> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.panaio.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.panaio.com/settings/sms.md).

# SMS

An SMS provider is an external service that supplies phone numbers and receives one-time SMS codes for them. Use it on sites that require phone verification during account creation or similar flows, such as Amazon or GMX.

<figure><img src="/files/hWgpTQyB6bs5ZOfe39ew" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How it works

To use an SMS provider:

1. Create an account on the provider website.
2. Add balance to the account.
3. Copy the provider API key.
4. Paste the API key into the bot.
5. Click **Check Balance** to confirm the setup works.

### Select a provider

After you add an API key, choose which providers the bot can use for SMS codes in the **SMS Provider** selector in the bottom-left corner.

You can select more than one provider. If multiple providers are selected, the bot picks one at random each time it needs an SMS code.

### SMS settings

**SMS Timeout**\
This sets the maximum time the bot waits for an SMS code. When the timeout is reached, the phone number is canceled and the provider credit is refunded.

Leave this at the default value of 2 minutes in most cases. Increase it if your provider sometimes takes longer to deliver codes.

**SMS Poll Delay**\
This controls how often each task checks the provider for a new code.

Leave it at the default value unless needed. Increase it if you request many SMS codes and want to reduce the chance of provider rate limits.

**Max SMS Price**\
This sets the maximum price the bot can pay for a single SMS.

Providers use different prices based on the site and country. Check the provider price list and set this value accordingly. This setting is optional. If left empty, the bot applies no price limit. The price is in USD.

### SMS provider links

{% embed url="<https://hero-sms.com/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://sms-man.com/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.smspool.net/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://5sim.net/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://smsbower.org/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://grizzlysms.com/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://onlinesim.io/>" %}

### Custom Provider

If the SMS provider you want to use is not supported, or if you run a private provider, you can use the custom provider integration.

Follow the setup guide here: [sms-client-api-description](https://github.com/IvanBossioP/sms-client-api-description/)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Custom providers require programming knowledge. Use a supported provider unless you need a custom integration.
{% endhint %}

### Common errors

* **`No SMS received`**\
  The provider did not receive an SMS for the number. This can happen occasionally. There is nothing to fix on your side. Your SMS balance is refunded.
* **`No SMS balance`**\
  Your SMS balance is too low to buy the selected number. With SMS Man, this error appears if your balance is below `$14`, because their API does not allow keys below that amount.
* **`No SMS numbers available`**\
  No numbers are available for the selected site and country within your **Max SMS Price**.
* **`Invalid provider key`**\
  The API key is invalid or expired.
* **`No SMS API key set`**\
  No API key is configured for the selected provider.
* **`SMS provider ban`**\
  The provider temporarily banned your account. The bot may show how much time is left. This usually happens if you request and discard too many numbers in a short time, or if you already have too many active numbers. Wait for the ban to end or switch providers.
* **`SMS country not supported`**\
  The provider does not support the selected country for that site.
* **`Couldn't get phone number`** or **`Invalid SMS provider response`**\
  The bot could not get a phone number and could not identify the exact cause. Common causes are low balance, an invalid key, or an unsupported country. Check your setup first. If the issue continues, contact PanAIO Support and include your bot logs.
* **`SMS provider error, XXX`** or **`timedout`**\
  The bot could not connect to the provider. This can happen because of a ban, low balance, or another provider issue. If your setup looks correct, contact PanAIO Support and include your logs.


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