SMS Templates for Developers

Adapt SMS copy to your application

Browse sample SMS wording for verification codes, account activity and other transactional updates. Search for a suitable starting point, then replace placeholders with values generated by your application.

Keep the message focused on one action, explain time-sensitive details such as code expiry when relevant, and test the final text with your SMS provider before using it.

When an SMS template is useful

SMS is best for a concise update that benefits from arriving promptly: a one-time verification code, a sign-in alert, an order or delivery status, an appointment reminder, or a payment notification. Keep one clear purpose per message. For an OTP, state what the code is for and how long it remains valid; never ask a recipient to send the code back or include a password in the message.

Check placeholders and message length

Replace tokens such as {otp}, {minutes}, {order_id}, and {tracking_url} with values from your application. Preview the longest likely value too: a long name, URL, or order reference can make a message much longer than the sample. Character encoding affects how providers split and bill longer messages, so confirm the final segment count in your SMS provider before launch.

Consent, links, and delivery behavior

Use SMS only where the recipient has an appropriate reason and permission to receive it. Promotional messages may require opt-out wording and additional consent controls; exact requirements depend on the countries and carrier rules involved, so check your provider’s guidance and applicable rules. Use a domain recipients can recognize, avoid exposing sensitive information in lock-screen previews, and test delivery on real devices. A message marked sent by an API is not proof that the person read it.