How do I receive, log, and manage incoming SMS in MyOperator, and what are the limitations?
Quick answer
- An inbound SMS sent to your GSM SIM-based Virtual Mobile Number (VMN) is indexed in Logs → SMS within 60 seconds (≤ 1 minute) 99% of the time.
- Toll-Free numbers in MyOperator are voice-only. If you need to capture customer texts, attach a GSM SIM-based VMN.
- Currently, MyOperator does not allow users to change their SMS Sender ID.
When should I use this guide?
Use it if you want to:
- Let customers text instead of calling,
- View or export every inbound SMS for audits or integrations, or
- Understand why texts sent to a Toll-Free number never appear.
1. Overview
Incoming SMS lets customers text your Virtual Mobile Number instead of calling. Messages are captured in your MyOperator panel, so your team can read, tag, assign, and reply quickly.
Benefits:
- ✅ Low-effort, familiar channel for customers
- ✅ Centralised conversation history in one panel
- ✅ Ideal for non-urgent updates and quick Q&A
Who is it for?
- Support, sales assist, logistics/dispatch, account managers
2. Why Toll-Free SMS does NOT work
Layer | Reason Toll-Free Fails | Why GSM VMN Works |
|---|---|---|
Carrier | Toll-Free ranges are not mapped on carrier SMSCs. | GSM numbers are natively mapped to SMSCs. |
Regulatory | TRAI/CTIA rules classify Toll-Free as voice services. | GSM is cleared for voice and SMS. |
Platform | MyOperator SMS engine attaches only to GSM trunks. | Same engine fetches SMS from your VMN. |
3. Prerequisites
Requirement | Minimum Spec | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
Plan tier | Any tier with “SMS add-on” | Billing → Add-ons |
Role | Owner, Number Admin, or Log Viewer (as applicable) | Settings → Team |
Number type | GSM SIM-based VMN (physical or virtual) | Settings → Numbers |
Hardware | GSM SIM-based VMN | Carrier order form |
API (optional) | Webhook endpoint to forward SMS | Developer portal |
Data window (Logs) | Up to 6 months | N/A |
4. How it works (flow)
- The customer sends an SMS to your VMN.
- MyOperator receives and logs it.
- Message appears in SMS → Inbox.
- Team reads, tags, assigns, and replies.
- Conversation history stays with the contact.
5. Set up Incoming SMS (steps)
- Sign in to your MyOperator panel.
- Go to Communications → SMS → Settings.
- Select your GSM SIM-based VMN.
- Enable Incoming SMS.
- (Optional) Configure notifications (email/desktop/mobile).
- (Optional) Set routing/tags for auto-triage.
- Save and test from a real device.
Work-around for Toll-Free numbers:
- Buy or port a GSM VMN.
- Add the VMN to Settings → SMS → Numbers.
- Toggle Incoming SMS ON.
- Send a test SMS.
- Confirm entry in Logs → SMS.
6. View & reply to messages
- View: Communications → SMS → Inbox → filter by status, assignee, tag, or date
- Reply: Open conversation → type → Send
- Speed-ups: Assign owners, add tags, use Quick Replies
7. View detailed SMS records in Logs
Desktop
- Go to Logs from the left sidebar.
- Click Advanced in the toolbar.
- In Keyword, choose SMS Received.
- Set From and To dates; optionally fill Phone Number.
- Click Apply.
- (Optional) Click Export → CSV to download results.
Mobile
- Menu → Logs → Advanced
- Keyword = Incoming/Outgoing SMS
- Set dates → Apply
- Pinch-zoom to see full text
8. Verify & expected outcome
Success checklist:
- ☑️ New SMS appears in the Inbox with the correct timestamp/sender.
- ☑️ New SMS entry appears in Logs within ≤ 5 s.
- ☑️ Sending a test reply reaches the customer’s device.
Key KPI targets:
- • First-byte latency ≤ 5 s
- • Parsing accuracy ≥ 99%
9. Limitations & edge cases
Area | Limitation | Work-around |
|---|---|---|
Toll-Free | No inbound SMS ever | Use GSM VMN |
Message length | ~160 GSM chars (or ~70 for Unicode). Longer texts may be split | Encourage shorter texts |
MMS | Not supported in any MyOperator plans | Advise via email or WhatsApp |
Delivery | Minor delays may occur due to network conditions | Wait 10 min; open ticket if > 30 min |
Fair-usage | 1,000 SMS/day default | Ask CSM to raise the cap |
Archived data | Logs older than 6 months move to cold DB | Use Export API or contact Support |
10. Can I change my SMS Sender ID in MyOperator, and how long does approval take?
Currently, MyOperator does not allow users to change their SMS Sender ID. However, you can use your own Sender ID by integrating through a webhook after a call and implementing the required logic on your end. To do this, you will need your own SMS panel and be registered on the DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) platform.
11. Use cases & best practices
Use cases: Order status, delivery windows, address confirmation, appointment reminders, and simple support queries.
Best practices:
- Publish your VMN on receipts and tracking pages.
- Create Quick Replies for FAQs.
- Tag conversations by intent (e.g., Orders, Returns, Billing).
- Set an off-hours auto-reply with response-time guidance.
12. Troubleshooting
Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
No messages appear | Feature not enabled on VMN | Re-enable in SMS → Settings, then test |
Calls work, SMS don’t | The number is Toll-Free or non-GSM | Switch to GSM SIM-based VMN |
Out-of-order threads | Long messages segmented | Panel consolidates; encourage shorter texts |
Can’t reply | Role/plan limits | Check permissions and plan entitlements |
No alerts | Notifications off | Configure alerts in Settings |
Delay > 3 min | Carrier congestion | Wait 10 min; open ticket if still missing |
13. Escalation & Support
- Open in-app chat from your MyOperator panel, or
- Email support@myoperator.com
Include:
- Account ID
- Affected VMN
- Timestamps
- Test message example
- Screenshots of Logs filter (if relevant)
Keywords: incoming SMS, GSM VMN, Toll-Free SMS, MyOperator logs, SMS indexing time, SMS Sender ID, view SMS records
Updated on: 12/01/2026