Getting started with SMS

Your first SMS. A clear path to production.

Create an API key, prepare a sender and enable the destination. Test a message and follow its delivery events, then connect the same workflow to your application.

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Prepare a test you can learn from.

Prepare the sender and destination, then test the complete delivery path.

  1. 01

    Sign up for Bird.

    Create your account and an API key. Keep the key on your server and configure the workspace your application will use.

  2. 02

    Prepare the sender and destination.

    Choose a sender your workspace can use and complete its registration requirements. Enable the destination country before sending. Holding a number and permission to send from it are separate checks. Read the sender guide →

  3. 03

    Test the send and its outcome.

    Use the supported sandbox recipient to test the lifecycle; it still requires the appropriate US sender and destination setup. A send to your own phone is a real SMS. Verify signed events and handle failures before sending to customers. Sending and testing guide →

Put it into practice.

Continue with the documentation, guides and examples for this topic. Resources are in English.

Watch the guideSending your first SMSUnderstand the conceptWhat does SMS mean?Follow the learning pathBuild your first integration
Try the practice and get an implementation brief

Questions before your first send

How do I test my SMS integration?
Follow the sending guide with a regional API key, an enabled US destination and a suitable US sender. Send to the documented sandbox recipient +15005550006 to exercise delivery events without contacting a real recipient. A message to your own phone is a real send.
What does Bird SMS include?
Send messages, receive replies, manage senders and destinations, and inspect delivery outcomes. The product hub connects number types, registration, campaigns, analytics and the corresponding setup guides.
Which countries can I send to?
Use the destination catalogue to check current coverage, sender types and registration requirements. Enable the destination in your workspace before sending; coverage alone does not complete your sender setup.
When do I need 10DLC registration?
US application-to-person messaging from local ten-digit numbers uses 10DLC brand and campaign registration. Toll-free and short-code programs have their own requirements. Choose the sender type first and follow its registration guide.

Choose your next step

Explore the SMS platformExplore sending, replies, campaigns and delivery controls.Prepare an audience campaignConnect the audience, content, sender and launch review.Find a guide or answerContinue with setup, troubleshooting and SMS concepts.

Build the next part of your SMS workflow.

Set up your sender and destination, test the send and use delivery events to check the integration before messaging customers.

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Start with one channel.
Add the others when you're ready.

A test API key is yours immediately. Production unlocks when you add a payment method and verify a sender.

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Using Claude Code, Cursor, or Codex? Copy a setup prompt and your agent installs the Bird CLI and skills for you. Pick yours:

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