What is the originator?
An originator is the name or number from which the message is sent.
When you receive a text message, your phone always tells you something about where the SMS comes from, either it says:
- The name of a company or product
- A number from which it has been sent
- If you saved the number in your phone contacts, your phone replaces the number with the contact name.
Originator restrictions
Number of characters
The number of characters that you can use as the originator depends on whether it’s a name or a number. This limit its inherent to SMS format—so, unfortunately, we can’t change this.
- If you use a company or brand name as the originator, the amount of characters needs to be between 3 and 11.
- If you use a MessageBird number as the originator, it can be up to 17 digits long.
Using a Number
If you'd like to use a number as the originator, you can use a MessageBird Number, or a non-MessageBird number that you already own. When using a non-MessageBird number, bear in mind that we will not be able to receive replies sent to this number. These are sent to the device where the number is active, such as your mobile phone.
If you are looking to use a MessageBird Number, please check this guide on how to set one up for your account: Buy a Virtual Mobile Number (VMN)
Using your own company name
Generally, an originator should reflect the brand that is sending the SMS. It is strictly not allowed to send SMS on behalf of other companies without their consent. This is called phishing and if detected, your account can be suspended.
Please note that it is not allowed to use 'MessageBird' as an originator. Any messages sent with this originator will be blocked.
Local restrictions
Some countries have local restrictions for sending with a certain type or originator. You SMS may be blocked, or you may need to register your originator. Please check here to see what kind of restrictions may be applicable for you: Country Restrictions and Regulations
Change the originating name or number of your SMS
To change the originating name or number of your SMS you need to change your originator. There are three ways to do it.
Dashboard
If you are sending directly from within the Dashboard interface, when you are sending your message you will have the option to fill in a Sender ID in the originator box; you can fill in a number, a name, or use a shared or dedicated virtual number (if you have a subscription in your account). You can also define a Default Originator which will be entered as a default name or number whenever you send from within your Dashboard.
API
If you are sending via API, you just need to change the originator parameter in your API call.
Email to SMS
If you are sending via Email to SMS, it depends on your configuration whether you need to change the subject line in your emails or the saved originator as described here.