose WhatSnap over Twilio or LeadConnector?</td><td><a href="sms/whatsnap-vs-twilio">whatsnap-vs-twilio</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## Quick Answers

### Can I use my personal phone for WhatSnap SMS?

**Yes**, you can use your personal Android phone and personal number with WhatSnap. However, we recommend:

* ✅ Use the **`whatsnap-blacklist` tag** to exclude personal contacts from syncing to GHL
* ✅ Consider using a dedicated business phone/SIM for cleaner separation
* ✅ Follow carrier fair use policies (don't mix high-volume business SMS with personal use)

See: [Preventing Personal Messages from Appearing in CRM](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/prevent-personal-messages)

***

### Can I port my Twilio or LeadConnector numbers to use with WhatSnap?

**Not directly**. WhatSnap SMS uses your personal SIM card number, not ported numbers. However:

* ✅ You can port Twilio/LeadConnector numbers to **another carrier**
* ✅ Then use that carrier's SIM in your Android device with WhatSnap
* ✅ Or keep Twilio as separate channel and use WhatSnap for P2P SMS

**Note**: WhatSnap cannot assist with porting. You must work with Twilio/GHL and your new carrier.

See: [How to Port Numbers](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/porting-numbers)

***

### Should I enable or disable RCS on my Android device?

**Usually disable** for WhatSnap SMS. Enable only if:

* ❌ **Disable RCS** (recommended): Using local SIM for standard SMS
* ✅ **Enable RCS** (exception): Using eSIM from another country over WiFi

See: [RCS Settings Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/rcs-settings)

***

### Can I send MMS (picture messages) with WhatSnap SMS?

**Yes**, but with requirements:

* ✅ Image must be under 800 KB
* ✅ WhatSnap Gateway app must be set as **default SMS app** on Android
* ✅ Device must have adequate signal strength
* ✅ Test sending MMS directly from phone first

See: [Troubleshooting - MMS Not Sending](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/troubleshooting/README.md#mms-not-sending)

***

### How many messages can I send per day with WhatSnap SMS?

**Depends on carrier and warm-up status:**

* **New SIM (Week 1)**: 10-20 messages/day
* **Warmed SIM (Week 2+)**: 100-250 messages/day
* **Maximum rate**: 1 message per minute sustained
* **Multiple devices**: Scale by adding more SIM cards

See: [Database Reactivations - Volume Guidelines](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/broken-reference)

***

### Will my personal contacts see my business messages?

**No**, when properly configured:

* Messages sent through WhatSnap appear in your phone's native Messages app
* Replies from business contacts sync to GoHighLevel
* Use **`whatsnap-blacklist` tag** to exclude specific contacts from GHL sync
* Personal conversations stay in Messages app, business in GHL

See: [Preventing Personal Messages](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/prevent-personal-messages)

***

### Can I use the same phone for both personal and business SMS?

**Yes**, but we recommend against it for these reasons:

**Challenges:**

* ❌ Mixing personal and business messages gets confusing
* ❌ Harder to track business metrics
* ❌ Risk of accidentally syncing personal conversations to CRM
* ❌ Carrier may flag account for business use on personal plan

**Better approach:**

* ✅ Use dedicated device for WhatSnap SMS
* ✅ Get business-specific SIM plan
* ✅ Keep personal and business completely separate
* ✅ Or use `whatsnap-blacklist` tag religiously

See: [Device Specifications - Purchase Recommendations](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/sms-specifications.md#purchase-recommendations)

***

### What happens if my SIM card gets blocked?

**Common scenario with solutions:**

**Immediate actions:**

1. **Stop sending** messages immediately
2. **Contact carrier** to request unblock
3. **Wait 24-48 hours** before resuming
4. **Reduce volume** significantly when you resume

**Prevention:**

* Follow proper [SIM warm-up process](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/database-reactivations.md#sim-warm-up-process)
* Stay within carrier fair use limits
* Don't send spam-like content
* Use multiple SIMs to distribute volume

