5-minute setup

TextBee SMS Gateway Quickstart

Transform your Android phone into a powerful SMS gateway in just 5 minutes. Send and receive text messages programmatically through your applications with TextBee.

Our platform enables businesses and developers to implement SMS functionality without expensive telecom infrastructure. Perfect for notifications, authentication, alerts, and customer engagement.

The Simplest Way to Add SMS to Your Applications

TextBee turns any Android phone into a reliable SMS gateway, allowing you to send and receive text messages programmatically. Whether you're building a notification system, implementing two-factor authentication, or creating marketing campaigns, TextBee provides a cost-effective solution without the need for complex telecom integrations.

Follow this step-by-step guide to set up TextBee and start sending your first SMS messages in minutes. Our straightforward process requires minimal technical knowledge and works with any application or service that can make HTTP requests.

1

Account Setup

Begin by creating your TextBee account and installing the Android app. This setup process takes less than 2 minutes and only requires basic permissions to send and receive SMS messages.

1

Create account

Register at textbee.dev with your email and password

2

Install app

Download from dl.textbee.dev or Google Play Store

3

Grant permissions

Allow SMS access in the app to enable message sending and receiving

2

Connect Your Device

Link your Android phone to your TextBee account to establish the SMS gateway connection. This secure connection allows your applications to send messages through your phone.

QR Code Method

Recommended
  1. Go to TextBee Dashboard
  2. Click "Register Device"
  3. Scan QR with app

Manual Method

  1. Generate API key from dashboard
  2. Open TextBee app
  3. Enter the API key
3

Send Your First SMS

Start sending SMS messages through TextBee using either our intuitive dashboard or direct API integration. Both methods provide reliable message delivery with delivery status tracking.

Dashboard Method

  1. Go to "Send SMS" section
  2. Enter recipient(s)
  3. Type your message
  4. Click "Send"

API Method

fetch("https://api.textbee.dev/api/v1/gateway/devices/{ID}/send-sms", {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
    'x-api-key': API_KEY,
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    recipients: ['+1234567890'],
    message: 'Hello!'
  })
})

With TextBee, your messages are sent directly through your Android device, using your existing mobile plan. This keeps costs low while maintaining high deliverability rates across all carriers.

4

Receive SMS Messages

Enable two-way communication by configuring TextBee to forward incoming SMS messages to your application. This is essential for interactive workflows, verification codes, and customer engagement.

Enable in App

  1. Open the TextBee App
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Toggle "Receive SMS" on

Retrieve via API

fetch("https://api.textbee.dev/api/v1/gateway/devices/{ID}/get-received-sms", {
  headers: { 'x-api-key': API_KEY }
})

Received messages are securely forwarded to TextBee's servers and can be accessed via the dashboard, API, or automatically sent to your webhook endpoints for real-time processing.

5

Advanced Features

Once you've mastered the basics, explore TextBee's advanced capabilities to enhance your SMS integration. These features help scale your messaging operations and automate complex workflows.

Bulk SMS

Send to multiple recipients with a single API call for efficient message broadcasting

Webhooks

Configure event-driven notifications for real-time updates on message status

Multiple Devices

Connect several phones to increase throughput and add redundancy

Self-hosting

Deploy TextBee on your own infrastructure for complete control

Ready to explore more?
Use Cases

TextBee Pro

Upgrade to TextBee Pro for enhanced features and priority support.

Unlimited devices and higher sending limits
Advanced analytics and delivery reporting
Message scheduling and template management
Priority support with faster response times
Custom webhooks for advanced integrations
White-labeled SMS for business applications
$29/month

Cancel anytime. No long-term contracts.

Upgrade to Pro

Why Choose TextBee SMS Gateway?

Cost-Effective SMS Solution

TextBee eliminates the need for expensive SMS API services or telecom contracts. By using your existing phone and mobile plan, you can send SMS messages at standard rates without additional per-message fees from third-party providers.

Easy Integration

Our RESTful API makes integration simple for developers using any programming language. TextBee works seamlessly with web applications, mobile apps, and backend services through standard HTTP requests.

Perfect For

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) - Secure user accounts with SMS verification codes
  • Appointment reminders - Reduce no-shows with automated SMS notifications
  • Order updates - Keep customers informed about their purchases
  • Marketing campaigns - Engage customers with promotional messages
  • Alerts and notifications - Send time-sensitive information instantly

Need help?

Our support team is ready to assist you