Starting from July 10th 2024, we are introducing Default Sender IDs for destinations that require Sender ID registration. This article explains what a Default Sender ID is, how it works, when to use it and how to change it. All customers who had one Sender ID registered in a country on July 10th 2024 will automatically have that Sender ID set as the Default Sender ID to maintain continuity of service, however this can be configured at any time. Any Sender IDs that are registered after July 10th 2024 will not be automatically set as default, but again can be configured at any time.

• What is a Default Sender ID?
• Why would I want to use a Default Sender ID?
• Is the check for registered Sender IDs case sensitive?
• How do I know if I have configured a Default Sender ID in a specific country?
• How do I change the Default Sender ID for a country?
• How do I remove the Default Sender ID for a specific country?
• Can I have more than one Default Sender ID in a single country?

What is a Default Sender ID?

A Default Sender ID is a configurable Sender that can be used when you send messages to a country where you have registered one or more Sender IDs (usually Alphanumeric Sender IDs but sometimes may be Short Codes or Long Code Phone Numbers).

When a Default Sender ID is configured, it is used when the From value in your API request does not match any of your registered Sender IDs in a specific country. In this case, we will automatically replace the From value with the Default Sender ID when we send the message. See below for how to change or remove a Default Sender ID.

If you remove the Default Sender ID, your messages will be attempted with whatever value was provided in the From parameter of your API request. If this value does not comply with SMS Guidelines, it could result in message blockage or failure.

Consider the following example scenario: You have registered two Alphanumeric Sender IDs in Columbia and Mexico, Owl Inc and Hoot Hoot. Hoot Hoot is set as the Default Sender ID for Columbia and there is no Default Sender ID in Mexico: When sending messages to Columbia and the original From parameter is: Owl Inc, your message will be sent with Owl Inc because you have registered this Sender ID in Columbia. Hoot Hoot, your message will be sent with Hoot Hoot because you have registered this Sender ID in Columbia. +15551234567, your message will be sent with Hoot Hoot because it’s the Default Sender ID configured for Columbia. Other Corp, your message will be sent with Hoot Hoot because it’s the Default Sender ID configured for Columbia. When sending messages to Mexico and the original From parameter is: Owl Inc, your message will be sent with Owl Inc because you have registered this Sender ID in Mexico. Hoot Hoot, your message will be sent with Hoot Hoot because you have registered this Sender ID in Mexico. +15551234567, your message will be sent with +15551234567 because you don’t have a Default Sender ID configured for Mexico. Other Corp, your message will be sent with Other Corp because you don’t have a Default Sender ID configured for Mexico.

Why would I want to use a Default Sender ID?

Using a Default Sender ID can guarantee that all your messages sent to a specific destination comply with local regulations when Sender ID registration is required, no matter what From value is passed in the API request. This prevents messages from being dropped or blocked if you accidentally use a long code or other non-compliant Sender ID as the From value of your API request.

Is the check for registered Sender IDs case sensitive?

Yes. In the above scenario, if your From parameter was hoot hoot, it would not match the registered Sender ID Hoot Hoot. In Columbia the Default Sender Hoot Hoot would be used to send the message. In Mexico, the original hoot hoot would be used to send the message.

How do I know if I have configured a Default Sender ID in a specific country?

To check if you have configured a Default Sender ID in a specific country:

1. In the Twilio console, go to “Phone numbers -> Alphanumeric Sender IDs”. Here is a direct link.
2. Check the list of registered Sender IDs in the “Sender ID list” tab.
3. If a Sender is set as default, you will see a “Default Sender ID” badge under the Sender name and a blue tick beside the country where that Sender is set as default, e.g. below Hoot Hoot is the default Sender for Columbia.
4. If a Sender is not a Default anywhere, there will be no badge under that Sender, e.g. Owl Inc above is not a default Sender ID anywhere. 

How do I change the Default Sender ID for a country?

To change the Default Sender ID for a country:

1. In the Twilio console, go to Phone numbers -> Alphanumeric Sender IDs. Here is a direct link.
2. In the Sender ID list tab, expand the Default Sender ID settings section.
   
3. Click Configure default Sender ID.
4. In the pop up modal, use the drop down menus to select which countries you want each Sender ID to be the default.
5. Click Save.
   

How do I remove the Default Sender ID for a specific country?

To remove the Default Sender ID for a country:

1. In the Twilio console, go to Phone numbers -> Alphanumeric Sender IDs. Here is a direct link.
2. In the Sender ID list tab, expand the Default Sender ID settings section.
   
3. Click Configure default Sender ID.
4. In the pop up modal, click the X beside the country name for the corresponding Sender ID.
5. Click Save for the changes to take effect.
   

Notice: When removing the Default Sender ID, ensure the From value you use to send subsequent messages to that destination complies with SMS Guidelines or matches one of your registered Sender ID for that country to avoid message filtering or blocking.

Can I have more than one Default Sender ID in a single country?

No, you can only have one Default Sender ID per country. If you need to use two different Sender IDs in a single country, it is recommended to remove the Default Sender ID and provide the appropriate Sender ID in the From value of your API request.