See: [Troubleshooting - SIM Card Blocked](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/troubleshooting/README.md#sim-card-blocked)

***

### Can I use WhatSnap SMS internationally?

**Yes, with considerations:**

**Sending internationally:**

* ✅ Ensure your SIM plan includes international SMS
* ✅ May incur higher per-message costs
* ✅ Some carriers restrict international SMS on certain plans
* 💡 **Alternative**: Use WhatsApp for international (no SMS charges)

**Using eSIM from another country:**

* ✅ Can use eSIM over WiFi to send from that country's number
* ⚠️ Must enable RCS for eSIM over WiFi
* ⚠️ Check carrier supports eSIM SMS over WiFi

See: [RCS Settings - eSIM Over WiFi](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/rcs-settings#required-turn-rcs-on)

***

### How is WhatSnap SMS different from Twilio?

**Key differences:**

| Feature            | WhatSnap P2P SMS              | Twilio A2P SMS                     |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| **Cost**           | Fixed ($10-30/month SIM plan) | Per-message ($0.0075-0.01 per SMS) |
| **Number**         | Your personal/business number | Dedicated business number          |
| **Setup**          | Android device required       | Cloud-based, no device             |
| **Volume**         | 100-250/day per SIM           | Unlimited (with scaling costs)     |
| **Deliverability** | Carrier-dependent             | 99.95% SLA                         |
| **Use case**       | Personal touch, DBR, local    | High-volume, transactional         |

**Best approach**: Use both

* WhatSnap for personal, conversational messaging
* Twilio for high-volume, transactional messages

***

### Do I need to keep my Android device on 24/7?

**Yes, for reliable operation:**

**Requirements:**

* ✅ Device powered on and plugged in
* ✅ Internet connection active (WiFi or mobile data)
* ✅ WhatSnap Gateway app running
* ✅ Battery optimization disabled
* ✅ Screen can sleep, but device stays awake

**Power management tips:**

* Use dedicated device (not daily-use phone)
* Keep plugged into charger constantly
* Disable screen timeout (or set to minimum brightness)
* Use power outlet with surge protector
* Consider backup power (UPS) for critical operations

See: [Installation - Device Configuration](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/sms-installation-setup.md#device-configuration-best-practices)

***

### Can I use multiple SIM cards to increase volume?

**Absolutely! This is recommended for scaling:**

**Benefits:**

* 📈 Each SIM adds 100-250 messages/day capacity
* 🔀 Distribute load across multiple carriers
* 🛡️ Redundancy if one SIM gets blocked
* 👥 Assign different numbers to different teams

**Setup:**

* Connect multiple Android devices to WhatSnap
* Each gets unique tag (e.g., `whatsnap-account-android-1`, `android-2`)
* Use workflows to distribute contacts across devices
* Monitor each SIM's performance independently

See: [Multiple SMS Accounts Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/multiple-sms-accounts)

***

### What's the best Android device for WhatSnap SMS?

**Recommended specs:**

* **OS**: Android 9.0 or higher
* **RAM**: 4 GB (minimum 2 GB)
* **Brand**: Google Pixel, Nokia, Motorola (stock or light Android)
* **Avoid**: Very cheap phones (<$50), devices with aggressive battery management

**Top picks:**

* **Budget**: Nokia C31, Realme C21 ($80-100)
* **Mid-range**: Google Pixel 3a/4a refurbished ($100-150)
* **Best value**: Refurbished Google Pixel (stock Android, reliable)

See: [Device Specifications - Recommended Devices](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/sms-specifications.md#recommended-devices)

***

### How do I handle opt-outs and STOP requests?

**Legal requirement - must honor immediately:**

**WhatSnap's auto-DND:**

* ✅ Contact replies "STOP" → Automatically added to DND
* ✅ All future messages blocked
* ✅ Works across all WhatSnap accounts

