Short Message Service:Register a sender ID

What is a sender ID?

A sender ID is an alphanumeric identifier used to represent the sender in international SMS messages. It is typically an abbreviation of your company name or a brand identifier. Its core functions are:

1. Compliance verification: Confirm that the sender is authentic and legitimate, preventing spam abuse.

2. Improved delivery rate: Carriers use the sender ID to assess message source trustworthiness and reduce blocking risk.

3. User recognition: Recipients see your sender ID instead of a plain phone number, strengthening brand identification.

Why register a sender ID?

Different countries or regions—and their local carriers—have different registration requirements. The required documents vary widely, and the information you submit can be complex. International SMS separates content entry from document preparation. You only need to provide the required content. The International SMS platform handles requirement collection, automatic content rendering, and formatting. This saves time, improves registration accuracy, and delivers a better experience. Alibaba Cloud continuously iterates and optimizes the sender ID service.

Check if sender ID registration is required

Follow these steps to check registration and compliance requirements for your destination country or region.

1. You can click International SMS Filing Rules. On the page that opens, locate your destination country or region. This table is for reference only and will be updated regularly. The specific rules depend on the regulations of the destination country or region.

   This topic uses Afghanistan as an example to show how to check whether a sender ID can be registered.

   

2. Go to the configuration details page for the country or region and check the Sender ID registration field. Yes means registration is required. No means it is not required.

Register a sender ID

1. Log on to the International SMS console. In the navigation pane on the left, choose Go Globe > SenderID.

2. On the Registration tab, click Register Sender ID.

   

3. The Basic Information required for sender ID registration varies by country or region. Follow the prompts in the console when entering information.

   Important

   To help carriers review your application, enter all content in English.

   1. Destination country or region: Select the country or region where messages will be sent.

      After selection, the system shows an estimated registration time and key notes. Review them carefully.

      

      Note: Some countries or regions require a paid sender ID or impose regulatory requirements for message compliance and privacy protection. You cannot complete registration online in the SMS console for these destinations. After selecting the Destination Country/Region, contact your account manager as instructed in the pop-up window.

      If a pop-up appears after you select the destination country or region, it means that a paid sender ID is required. Contact your account manager for offline registration. Countries include Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Serbia, and Kazakhstan.

      If a pop-up appears after you select the destination country or region, it means that registration cannot be processed through Alibaba Cloud SMS. Complete registration with local authorities as instructed in the pop-up. After successful registration, contact your account manager to configure your sender ID. Countries include Singapore.

   2. Basic information: Required fields vary depending on the selected Destination Country/Region. Select and fill in all required fields accurately. Carriers review your submitted information—including brand name and URLs—to determine applicable sending rules (such as local or international channels). You must send messages strictly according to your submitted information and the carrier’s rules.

      

   3. Sender ID: Name your sender ID and provide sample messages.

      • Sender ID: Enter a sender ID name. The name must relate to your company or brand name. Letters, digits, and some symbols are supported. Alphanumeric IDs support up to 11 characters. Numeric-only IDs support up to 15 digits. Chinese characters and other languages are not supported.

        Click to add multiple sender IDs, up to 20.

      • Sample message: Enter a sample of the message you plan to send. You can use any language.

        Click to add multiple sample messages, up to 20 per sender ID.

   4. After completing the information, click Submit.

4. For some countries or regions, you must upload supporting documents after entering basic information.

   Important

   Upload required documents within 30 days. Registration information is automatically deleted if documents are not uploaded by then.

   1. Check registration status: Go to the Sender ID list to view your registration applications and take action based on the status.

      

      • If the Registration status shows Documents to render, wait for rendering to complete.

      • If the Registration status shows Documents rendered, upload files.

      • If the Registration status shows Approved, no file upload is needed.

      • If the Registration status shows Failed, resubmit your application.

   2. Confirm basic information: In the Actions column, click Upload Documents. On the preview page, confirm your submitted content is correct. If accurate, click Upload File at the bottom of the page. If errors exist, resubmit your registration application.

      

   3. Upload and supplement documents: Use the Upload Documents page in the console as your guide. Upload required documents as instructed.

      To upload authorization letters, download the templates shown in the image. Then sign and stamp them and upload in order. Upload additional documents in the Other documents section.

      Read all console prompts carefully. Follow all restrictions on file format, size, and order to avoid rejection.

      

5. Click Submit to complete sender ID registration. View the review result on the Sender ID list page. After approval, you can use the sender ID to send messages. If the approval includes carrier requirements or restrictions—such as permitted channels or accounts—you must comply.

FAQ