Doc Summary
Simplify team communication with DataPhone Groups SMS.
Send text messages to multiple recipients using a saved group or message several people directly from the SMS platform. Choose the method that best fits your communication needs.
🚀 Choose Your Messaging Method #
👥 Named Groups #
Best for recurring conversations
- Create a reusable group with a name and description.
- Select the phone number (DID) used for messaging.
- Add portal users and external contacts.
- Return to the saved group for future conversations.
✉️ Ad-Hoc Messaging #
Best for quick, one-time messages
- Start a new message from the SMS platform.
- Add multiple recipients directly.
- Send your message without creating a permanent group.
🛠️ Option 1: Create a Named SMS Group #
Follow these steps to set up a reusable group conversation.
1️⃣ Open Groups SMS #
Navigate to SMS and then click on SMS Groups interface in your DataPhone portal.
2️⃣ ➕ Create Your Group #
Create a new group and enter the required details:
- Group Name: Choose a recognizable name.
- DID: Select the phone number the group will use for messaging.
3️⃣ 👤 Add members #
Add the people who need to participate in the conversation. Depending on the available contact options, you can add portal users or external contacts using their display names and phone numbers.
4️⃣ ⚠️ Add Yourself as a Group Member #
Important: Creating a group does not automatically authorize you to send messages through it.
Make sure your own portal user is included as an authorized group member. Otherwise, you may receive the error:
❌ “You are not an active member of this group.”
Verify your group membership before testing the conversation.
5️⃣ 📲 Start the Conversation #
Go to SMS and then click on the Groups tab. Select the group and send your message.
Messages are associated with the individual sender’s name, helping recipients identify who sent them.
✉️ Option 2: Send a Message to Multiple Recipients #
Need to message several people without saving a group? Use ad-hoc messaging.
How it works:
- 📩 Open the SMS platform.
- ➕ Start a new message from one of your assigned numbers.
- 👥 Add multiple recipients.
- ✍️ Compose your message.
- 🚀 Send the message.
Tip: Use this method for occasional announcements or messages that do not require a reusable group.
🔍 Which Option Is Right for You? #
| Feature | 👥 Named Groups | ✉️ Ad-Hoc Messaging |
|---|---|---|
| Saved group | Yes | No |
| Reusable for future conversations | Yes | No saved group required |
| Add multiple recipients | Yes | Yes |
| Set a group name and description | Yes | No |
| Best use case | Ongoing communication | One-time messages |
✅ Before You Start #
Use this quick checklist to avoid common setup issues.
- ☑️ Select the correct Number to send from.
- ☑️ Confirm that the intended recipients are added.
- ☑️ Verify that your portal user is an authorized group member.
- ☑️ Send a test message to confirm the conversation works as expected.
🆘 Need Help? #
If you need assistance creating a group, managing recipients, or resolving the “Not an active member” error, contact DataPhone Support.
📧 Email: help@dataphone.cloud
🌐 Website: https://dataphone.cloud
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