How to set up SMS in Klaviyo

Learn how to enable SMS in Klaviyo. These steps apply if you have already set up email in your Klaviyo account. If you are going through the setup wizard for both email and SMS, the steps may be different. 

You must turn on SMS and have a sending number before you can do any of the following:

• Import or collect SMS subscribers
• Send SMS or MMS messages

Note that not all industries are eligible for SMS. 

Before you begin

Number types

Depending on the country you’re sending to, you may have access to one or more different types of sending numbers. 

Separating by country is also key if you want to know where to use your SMS credits. Since credits vary by country, targeting based on location helps you track how much you spent, who engaged, and your ROI on a per-message basis. This way, you'll know where and with who to send SMS messages to.

The table below lists all of the countries where these numbers will send to. 

Klaviyo will provide you with a toll-free number and branded sender ID; you simply have to complete the SMS wizard to get these numbers. If you want to use another number, finish this setup process first so you can start collecting consent and then request the other number.

Turn on SMS

If you didn't set up SMS during the Klaviyo setup wizard, you can turn it on in the SMS settings page.

1. Click on the name of your account in the lower left-hand corner.
2. Navigate to Settings > SMS.
3. Click Set up SMS for free. 
   If you don't see this button, click Add country and choose the countries where you want to start sending. 
4. In the modal that pop ups, select the countries where you want to use SMS (check all that apply).
   
5. Click Next.
6. Fill out your company information. 
   
7. Review or pick your sending numbers. For a full comparison of the numbers, please see our article on SMS sending numbers, but key highlights include:  
   • Sometimes, the same sending number is used for multiple countries, unless you have another number that takes precedence.
     • The same toll-free number is used in the US and Canada, except if you have a short code for one or both countries. 
     • The same branded sender IDs is used for every country where it's available, except if you have a long or short code in a specific country. 
     • Short codes and long codes are always tied to a specific country.  
   • Some countries only offer 1 type of sending number: 
     • For Belgium, the only option is to request a long code.
     • For New Zealand: the only option is to apply for a short code.
8. Click Next. 
9. Certain countries require that a sending number is either verified or registered before it can be used. This includes:
   • All short codes (regardless of country).
   • Toll-free numbers in the US or Canada.
     • Note that there's no action needed to start the verification process for toll-free numbers. 
   • Branded sender IDs in Australia and Ireland.
     • Note that Ireland requires that you register via their national registry, ComReg.
   • Long codes in Australia, Belgium, and Ireland. 
10. Choose one of the following next steps:
    • Create a sign-up form (best for those who are new to SMS).
    • Upload a list of previous SMS subscribers (best for those switching from another SMS provider).

Note that if you're using UTM tracking in Klaviyo already, we also recommend navigating to Settings > Other > UTM tracking and adjusting the UTM medium to be Message type. Otherwise, SMS message may not be tracked properly. 

Outcome 

You'll now be able to start collecting SMS subscribers and sending them text messages. Before you do so, though, learn best practices for SMS compliance on the Academy. 

Additional resources

• Want more details on how to get set up and running with SMS?
  • Blog post: SMS marketing strategies for all levels [+12 Pro tips]
  • Guide: Your strategic guide to Klaviyo SMS success
• Or take the next step and set up your key compliance information: 
  • Create your terms of service
  • Set up your disclosure language.