Objective
This article shows you how to send your first SMS from the Twilio Console using the Messaging tryout panel, so you can confirm that messaging works on your account before you write any code.
Product
Programmable Messaging
Environment
Twilio Console
Procedure
- In the Twilio Console, select Home in the left sidebar.
- Select the Messaging product tab on your account home.
- Select Try out SMS. The Try out SMS panel opens with the tabs Send an SMS, Receive an SMS, and Logs, and shows how many free messages you have left.
- The Send an SMS tab is selected by default. Check that To shows the verified recipient you want to text. If it does not, select the field and pick another verified recipient, or add a new one.
- Leave From as it is. On a trial account this field is read-only and shows the Twilio trial phone number assigned to that recipient.
- Select a message from the Template list — for example Appointment Reminders or Order Confirmations.
- Select Send SMS.
- A Message sent confirmation appears, and the message arrives on the recipient's phone.
Additional Information
- On a trial account you can only send one of the preset templates, and only to a verified recipient. The message text cannot be edited.
- After you upgrade, the same panel lets you type any recipient number in To, pick any of your own Twilio numbers from the From list, and write your own text in Message. Message bodies are limited to 160 characters per segment.
- If you pick a From number that still needs carrier registration, an Action required to proceed warning appears with a Begin link that takes you straight to that number's registration checklist. Sending is blocked until the registration is complete.
- When your free messages run out, the panel shows You've used all your free messages with an Upgrade now link, and sending is blocked until you upgrade.
- If the send fails, an Error sending message notification appears. Check the recipient is still verified and that you have free messages remaining, then try again.
- The same send form is available on the Try out Messaging page reached from the Messaging setup guide, under Send an SMS.
This content was generated by AI and reviewed, edited, and verified by a human.