How To Use The SMS Feature

Overview

The SMS feature enables texting photos through three distinct methods, each with different cost and reliability considerations.

Three SMS Methods

Cloud Method

This approach uses your Cloud account credits for sending texts. The setup process involves:

1. Accessing your Cloud account's Events tab and selecting the desired event
2. Enabling Gallery Access in the Gallery tab
3. Activating SMS in the SMS tab

You can choose from pre-built message templates or create custom messages. The interface displays text delivery status and allows CSV export of records.

Twilio Method

This paid service works in both Cloud and FMBooth Software environments.

In Cloud:

• Purchase a virtual number from Twilio
• Enable SMS in your event's SMS tab
• Enter Twilio credentials in user Settings under "SMS Method"

In FMBooth Software:

• Configure Twilio settings with your Account SID and Authentication token
• Add an SMS Feature State after "Save Final Photo" in your workflow
• Required fields include country prefix, phone number, and PHP server URLs

Email via Carrier Method

This free alternative sends MMS through carrier email gateways. Important limitations include:

• Approximately 3% undelivered messages due to carrier selection errors
• Potential delays ranging from minutes to 48 hours
• 2% undelivered messages from file size restrictions across different carriers

Setup requires selecting "Email via Carrier" in SMS settings and adding the SMS Feature State to your workflow.

Configuration Settings

Key options include:

• Vertical Position: Display placement (top, middle, bottom)
• Number Validation: Prevents incorrect phone number entries
• Media Types: Choose what content to send (photos, GIFs, videos)
• Auto-Delete: Remove final photos after sending
• Multiple Recipients: Enable sending to multiple numbers
• Privacy Controls: Disclaimer and privacy checkboxes

Sending to Multiple Numbers

When "Enable Sending Multiple SMS" is activated, users can:

1. Enter a phone number
2. Select "Add Number" to send and queue the next message
3. Repeat for additional recipients

Twilio Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

• Verify Twilio service status at status.twilio.com
• Confirm SMS Feature State placement (after Save Final Photo)
• Ensure stable internet connection; pending messages send when reconnected
• Keep file sizes under 5MB
• Use "+prefix" format for phone numbers (e.g., +15551234567)
• Verify PHP server URL configuration
• Test with new event folder if issues persist

Note for US numbers: The prefix can sometimes be omitted if problems occur.

Email via Carrier Troubleshooting

• Test different carriers as reception limits vary
• Verify carrier service functionality by sending test emails directly
• Use format: [phonenumber]@[carrier_domain] (example: 2033499983@vzwpix.com)
• Allow 48 hours for retry attempts if initial delivery fails