**Manual setup:**

* Create workflow: Trigger on SMS contains "STOP"
* Action: Add to DND
* Action: Tag "Opted-Out"
* Action: Remove all campaign tags
* Action: Send confirmation: "You've been unsubscribed"

**Compliance:**

* Must honor within 24 hours (recommend: immediately)
* Keep records of opt-outs
* Accept variations: STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT

See: [Database Reactivations - Compliance](https://github.com/WhatSnap/documentation/blob/main/faq/database-reactivations.md#compliance-and-legal-requirements)

***

### Can I use eSIMs with WhatSnap SMS?

**Yes**, eSIMs are fully compatible with WhatSnap SMS.

**Requirements:**

* ✅ eSIM-compatible Android device
* ✅ eSIM from a carrier supporting SMS
* ✅ **Enable RCS** if using eSIM from another country over WiFi
* ✅ WiFi calling enabled

**Great for:**

* International numbers without physical SIM
* Multiple numbers on one device (dual-SIM setup)
* Remote activation

**Not recommended for:**

* High-volume campaigns (physical SIM more reliable)
* Users unfamiliar with WiFi calling setup

See: [eSIM Compatibility Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/esim-compatibility) and [Getting a US eSIM](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/getting-us-esim)

***

### Can I use one phone with multiple SIM cards?

**Yes** for dual-SIM phones, **No** for sharing one SIM across accounts.

**✅ Dual-SIM Phone (Allowed):**

* Install 2 SIM cards in dual-SIM Android device
* Each SIM can go to same or different GHL sub-account
* Double your messaging capacity on one device

**❌ Sharing One SIM Across Multiple Sub-Accounts (Not Allowed):**

* Each SIM must be dedicated to one GHL sub-account
* Technical limitations prevent sharing
* Will cause message routing conflicts

See: [Dual-SIM Usage Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/dual-sim-usage)

***

### Can I do cold SMS outreach with WhatSnap?

**Technically yes, but with strict requirements:**

**Legal Requirements:**

* ✅ Must obtain **proper consent** (TCPA, GDPR, CASL compliance)
* ✅ Honor **opt-outs immediately**
* ✅ Provide **clear business identification**
* ✅ Follow **local SMS regulations**

**Carrier Risk:**

* ⚠️ Higher risk of carrier blocks
* ⚠️ Requires careful warm-up (2-3 weeks)
* ⚠️ Must use high-quality, personalized messages
* ⚠️ Use WhatSnap's Outreach module with drip mode

**Recommendation:**

* ✅ Use WhatSnap for **warm leads with prior opt-in**
* ✅ Use **Twilio A2P** for truly cold outreach
* ✅ Focus on **database reactivation** (old leads who opted in)

See: [Cold SMS Outreach Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/cold-sms-outreach)

***

### Do I need A2P registration for WhatSnap SMS?

**No**, A2P (Application-to-Person) registration is **not required** for WhatSnap P2P SMS.

**Why:**

* WhatSnap uses **your personal/business SIM card** (P2P messaging)
* Not using cloud SMS platforms (Twilio, Bandwidth)
* Treated as personal messaging by carriers

**Benefits of No A2P:**

* ✅ **Instant setup** (15-20 minutes vs. 2-6 weeks)
* ✅ **No regulatory bundles**
* ✅ **No carrier approval process**
* ✅ **No waiting for brand registration**

**Still Required:**

* Standard SIM card registration with carrier (ID, address)
* Compliance with TCPA/GDPR/local laws
* Carrier fair use policies

See: [A2P Requirements Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/a2p-requirements)

***

### Is WhatSnap SMS really unlimited?

**Yes and no** - it depends on what you mean by "unlimited":

**✅ Unlimited from WhatSnap:**

* No per-message fees
* No WhatSnap-imposed caps
* Flat monthly pricing

**⚠️ Limited by external factors:**

* Carrier fair use policies (typically 100-250 msgs/day per SIM)
* Country regulations
* Android phone technical limits (30 msgs/30 min triggers warning)

