Adding SMS Channel

Learn how to add the SMS channel to your application

Enable SMS channel in Novu Dashboard

The SMS channel is not enabled by default. To use it, configure a provider like Twilio, Nexmo, or others, and ensure compliance with country-specific restrictions for sender IDs (from).

  1. Go to the Novu Dashboard and click "Integrations" on the left sidebar
  2. Click "Add a provider"
  3. Locate the SMS channel and select the provider you want to use and click "Next"
  4. Select for which environment you want to add the Provider
  5. (Optional) Add Conditions to activate the provider only under certain conditions, useful for tenant-based providers
  6. Click "Create"
  7. Add your SMS provider credentials:
    • From: Displayed as the sender of the SMS (ensure compliance with local regulations)
    • Provider-specific credentials such as API key / Auth token, Account SID, username, or password
  8. Save the configuration by clicking "Update"
Setup workflow with SMS channel in Novu Dashboard
  1. Go to the Novu Dashboard and click "Workflows" on the left sidebar.
  2. Click the "Add a Workflow" button.
  3. Add a step and select "SMS" as the channel.
  4. Configure the SMS content:
    • Message body (e.g., {{userName}}, your order {{orderId}} has shipped.).
    • Dynamic placeholders for personalized content.
  5. Optionally, set fallback channels to ensure reliable delivery if SMS fails.
Add a workflow trigger to your backend

Novu's server-side SDKs make integrating Novu's REST APIs straightforward, letting you focus on implementing workflows without dealing with repetitive code.

Server-side SDKs

Test and verify SMS channel

Ensure your SMS configuration is working correctly by testing the setup.

  1. Go to the Novu Dashboard, navigate to the "Workflows" section, and locate your configured workflow.
  2. Click "Test Workflow" and provide sample data, such as a phone number or dynamic variables.
  3. Verify delivery in the Novu Logs or your SMS provider's dashboard.

Some countries have strict restriction of using verified from sender id (name). Kindly check country and provider specific requirements first.