Twilio for SMS

Twilio is used for SMS operator notifications, phone number collection for compliance, and 1-confirmation redemptions on cash-out transactions.

You'll need to configure Twilio if you're offering cash-out or any compliance options.

Signing up for Twilio

To configure, first sign up for a Twilio account.

During signup, you'll verify your email address and personal phone number. (This won't be the number used for sending, rather, you'll obtain a new number through Twilio dedicated to outgoing messages.)

You'll need to answer a couple of questions to personalize your experience, though don't worry as you still will have access to all the Twilio products.

Creating an account

Once verified, you can skip the intro and jump straight to your dashboard. You'll see an account created automatically which you can rename and use it.

Or, you can go to the top-left of the navigation bar and click the Twilio symbol, to create a new account, or use the direct link here:  'Create New Account'.

You'll be prompted to name your project, then to verify your account and answer the same questions again as this is a new project.

You'll then end up at the Dashboard.

Upgrade your account

⚠️  IMPORTANT: In order for your machine to send SMS messages to your customers, you'll need to upgrade your account by adding your company address, billing address, payment information, initial funds, and turning on automatic recharges.

Click the blue 'Upgrade Project' button and follow the instructions.

Obtaining a number

Once upgraded, obtain a Twilio phone number. Go back to your Dashboard, select 'Phone Numbers' on the left menu, then click the 'Buy a Number' button. Ensure that you choose a number that is listed as capable of SMS (not all are), by selecting the 'SMS' checkbox.

Take note of this number for later.

⚠️ ‏‏‎ ‎NOTE: If you find your country has high requirements for the issuance of phone number, it's okay to choose a number from another country from which it's easier to obtain a number.

Geo Permissions

⚠️  IMPORTANT: Enable Geo Permissions for any and all countries you expect your customers' numbers to be primarily from. This allows SMS messages to be sent to them.

Phone numbers in countries that are unchecked will not be able to receive confirmation codes.

To get there, you'll need to select 'Messaging' on the left menu, click 'Settings' and then click 'Geo permissions'.

Obtaining credentials

Within Twilio's 'General Settings', copy down the 'Account SID' and 'Auth Token' from the 'LIVE Credentials' box (not the 'TEST Credentials').

Entering credentials

Enter the credentials in the Twilio panel of the admin under 'Settings > 3rd Party Services' panel.

The Twilio number is the phone number you purchased from Twilio.

The Notifications number, is your personal number for when/if you enable SMS notifications.

⚠️ ‏‏‎ ‎NOTE: Both fields must be filled in, and in international format (+), followed by the country code (+00), followed by the number.

Next steps

See this article to enable SMS notifications.

See this article to configure SMS compliance.

See this article to configure SMS for cash-out.