**Scaling:**

* Add more SIMs to increase capacity
* 1 SIM = 100-250 msgs/day
* 5 SIMs = 500-1,250 msgs/day

**Cost Comparison:**

* WhatSnap: $30/month for 3,000-7,500 msgs (fixed)
* Twilio: $24-60/month for same volume (variable)

See: [Unlimited SMS Explained](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/unlimited-sms)

***

### Why should I use WhatSnap instead of Twilio?

**WhatSnap is better when you need:**

**✅ Speed:**

* Setup in 15-20 minutes (vs. 2-6 weeks for Twilio A2P)

**✅ Predictable Costs:**

* Fixed $10-30/month per SIM
* No bill shock

**✅ Personal Touch:**

* Your real phone number (not pool number)
* Higher engagement rates

**✅ No A2P Hassle:**

* No registration, approvals, or regulatory bundles

**Twilio is better when you need:**

* Ultra-high volume (2,000+ msgs/day)
* 99.95% uptime SLA
* Transactional/automated messages
* No device management

**Best Approach:** Hybrid

* WhatSnap for personal, conversational messaging
* Twilio for high-volume transactional

See: [WhatSnap vs Twilio Comparison](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/whatsnap-vs-twilio)

***

## Still Have Questions?

### Search the Documentation

Use the search feature to find specific topics:

* [Main SMS Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms)
* [Installation Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-installation-setup)
* [Troubleshooting](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting)
* [Database Reactivations](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/broken-reference)

### Contact Support

**Email**: <support@whatsnap.ai>

**Before contacting:**

* Check this FAQ
* Review relevant documentation
* Try basic troubleshooting steps
* Gather error messages and screenshots

***

## Related Resources

### Main Documentation

* [SMS Main Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms) - Complete SMS overview
* [Installation Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-installation-setup) - Setup instructions
* [Device Specifications](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications) - Hardware and carrier recommendations
* [Troubleshooting](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting) - Fix common issues
* [Database Reactivations](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/broken-reference) - Campaign strategies
* [Multiple SMS Accounts](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/multiple-sms-accounts) - Scaling with multiple devices

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Getting Started:**

* [Setup Speed](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/setup-speed) - How fast is WhatSnap setup?
* [International SMS](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/international-sms) - Works in your country?
* [GoHighLevel Features](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/ghl-features-compatibility) - What works with GHL?
* [Reliability](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/reliability) - How reliable is WhatSnap?

**Campaign & Strategy:**

* [SMS Campaign Benefits](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/sms-campaign-benefits) - Why use WhatSnap?
* [WhatSnap vs Twilio](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/whatsnap-vs-twilio) - Comparison guide
* [Cold SMS Outreach](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/cold-sms-outreach) - Legal requirements

**Device & SIM Management:**

* [Using Existing Number](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/using-existing-number) - Should you?
* [Reusing SIM Cards](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/reusing-sim-cards) - Can you reuse across accounts?
* [SIM Blocking & Recovery](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/sim-blocking-recovery) - What if blocked?
* [Failed Message Notifications](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/failed-message-notifications) - Email alerts

**Technical & Features:**

* [Lead Connector App](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/lead-connector-app) - Mobile app usage
* [Personal Messages Privacy](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/prevent-personal-messages) - Keep CRM clean
* [Number Porting](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/porting-numbers) - Port from Twilio/LC
* [RCS Settings](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/rcs-settings) - Enable or disable?
* [eSIM Compatibility](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/esim-compatibility) - Using eSIMs
* [Getting a US eSIM](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/getting-us-esim) - From outside US
* [Dual-SIM Usage](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/dual-sim-usage) - Multiple SIMs

**Compliance & Limits:**

* [A2P Requirements](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/a2p-requirements) - Registration needed?
* [Unlimited SMS](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/unlimited-sms) - Volume limits explained

**For Agencies:**

* [Reselling WhatSnap](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/reselling-whatsnap) - Pricing strategies

***

**Can't find your answer?** Contact us at <support@whatsnap.ai> and we'll help you out!
