Sender ID types#

A Sender ID is the name or phone number displayed as the sender of an SMS message. The Sender ID type determines what recipients see, whether they can reply, and which requirements apply in the destination country.

The appearance of a Sender ID may vary by device and messaging application. The following examples show how each Sender ID type may appear to recipients.

Alphanumeric

Long-code

Toll-Free

Carrier

Sender ID type comparison#

Type	Sender ID format	Common uses	Main requirements
Alphanumeric	A brand name containing letters and numbers, such as `MyBrand`.	Branded one-way notifications Alerts Authentication messages	Sender ID that matches the brand in the business identity Business identity and address Business and messaging information required by the destination countries
Long-code	A full-length phone number, such as `12025550123`.	Two-way customer communication Business notifications sent from a consistent phone number US A2P messaging using 10DLC registration	Eligible active DID number with A2P SMS support Business identity and address Business and messaging information
Toll-Free	A US Toll-Free DID number, such as `18005550123`.	Customer care Service notifications Business messaging using a Toll-Free number	Eligible active US Toll-Free DID number with A2P SMS support Business identity and address Business and messaging information
Carrier	A dynamic Sender ID selected by the destination carrier according to local network requirements.	One-way notifications Alerts Authentication messages Messaging to supported Latin American countries	Business identity and address Business and messaging information