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SMTP

If you want to connect to our SMS Gateway and send email to SMS, the best way is often with a server-generated e-mail, making SMTP the connection you need. This is the industry standard used by operators to interconnect for high-volume messaging. It's also particularly useful for notification alerts.

Download the SMTP Developer Guide

Features of the SMTP API

  • Like all our APIs, the SMTP connection supports text, Unicode, binary SMS and flash messaging.
  • It gives you support for extended length messages.
  • You're able to use our converters to turn ringtones and logos into the correct format.
  • You can use our VCard and VCal converters.
  • Delivery acknowledgement and Sender ID can be set up.
  • Gateway escalation: Should the message be delayed for a predefined length of time, it can be escalated to an alternative delivery gateway. Queuing lets you specify up to 3 prioritized queues which your messages can be sent out on.
  • Delivery delay gives you the ability to specify a delay of up to 7 days when sending messages.
  • You can set up batch sending.
  • While two-way messaging is not a feature of SMTP you can always make use of HTTP, FTP or SMPP to receive incoming messages.

SMTP API Quickstart Guide

This tutorial will explain in just a few simple steps how you can send an SMS using Clickatell’s SMTP API.  Note: in the manual example outlined below it is assumed that developers will utilize server-generated commands to insert these posts into their code automatically. How to connect via SMTP:


  • Step 1

    Sign up for an SMTP account and you will be given a username, password and api_id: keep these at hand.  Once you have registered and been activated you will receive 10 free credits with which to test our service.

  • Step 2

    Have the number you wish to send to ready in international format e.g. 448311234567.

  • Step 3

    Open your Email client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook). Create a new email in text (not html) format. In the address field type: sms@messaging.clickatell.com

  • Step 4

    Type your account and message details in the body of the email, laid out as follows
    User: xxxx
    Password: xxxx
    Api_ID: xxxx
    To: xxxxxxx
    Reply: youremail@yourdomain.com
    Text: Meet me at home

  • Step 5

    Press send and your message will be delivered.

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