Why texting approval takes weeks
Your receptionist can answer calls the day you go live. Texting takes longer, because phone carriers verify every business that texts customers before they deliver its messages. This article explains what is happening and what you can expect.
Why carriers review your business
In the United States, phone carriers check who is behind a number before it can text customers. Free-trial numbers are toll-free, and their review is called toll-free verification. A local number, which comes with a paid plan through Bectify support, goes through SMS registration (10DLC) instead.
We handle the registration for you. We send the carriers your business details (name, EIN and address), and they decide.
How long it usually takes
- Toll-free number: usually 1–2 weeks.
- Local number: usually 2–4 weeks.
These are typical times, not a promise. The carriers make the decision, so we can't give you an exact date.
The wait is the same on every plan. Solo sends appointment confirmations and reminders; two-way texting is part of Core.
What works while you wait
Calls work now. Until your number is approved, your receptionist won't send texts. Texting turns on by itself once the carriers approve it. You don't need to do anything.
On the Overview page, a card titled "Texting is being approved by phone carriers" shows each number with two lines: Calls and Texts. While the review is open, Texts reads "Carrier review in progress" followed by the usual time for that kind of number.
If you have a local number, the card may list "Your texting number" next to "Your business number". That second number is used for sending and receiving texts until your business number is approved for texting.
When we need something from you
Most of the time, nothing. Two cases look different on the card:
- "Finish your details to turn on texting". Carriers need a few business details before we can submit your registration. Select Finish setup to open the Business page. It takes about two minutes.
- "Our team is working on this — nothing needed from you". Something needs attention on our side. You don't need to act.
To see each part of the registration, read "Check your SMS registration status".