SMS & Messaging

Fix "From Number Not SMS Capable" Error

Resolve SMS sending errors when your phone number lacks texting capabilities and restore messaging functionality.
What You'll Learn

This article explains why you might encounter the "from number is not SMS capable" error when sending text messages and provides step-by-step troubleshooting to resolve the issue.

You'll learn how to identify non-SMS-capable numbers, enable SMS capabilities, and update workflows to use proper messaging numbers.

1

Understanding the Error

The "from number is not SMS capable" error appears when LeadConnector attempts to send a text message from a phone number that doesn't have SMS functionality enabled. This prevents the message from being delivered to your contacts.

Not all phone numbers can send text messages by default. Voice-only numbers, certain toll-free numbers, and numbers in specific configurations lack the technical capability to transmit SMS messages. When these numbers are used as the "from" number in messaging workflows or campaigns, the system generates this error to prevent failed delivery attempts.

Understanding which numbers support SMS is essential for maintaining reliable communication with your contacts and ensuring your automated workflows function correctly.

2

Common Causes

Several scenarios can trigger this error. Recognizing these common causes helps you identify and resolve the issue quickly.

Voice-Only Numbers — The number was purchased or configured for voice calls only and doesn't include SMS capabilities.
Toll-Free Restrictions — Some toll-free numbers require additional verification or configuration before they can send SMS messages.
Recently Ported Numbers — Numbers transferred from another provider may need SMS capabilities re-enabled after porting completes.
Workflow Configuration Errors — Workflows or campaigns accidentally configured to use a non-SMS number as the sender.
Number Status Changes — Previously active SMS numbers that have been deactivated or had capabilities removed due to compliance issues.
3

How to Check if a Number is SMS Capable

Before troubleshooting, verify whether your number has SMS capabilities enabled. LeadConnector provides tools to check number status and capabilities.

Step 1
Navigate to Phone Numbers

From your dashboard, go to Settings → Phone Numbers to view all numbers associated with your account.

Step 2
Review Number Capabilities

Locate the number generating the error and check the Capabilities column. SMS-capable numbers display "SMS" or "Voice + SMS" as available features.

Step 3
Identify Voice-Only Numbers

Numbers showing only "Voice" in the capabilities column cannot send text messages and will trigger this error when used in SMS workflows.

Note

If your number list doesn't display capability information, click on individual numbers to view detailed settings and features.

4

How to Fix the Error

Once you've identified a non-SMS-capable number causing the error, choose one of the following solutions based on your needs.

Solution 1: Enable SMS Capabilities

If you want to continue using the same number for text messaging, add SMS capabilities to the existing number.

Step 1
Access Number Settings

Navigate to Settings → Phone Numbers and click on the voice-only number you want to enable for SMS.

Step 2
Enable SMS Feature

Look for an option to Add SMS Capability or Enable Messaging. Click this option to upgrade the number to support text messages.

Step 3
Complete Verification (if Required)

Some number types, especially toll-free numbers, may require additional verification before SMS can be activated. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete any required steps.

Step 4
Verify Activation

After enabling SMS, verify that the number now shows "SMS" or "Voice + SMS" in the capabilities list. This confirms the number can send text messages.

Solution 2: Use an SMS-Capable Number

If enabling SMS on your current number isn't possible or practical, switch to a different number that already has SMS capabilities.

Step 1
Identify Available SMS Numbers

Review your phone numbers list and note which numbers show SMS capabilities. These numbers can be used as sender numbers for text messages.

Step 2
Purchase a New SMS Number (Optional)

If you don't have any SMS-capable numbers, purchase a new number with SMS capabilities by navigating to Settings → Phone Numbers → Buy Number and ensuring "SMS" is selected in the capabilities filter.

Step 3
Update Your Default SMS Number

Set an SMS-capable number as your default for text messaging. Go to Settings → Phone Numbers, select an SMS-capable number, and click Set as Default for SMS.

Success Tip

Setting a default SMS number ensures that new workflows and campaigns automatically use an SMS-capable number, preventing this error in future automations.

5

Updating Workflows and Automations

After fixing number capabilities, update existing workflows and automations to use the correct SMS-capable number. This prevents future errors and ensures message delivery.

Step 1
Locate Affected Workflows

Navigate to Automation → Workflows and identify workflows that send SMS messages. Check the error logs or workflow history to find which automations triggered the "not SMS capable" error.

Step 2
Edit SMS Actions

Open each affected workflow and locate the Send SMS action. Click to edit the action settings.

Step 3
Update From Number

In the SMS action settings, find the From Number field. Select an SMS-capable number from the dropdown menu or choose Use Default SMS Number if you've set a default.

Step 4
Save and Test

Save the workflow changes and run a test to confirm messages send successfully. Check that no errors appear in the workflow execution log.

Step 5
Review Campaigns and Triggers

Check any SMS campaigns, bulk messaging tools, and trigger-based automations that may also use the non-SMS-capable number. Update these to use the correct sender number following the same process.

Pro Tip

Create a checklist of all workflows and campaigns using SMS to systematically verify and update sender numbers. This ensures nothing is missed and prevents errors from recurring.

Need Help?

If you continue experiencing this error after following these troubleshooting steps, our support team is ready to assist.

  • Click the Help icon in your LeadConnector dashboard
  • Select Contact Support and provide your account details
  • Include the phone number generating the error and screenshots of the error message
  • List which workflows or campaigns are affected
6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I convert a voice-only number to SMS without losing the number?
Yes. Most voice-only numbers can have SMS capabilities added while keeping the same phone number. Follow the steps in Solution 1 above to enable SMS on your existing number. The number remains the same — only its capabilities change.
Q: Why doesn't my toll-free number show SMS capabilities?
Toll-free numbers require additional verification and registration before they can send SMS messages. This is due to carrier regulations designed to prevent spam. You'll need to complete a verification process that includes providing business information and intended use cases for messaging. Contact support to initiate toll-free SMS verification.
Q: Will my contacts receive messages if I change the sender number?
Yes. Contacts will receive messages from the new SMS-capable number. However, they'll see a different phone number as the sender. Consider sending an initial message informing contacts that you're now messaging from a new number to maintain continuity in your communications.
Q: How long does it take to enable SMS on a voice-only number?
For standard local numbers, SMS activation is usually immediate or takes just a few minutes. Toll-free numbers may take 2-5 business days due to required carrier verification. You'll receive a notification when SMS capabilities are fully activated.
Q: Can I use different numbers for different workflows?
Absolutely. You can assign specific SMS-capable numbers to different workflows and campaigns. This is useful for tracking responses, organizing conversations by department, or maintaining separate numbers for different business functions. Just ensure each assigned number has SMS capabilities enabled.
Q: What happens to messages that failed with this error?
Messages that failed due to this error are not automatically resent after you fix the number issue. You'll need to manually resend important messages or re-trigger the workflow for affected contacts. Check your workflow logs to identify contacts who didn't receive messages, then send follow-up communications once the correct number is configured.
Q: Do I need separate numbers for SMS and voice calls?
No. A single number can have both voice and SMS capabilities, allowing you to make calls and send texts from the same number. This provides a unified contact point for your business. When purchasing or configuring numbers, look for "Voice + SMS" in the capabilities options.
Q: How can I prevent this error in the future?
Set a default SMS number that you know has SMS capabilities enabled. This ensures all new workflows automatically use an SMS-capable number. Also, create a standard operating procedure to verify number capabilities before adding new numbers to workflows or campaigns. Regular audits of your phone numbers and their assigned uses help catch configuration issues before they cause errors.