Sending SMS to a group of subscribers on Android at once is a task faced by both business owners and ordinary users. Whether you want to notify your team about an urgent meeting, wish your friends a happy holiday, or send out reminders to clients, it takes hours to do it manually. Unfortunately, The standard Messages application on most Android smartphones does not support mass mailing. is as convenient as instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram. But there are workarounds.
In this article we will examine 7 working methods sending SMS to several recipients at once: from hidden functions of the standard application to specialized utilities. We'll tell you how to bypass operator restrictions on mass mailings, which applications do not block SMS as spam, and why some methods may not work on smartphones with Android 14+. You will also learn how to track the delivery of messages and avoid blocking a number for “spam” activity.
Important: Mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) limit the number of SMS per minute/hour - if the limit is exceeded, messages may be sent with a delay or not delivered at all. This is protection against spam, so for large mailings (100+ subscribers) it is better to use alternative channels - email or instant messengers.
1. Standard Messages application: hidden features
Many users do not know that even the basic application Messages (from Google or the smartphone manufacturer) allows you to send SMS to several contacts at once - albeit with limitations. Here's how it works:
- 📱 Method 1: Create a group chat. Open the application, tap
Start a chat → New group chat, add participants (up to 10-30 people depending on the Android version) and send a message. Minus: recipients will see the numbers of other recipients. - 🔄 Method 2: Copying text. Write a message to one subscriber, copy the text (
press on the message → Copy text), then manually create new chats with other contacts and paste the copied message. Minus: long process with 20+ recipients. - 📋 Method 3: Use of contact groups. If you have created groups in
Google Contacts(for example, “Family” or “Colleagues”), you can send an SMS to all group members through the menuShare → Message. Does not work on all firmware!
On smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei group sending functionality may differ. For example, in the shell One UI (Samsung) there is a “Bulk sending” option, but it is hidden in the application settings Messages → Additional → Bulk sending. On MIUI (Xiaomi) a similar function is called “Group SMS” and is available only for contacts saved in the Xiaomi account.
⚠️ Attention: When sending a group SMS through a standard application, operators may regard it as spam if the text contains links, advertising or messages are sent too often (for example, 50 SMS in 10 minutes). In this case, some messages may not reach, and your number will be temporarily blocked.
2. Applications for sending bulk SMS: TOP 5 proven
If the built-in tools are not suitable, third-party applications come to the rescue. We tested dozens of utilities and selected 5 most reliablewhich:
- 📊 Supports importing contacts from files
.csvor.vcf; - 🔒 Does not require root access;
- 📱 Works on Android 10–14;
- 💰 They have free versions with reasonable limitations.
| Application | Max. number of SMS per day (free) | Support for templates | Delivery tracking | Rating on Google Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Texting | 50 | Yes (with variables) | Partially | 4.3 |
| SMS Broadcast | 100 | Yes | Yes | 4.5 |
| Bulk SMS Sender | 30 | No | No | 3.9 |
| Textra SMS | Unlimited* | Yes (plugin) | Yes | 4.7 |
| Pulse SMS | 200 | Yes | Yes (premium) | 4.6 |
*In Textra SMS there is no hard limit, but when sending 100+ SMS in a row, spam protection from the operator may be triggered.
How to choose an application? If you need simple mailing without bells and whistles, Bulk SMS Senderwill do. For business (with templates and reports) is better SMS Broadcast or Pulse SMS. And if it’s important integration with others messengers, pay attention to Textra SMS —it supports synchronization with WhatsApp and Telegram.
Download APK only from Google Play or the official website of the developer|
Check application permissions (access to SMS, contacts, storage)|
Create a backup copy of contacts|
Test the mailing for 2-3 numbers before mass sending|
Disable battery optimization for the application (in Android settings)
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3. Bypassing operator restrictions: how to avoid getting caught in a spam filter
Mobile operators are actively fighting spam, so when sending mass SMS, your number may be temporarily blocked. Here 4 rulesthat will help you avoid problems:
- Limit the sending speed. Do not send more than 10-15 SMS per minute. It is better to spread out the mailing over 1-2 hours.
- Use different texts. Operators block duplicate messages. Add variables to the template (for example, the name of the recipient) or slightly change the wording.
- Avoid links and “spam” words. Phrases like “promotion”, “discount”, “follow the link” increase the chance of blocking. Shortened URLs (bit.ly, goo.gl) are also prohibited.
