Introduction
Whether you’re sending a quick message to a friend or receiving an important update from a business, smooth SMS communication is key. But have you ever come across the message “Sent as SMS via Server”? You might be wondering what this means and if it affects the delivery of your message. In this post, we’ll explain what “Sent as SMS via Server” really means and how it could impact your message delivery.
Key Takeawys
“Sent as SMS via Server” means your message was sent as SMS instead of RCS due to compatibility or network issues.
Common causes include RCS incompatibility, offline recipients, and business use for bulk SMS delivery.
To fix it, enable RCS, turn on SMS delivery notifications, disable SMS fallback, and clear the cache.
Server-based SMS benefits businesses with efficient bulk messaging, enhanced security, reliable delivery, and cost savings.
What Does “Sent as SMS via Server” Mean?
When you see the message “Sent as SMS via Server,” it means your message couldn’t be sent through Rich Communication Services (RCS) and was instead sent as a regular Short Message Service (SMS). RCS messages are delivered over Wi-Fi, meaning they don’t consume mobile data, while SMS messages rely on mobile data for delivery.
So, if you come across this status, it simply indicates that your message has left your phone and is now on the server. It’s a way of showing you the current stage of your message’s journey.
The term “Sent as SMS via Server” refers to an SMS delivery status. “Sent as SMS via server” means your text message was sent through a server instead of directly from your phone, often used for mass or automated SMS delivery, or when the recipient’s device doesn’t support RCS.
While regular users send text messages through local telecommunication networks, businesses often need an SMS server to send bulk messages to a wide audience. Fortunately, a computer connected to the internet can act as the necessary server for delivering both SMS and MMS messages.
6 Common Reasons You Might See This Message
Several scenarios can trigger the “Sent as SMS via Server” status:
- RCS Incompatibility: If either the sender’s or recipient’s device doesn’t support RCS, or if one person has it turned off, the message defaults to SMS, potentially showing this status.
- Recipient Offline (for RCS): If the recipient isn’t connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) when an RCS message is attempted, it may fall back to SMS via the server.
- Network/Technical Issues: Temporary network problems or carrier incompatibilities can prevent RCS delivery, forcing a fallback to server-sent SMS.
- Cross-Carrier Messaging: Sending texts between different mobile carriers often involves messages passing through various servers and gateways, which can sometimes result in this status.
- Business Communications: This is a major reason. Businesses using platforms like SMSLocal send appointment reminders, confirmations, alerts, and two-factor authentication codes via SMS servers for reliability and scale.
- SMS Marketing & Bulk Messaging: Companies sending marketing messages or large-scale campaigns utilize server systems for efficient distribution. If you receive a promotional text, it almost certainly came “via server.”
How to Fix “Sent as SMS via Server”
If you’re seeing the “Sent as SMS via Server” message, don’t worry – there are a few simple steps you can take to fix it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your messages back to using RCS (Rich Communication Services) instead of SMS.
Step 1: Enable RCS Messages
RCS messages are usually enabled by default, but it’s a good idea to double-check. To fix the issue, ensure that both you and the recipient have RCS enabled. Follow these steps to activate RCS on your phone:
- Open the Messages app and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Messages Settings > RCS Chats.
- Toggle the Turn on RCS Chats option if it’s turned off.
Step 2: Turn On SMS Delivery Notifications
By default, SMS delivery notifications are off. Enabling these notifications can help avoid seeing the “Sent as SMS via Server” status. While this won’t change the delivery method (it’ll still be sent as SMS), you’ll get a standard delivery report instead. Here’s how to turn on SMS delivery notifications:
- Open the Messages app and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Messages Settings > Advanced.
- Toggle on Get SMS Delivery Reports if it’s off.
Step 3: Disable SMS Fallback
If you want to avoid SMS being sent at all, you can disable the SMS fallback feature. Keep in mind that if RCS isn’t available or fails, the message will not be sent at all. To turn off SMS fallback:
- Open the Messages app and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Messages Settings > RCS Chats.
- Toggle off Automatically Resend as a Text (SMS/MMS) if it’s turned on.
Step 4: Clear the Messages App Cache
Occasionally, the Messages app cache may become corrupted, causing issues like sending messages as SMS when they should be RCS. Clearing your app cache is an easy and safe troubleshooting step to fix this. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings and tap Apps or Apps & Notifications (you might need to select See All Apps).
- Find and tap on the Messages app.
- Tap Storage & Cache > Clear Cache.
The Business Perspective: Why Server-Based SMS is Essential
While the steps above help individuals manage their RCS preferences, the “Sent as SMS via Server” status often points to the powerful world of business SMS communication. For businesses, using an SMS server or platform like SMSLocal isn’t just an option; it’s crucial for effective communication.
According to studies, SMS boasts incredibly high open rates (often over 90%), with most messages read within minutes. This makes it invaluable for businesses. Here’s why they rely on server-based sending:
- Efficient Bulk Messaging: Sending thousands of marketing messages, alerts, or notifications individually from a phone is impossible. SMS servers automate this, allowing segmentation and personalization for massive audiences.
- Improved Security and Privacy: Reputable platforms use encryption and secure protocols to protect customer data. They also manage consent (opt-ins/opt-outs) rigorously, ensuring compliance with regulations like TCPA and GDPR.
