> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.open.cx/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect SMS

> Go live with AI SMS — verify a phone number, enable the SMS channel, handle 10DLC registration for US numbers, and confirm your first AI reply over text.

Run AI-powered SMS on a verified number. You configure it entirely from your [OpenCX dashboard](https://platform.open.cx).

## Prerequisites

* A **verified phone number** under **[Settings → Phone Numbers](https://platform.open.cx/settings/phone-numbers)**. The number must be verified before it can be used. The same number can handle voice and SMS. Turning on SMS does not change how voice calls route.

<Warning>
  US local numbers (non-toll-free +1) require **10DLC registration** before outbound texts can be delivered. Unregistered numbers are **blocked by carriers**. Have your **EIN** (or Canadian Business Number), **legal business name**, **business address**, and **contact email** ready. See [US Number Compliance](/sms/compliance) for full requirements.
</Warning>

## What You Will Configure

1. **Verified number** — purchase or import a number with SMS capability and verify it under **Settings → Phone Numbers**.
2. **SMS channel** — select that number and enable SMS under **Channels → SMS**.
3. **Test** — text the number from a real phone and confirm the AI replies.

## Go Live

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify A Number">
    Go to **[Settings → Phone Numbers](https://platform.open.cx/settings/phone-numbers)**. Purchase a new number or verify an existing one. The number must reach **Verified** status before it can be used for SMS.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable The SMS Channel">
    Go to **[Channels → SMS](https://platform.open.cx/channels/sms)**. Select the verified number from the dropdown, toggle **Enable SMS Channel** on, and click **Save Settings**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send A Test Text">
    Text your number from a real phone. The message should appear in the dashboard inbox. If <Tooltip tip="Controls which conversations the AI auto-replies to. Configure per channel under Settings." cta="Autopilot settings" href="https://platform.open.cx/settings/autopilot">**Autopilot**</Tooltip> is enabled for the SMS channel, the AI will reply as plain text.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  No AI reply? Check that **[Autopilot](https://platform.open.cx/settings/autopilot)** is enabled for SMS under your org's autopilot settings. If the number is a US local number, confirm 10DLC registration is complete.
</Info>

## Timing And Limits

Includes delivery speed, AI processing time, and <Tooltip tip="Conversations with no new messages auto-close after a configurable inactivity window.">session auto-resolution</Tooltip>.

| Item                    | Detail                                                                  |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Inbound delivery        | Incoming texts are delivered **near-instant** from the carrier.         |
| AI reply                | Typically **seconds** after inbound, depending on complexity.           |
| Session auto-resolution | Inactive SMS sessions close after approximately **3 hours** by default. |

<Note>
  Carriers may delay or filter messages—especially for unregistered US 10DLC numbers. The dashboard shows a warning when a US local number is selected without registration.
</Note>

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/sms/troubleshooting">
    Missing replies, delivery failures, and common fixes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SMS Flow" icon="route" href="/sms/message-routing">
    Session matching, delivery path, and outbound format.
  </Card>

  <Card title="US Number Compliance" icon="flag" href="/sms/compliance">
    10DLC and toll-free registration for US numbers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Human Handoff" icon="user-group" href="/handoff/introduction">
    AI to human escalation — applies to SMS sessions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>