- Check your balance. Some tariffs have a limit on the number of SMS per day/month. For example, MegaFon On the “Everything for Your Own” tariff, only 50 SMS per month are included.
If your number is blocked, do not panic. Usually the blocking is removed automatically after 12–24 hours. To speed up the process, you can:
- 📞 Call operator support and explain that the mailing is not of an advertising nature (for example, notifying employees).
- 🔄 Temporarily use another number (for example, a second SIM or virtual number).
- 📧 Go to alternative communication channels (email, messengers).
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 12, Google has tightened the rules for applications that work with SMS. Now apps for mass mailing can require special permission (SEND_SMSwith flagOPERATION_SEND_SMS_NO_CONFIRMATION). If an application asks for root access to bypass restrictions, this is a reason to be wary.
What to do if SMS do not reach recipients?
If messages are sent but not delivered, check:
1. Balance and tariff —the recipient may have run out money or its tariff does not support receiving SMS.
2. Black list — some operators (for example, Tele2) block SMS from unknown numbers by default.
3. Recipient region — when roaming or between countries, delivery may be delayed up to 24 hours.
4. Number format —make sure that the numbers are entered in international format (for example, +79XXXXXXXX, not 89XXXXXXXX).
4. Automation via Tasker and MacroDroid
For advanced users who want to automate mailings, applications for creating scripts are suitable - Tasker or MacroDroid. They allow you to:
- 🤖 Send SMS on a schedule (for example, to each contact on his birthday).
- 📤 Import numbers from a file or database.
- 🔄 Use variables in the text (for example, insert the recipient's name).
- 📊 Keep a log of sent messages.
Example script for MacroDroid (sending SMS to a list of contacts):
- Create a new macro with a trigger
Time/dateorWidget. - Add an action
Submit SMS. - In the "Number" field, enter a variable (for example,
%contact_number%). - In the "Text" field, enter a template (for example,
Hello, %contact_name%! We remind you about the meeting tomorrow at 10:00.). - Add action
Loop through the listand specify the source of numbers (file, contacts or manually).
For Tasker the logic is similar, but the syntax is more complicated. Here is a basic profile for sending SMS to all contacts from a group. “Clients”:
Profile: SMS Newsletter (Time: 09:00)Enter: Send SMS
1. For: %contact in %CONT(Clients)
2. Number=%contact(phone) Text="Your message is here" Store In Messaging App: Off
3. Wait: 30 seconds (so that the spam filter does not work)
End For
⚠️ Attention: Automated SMS sending may violate the rules of operators. For example, MTS v. The user agreement prohibits the use of "automated means for mass mailing." In extreme cases, this can lead to blocking of the number.
If you need to send SMS on a regular basis (for example, weekly reminders), consider using cloud services like Twilio or SMS.ru. They are paid, but more reliable and are not blocked by operators.
5. Sending SMS via a computer: synchronization and cloud services
If you are more comfortable working with a keyboard or need to send an SMS from a large screen, there are several ways:
- 💻 Synchronization via Google Messages. Install Google Messages for Web, connect your phone using the QR code and send SMS directly from the browser. Limitation: There is no mass mailing function, but you can copy text and paste it into new chats.
- ☁️ Cloud services. Platforms like SMS.ru, TurboSMS or Twilio allow you to send SMS via API or web interface. Suitable for business, but requires replenishment of the account.
- 📎 Applications with desktop version. Pulse SMS i Textra SMS have web versions and desktop clients where you can manage mailings.
To synchronize via Google Messages:
- Open the application on your phone
Messages(from Google). - Click on the profile avatar →
Messaging devices→Messages for the web version. - Scan the QR code from the site messages.google.com/web.
- Now you can send SMS through the browser, but mass mailing is still unavailable you will have to create chats manually.
If you need full-fledged mass mailing from a computer, it is better to use specialized services. For example, SMS.ru offers:
- Sending up to 1000 SMS per minute (via API).
- Templates with variables (first name, last name, etc.).
- Delivery reports.
- Integration with 1C, Bitrix24, Excel.
Cost: from 0.8 rubles per SMS (for wholesale orders).
Cloud services are the best choice for business, as they guarantee delivery, provide reports and do not depend on operator restrictions on mass mailings with telephone.
