> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.novu.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sms step

# SMS Step

SMS step for urgent alerts, verification codes, time-sensitive messages.

## Guidelines

* `body` must be **under 160 characters** to avoid message splitting.
* Direct and actionable — essential info only.
* Avoid special characters and unnecessary URLs.

## Variables

Use Liquid syntax in `body`:

* `{{ subscriber.firstName }}`
* `{{ payload.* }}`
* `{{ steps.<http-step-id>.<property> }}` — only when the upstream HTTP step declares the property in its `responseBodySchema`

## See Also

* [`step-conditions.md`](./step-conditions.md) — common pattern: SMS only when `critical: true` or other channels failed
* [`design-workflow/references/channel-selection.md`](../../design-workflow/references/channel-selection.md) — SMS is a last resort: OTP, regulatory, true emergencies