SMS Campaign Delivery Problems

SMS delivery can be affected by carrier filtering, opt-outs, and phone number issues. This guide helps you diagnose and fix delivery problems.

Review delivery analytics to identify failure patterns

Common Delivery Issues

Nothing sending at all?

Text banking is built but not yet generally available, and we're turning it on for campaigns in stages. Once it's on for your campaign, texting activates after 10DLC carrier registration, which typically takes 1–2 business days. SMS sending also doesn't start until your paid plan begins; it's paused during the trial.

1. Carrier Filtering

Problem: Messages blocked by phone carriers

Solutions:

• Avoid URL shorteners (use full URLs)

• Don't send identical messages to many recipients

• Include your campaign name in messages

• Ensure proper opt-in procedures

2. Invalid Phone Numbers

Problem: Messages fail to invalid numbers

Solutions:

• Check failed delivery reports for invalid numbers

• Remove landlines from SMS lists (they can't receive texts)

• Verify phone number formats (10 digits for US)

3. Opted-Out Recipients

Problem: Users who texted STOP

Solution:

• This is expected - users can opt out anytime

• View opt-out list in Text Bank settings

• These contacts are automatically excluded

Manage opted-out contacts in Text Bank settings

4. Sending Rate Limits

Problem: Large campaigns sent slowly

Solution:

• SMS is sent at regulated rates to comply with carrier rules

• Campaigns to 10,000+ recipients may take several hours

• This is normal and protects deliverability

Checking Delivery Status

View Campaign Analytics

Go to Text Bank → click on your campaign.

Check Delivery Stats

View sent, delivered, and failed counts.

Review Failed Messages

Click on failed messages to see error reasons.

Improving Delivery Rates

• Personalize messages - Include recipient name when possible

• Avoid spam triggers - ALL CAPS, excessive punctuation!!!

• Include identification - "This is [Campaign Name]..."

• Provide opt-out - Include "Reply STOP to opt out"

• Send at good times - Avoid very early or late hours

Important

Never send SMS to people who haven't opted in. This violates TCPA regulations and can result in fines.

• How to Create an SMS Campaign

• Understanding SMS Compliance

• Managing Text Lists