Communication

SMS Messages Not Sending - How to Fix A2P Registration Issues

Fix SMS not sending from your AI receptionist. Troubleshoot A2P registration status in Local Business Pro.

beginner 5 min read sms not-sending a2p troubleshooting
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Quick Answer: If SMS isn't sending, the most common cause is incomplete A2P registration. Go to Connect > SMS Setup and check your registration status. SMS requires approved A2P verification to work with mobile carriers.

What You'll Learn

This guide explains why SMS messages might not be sending and how to resolve A2P registration issues.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

  1. Navigate to Connect > SMS Setup
  2. Check the A2P Registration status badge
  3. If 'Not Started' - Begin registration (required for SMS)
  4. If 'Pending' - Wait for approval (1-7 business days)
  5. If 'Denied' - Review the failure reason and resubmit
  6. If 'Registered' - Check other settings below

Common Causes

  • A2P not started: Registration must be completed before sending SMS
  • A2P pending: Registration is under review - wait for approval
  • A2P denied: Registration was rejected - fix issues and resubmit
  • Phone number not assigned: Need a phone number before SMS works
  • Carrier filtering: Some messages flagged as spam by carriers

Why A2P Registration Is Required

A2P (Application-to-Person) registration is required by mobile carriers for businesses sending automated text messages. This helps:

  • Verify your business is legitimate
  • Protect consumers from spam
  • Ensure high delivery rates for your messages
  • Comply with carrier and FCC regulations

If A2P Is Approved But SMS Still Fails

  1. Verify the recipient phone number is correct (valid format)
  2. Check that the phone number can receive SMS (some landlines can't)
  3. Review message content for potential spam triggers
  4. Try sending to a different phone number to test
  5. Contact support if issues persist

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does A2P registration take?
A: Typically 1-7 business days, depending on carrier review queues.

Q: Can I send SMS while A2P is pending?
A: No, SMS is blocked until A2P is approved to protect delivery rates.

Q: Why was my A2P registration denied?
A: Common reasons include EIN not found, business name mismatch, or sample message issues. Check the denial reason for specifics.

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