- Reliable Delivery & Cost Savings: Server-based platforms bypass the limitations of individual devices and carrier plans. They ensure messages are delivered reliably, optimize routes for cost-effectiveness, and reduce the overhead of managing multiple devices or plans.
Engage Smarter with SMSLocal!
How Much Does Sending SMS via Server Cost?
SMS marketing is an affordable way to engage your audience, especially when compared to other marketing channels. For example, with services like Omnisend, sending a 160-character text message to a recipient in the US costs just $0.015. This means you only pay $15 for 1,000 messages.
Omnisend offers a free SMS calculator that helps you estimate the cost of sending SMS via server and previews how your message will appear on different phones.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Sending SMS via Server
The cost of sending SMS via server can vary based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of how these elements affect the price:
Message Length | Cost per Message |
160 characters | $0.015 |
320 characters | $0.03 |
480 characters | $0.045 |
640 characters | $0.06 |
Multimedia (Images, GIFs, Videos) | Up to 4 times the cost of a regular SMS message |
International SMS | Varies based on carrier fees and regulations |
Why Server-Based SMS Delivery Matters
Server-based SMS delivery may seem like an added step, but it plays a critical role for businesses and individuals alike. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Reliability
Server-based systems ensure your SMS messages are delivered consistently, even if the recipient is on a different carrier or in a different location. This guarantees that your message reaches its intended destination, no matter the circumstances. - Speed
When using server systems to send SMS, delivery is often quicker and more efficient compared to traditional device-to-device messaging. This allows for faster communication, which is especially beneficial for time-sensitive messages. - Scalability
For businesses and organizations that need to send large volumes of text messages, server-based SMS delivery provides the scalability needed to manage mass communication. This solution helps streamline the process of reaching large audiences without compromising performance or reliability. - Enhanced Security
Server-based SMS systems often come with added layers of security, such as encryption and authentication, to protect sensitive information. This makes sure that your messages are delivered securely, safeguarding both personal and business-related data.
Setting Up Server-Based SMS Messaging for Your Business
Setting up a server-based SMS messaging solution is a great way for businesses to communicate efficiently with their customers. Whether you’re using SMS for promotions, notifications, or customer support, here’s a guide to help you set up an effective system:
1. Choose the Right Messaging Platform
Start by exploring various SMS platforms to find one that best fits your business needs. Consider factors like reliability, features, pricing, and integration options. It’s important to choose a platform that can scale with your business and meet your messaging goals.
2. Enhance SMS Messaging with Automation and Personalization
To make the most of server-based SMS, use automation tools to send personalized messages triggered by specific customer actions or events. Additionally, leverage analytics and reporting to track delivery rates and evaluate the performance of your SMS campaigns.
3. Prioritize Compliance and Security
When sending SMS at scale, compliance is key. Ensure that your messaging practices align with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It’s essential to choose a platform that prioritizes data security, privacy, and follows industry best practices to protect your customers’ information.
How to Set Up Server-Based SMS Messaging with SMSLocal
Setting up server-based SMS messaging with SMSLocal is simple and straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Choose a Platform
Select a secure and reliable platform, such as SMSLocal, that fits your business’s SMS needs. SMSLocal offers the flexibility and scalability you need to send messages efficiently. - Create an Account
To get started, sign up for an account with SMSLocal and gain access to a range of SMS features and services. - Import Your Contact List
Import your contact list into the platform, making it easier to send bulk messages. This is especially useful for businesses that regularly send out SMS notifications to large groups. - Register for 10DLC Number
If you’re a US-based business, be sure to register your 10DLC number to comply with carrier requirements. Unregistered 10DLC numbers will be blocked, and messages won’t be delivered by mobile network operators. - Compose and Schedule Messages
Use SMSLocal’s easy-to-use dashboard to create message templates, personalize content, and schedule SMS messages. You can target specific contact groups to improve engagement with your audience. - Track and Manage Your SMS Activity
Monitor all SMS activity directly from your SMSLocal account. Track messages that have been sent, received, and those scheduled for delivery to ensure your campaigns are running smoothly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, setting up server-based SMS messaging is a powerful solution for businesses looking to streamline communication with their audience. By leveraging reliable platforms like SMSLocal, you can send bulk messages efficiently, enhance security, and ensure compliance with regulations. Whether you’re using SMS for marketing campaigns, customer notifications, or internal communications, server-based delivery ensures messages are sent quickly, securely, and reliably. With the right platform, tools, and strategies in place, businesses can maximize their messaging efforts and engage their customers effectively.
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FAQ
sent as sms via server meaning your message was sent through a server instead of directly from your phone, often used for bulk or automated messages, or when the recipient’s device doesn’t support RCS.
It indicates the message was sent using the standard SMS protocol, without the features of RCS, like high-quality images or read receipts.
This happens when messages are sent in bulk, automatically, by businesses, or when the recipient’s device doesn’t support RCS. It’s a default when RCS fails due to network or compatibility issues.
It means your message was sent using regular SMS, likely because RCS isn’t available for that specific message path (e.g., recipient incompatibility).
Typically, it ensures delivery when RCS fails or isn’t appropriate. The message is delivered, just as a standard SMS without RCS features.
No, not if the sender (especially a business) is intentionally using a server-based platform for sending. You can only control how your phone attempts to send messages.