6. Alternative methods: email-to-SMS and instant messengers
If SMS is not suitable (for example, due to blocking or high cost), consider alternative channels:
- 📧 Email-to-SMS. Many operators have special addresses for sending SMS via email. For example:
- MTS:
number@sms.mts.ru - Beeline:
number@sms.beemail.ru - MegaFon:
number@sms.megafon.ru - Tele2:
number@sms.tele2.ru
Just send a letter to this address with the text of the message - the subscriber will receive it as an SMS. Limitations: message length (up to 160 characters), no delivery report.
- MTS:
- 💬 Messengers. WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber support group sending and do not have strict restrictions on the number of messages. Disadvantage: recipients must be registered in the same messenger.
- 📢 Push notifications. If you have a mobile application or website, you can send push messages via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) or OneSignal. Free for small audiences.
Example of sending SMS via email (for MTS):
- Create a new letter in your email client (Gmail, Outlook, etc.).
- In the "To" field, enter:
79123456789@sms.mts.ru(replace79123456789with a real number). - In the subject of the letter, enter any text (it will not be sent).
- In the body of the letter, write a message (up to 160 characters).
- Send a letter. In 1-5 minutes the subscriber will receive an SMS.
⚠️ Attention: Some operators block email-to-SMS to prevent spam. If the message is not received, try another method.
7. groups
When sending mass SMS, users often encounter errors. Let's look at 5 most common problems and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| SMS messages are sent, but not delivered | Blocked by the operator as spam | Reduce sending speed (no more than 10 SMS per minute) |
| The application does not see contacts | There is no permission to access contacts | Check the permission settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions) |
| Error "SMS not sent" | Insufficient funds in the account or the SMS limit has been reached | Top up the balance or check the tariff |
| The application closes when sending | Battery optimization kills background processes | Disable optimization for the application (Settings → Battery → Optimization) |
| Templates with variables do not work | Wrong file format with contacts | Use .csv with the "name" and "phone" columns |
If none of the methods helped, try:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone. Sometimes errors are associated with temporary failures in the operation of the communication module.
- 📶 Check the network. In areas with a weak signal, SMS may not be sent. Try switching to 3G/4G or connecting to Wi-Fi (if using VoLTE).
- 📲 Update the application. Old versions may not support new ones. functions.
- 🔧 Reset network settings. Go to
Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network.
If you frequently send SMS to groups, create a separate SIM card for mailings. This way you don’t risk blocking the main number.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bulk SMS sending on Android
Is it possible to send SMS to more than 100 subscribers at a time?
Technically yes, but operators limit the number of SMS per unit of time. For example, the limit is 30 SMS per minute, and the limit is 20. If exceeded, messages will be sent with a delay or will not arrive. For large mailings (500+ subscribers), it is better to use specialized services like Beeline limit - 30 SMS per minute, MTS — 20. If exceeded, messages will be sent with a delay or will not arrive. For large mailings (500+ subscribers), it is better to use specialized services like SMS.ru or Twilio.
Why do my SMS end up in spam among recipients?
Operators analyze the contents of messages. If the text contains:
- Links (especially shortened via bit.ly, goo.gl);
- The words “promotion”, “discount”, “promotional code”, “transfer money”;
- The same text for all recipients;
- Numbers in an international format (if the mailing is within Russia),
then there is a high probability of ending up in spam. To avoid this, personalize messages (add the recipient's name) and avoid “promotional” phrases.
How to check whether SMS have reached recipients?
The standard Messages application shows the delivery status (checkmarks next to the message), but this is inconvenient for mass mailing. Specialized applications (for example, SMS Broadcast or Pulse SMS) have delivery reports. You can also ask recipients to confirm receipt of a reply SMS or use services with reporting (for example, Twilio).
Can I send an SMS from a computer without a phone?
Yes, but this requires cloud services like SMS.ru, TurboSMS or Twilio. They provide an API or web interface for sending SMS without being linked to a phone. This cannot be done for free - you will need to top up your account (the cost is from 0.5 to 2 rubles per SMS, depending on the volume). An alternative is email-to-SMS, but this method is unreliable and does not work for all operators.
Which application is the most reliable for mass mailing?
The best choice depends on tasks:
- For personal use (up to 50 SMS/day): Textra SMS or Group Texting.
- For business (100–1000 SMS/day): SMS Broadcast or Pulse SMS (premium).
- For automation (schedule, variables): Tasker + plugin AutoNotification.
- For sending from a computer: Google Messages for Web (manual sending) or Twilio (automatic).
Before choosing, check reviews on Google Play - some applications may not work on the latest versions of Android.