As of January 24, 2023, Twilio trial customers in the US will be provisioned a US Toll-Free number. There are a few important things to know about your trial and using your Toll-Free number. This guide explains everything you need to know. For general information about how to get started with your Twilio account, please see How Does Twilio's Free Trial Work?
I don't have a toll-free number, what should I do?
If you are a trial user sending SMS in the US without a Toll-Free number, you will either need to A) upgrade your account and register your existing 10-digit long code (10DLC) number or B) release your existing 10DLC number and buy a toll-free number with your remaining Trial credit. You can then point your application to your new Toll-Free phone number.
Why was I given a US TF number?
US 10-digit long code (10DLC) numbers are available, but they require paid A2P 10DLC registration in order to send messages to US recipients. While Toll-Free numbers also have a verification requirement, the registration is free. Toll-Free messages can be sent to your new Virtual Phone for testing, or externally once you have submitted them for verification, making them more suitable for trial usage.
To see a comparison of Toll-Free, long code, and short code numbers, see What are the differences between long codes (A2P 10DLC), short codes, and Toll-Free numbers for messaging to US/Canada?
What if I’m not sending SMS messages to the US?
You can still use the US Toll-Free number to send SMS to destinations outside of the US. A US Toll-Free number will work the same as a US 10DLC number for sending SMS to other countries. For full details, review the phone number regulations for the countries you plan to send to.
I plan to use Twilio for Voice as well, will the US Toll-Free number work for voice calls?
Yes, you can use your US Toll-Free number for incoming and outgoing calling. Please note, however, that your US Toll-Free number will not be able to accept incoming calls from international phone numbers outside the +1 country code (non-US numbers).
What if I need a different phone number type?
If you need a different phone number type (10DLC or short code) for US messaging will need to upgrade their accounts, and then complete the relevant registration for the number type:
Who can I send SMS to with my TF number during Trial?
For US customers, Free Trial accounts with Toll Free phone numbers are required to complete Toll-Free Verification in order to send SMS. Once approved, these messages can only be sent to a verified phone number until you upgrade to a paid Twilio account. You can start the Toll Free message verification process by following our onboarding guide.
For Free Trial accounts not yet ready to make this commitment, we recommend trying the Twilio Virtual Phone.
Can I keep my TF number after upgrading?
When you upgrade your account, you will keep all phone numbers, settings, and configurations. Please be aware that Toll-Free Verification is currently required in the US and Canada for best delivery. After upgrading, please complete the Toll-Free Verification process as soon as possible to avoid increased filtering and daily limits on sending in the US. For more information see What happens if I don't complete Verification.
Comparison of number types available in Trial
|
|
US 10DLC |
US Toll-Free |
|
US unverified outbound SMS |
X |
X |
|
Canadian unverified outbound SMS |
✓ |
X |
|
Non-US/Canada unverified outbound SMS |
✓ |
✓ |
|
All US & International inbound SMS |
✓ |
✓ |
|
US/Canada outbound calls |
✓ |
✓ |
|
US/Canada inbound calls |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Non-US/Canada outbound calls |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Non-US/Canada inbound calls |
✓ |
X |