SMS Capabilities

Voice conversations are powerful for building rapport, but text messages are better for delivering hard data. Caller AI allows your assistant to send SMS messages during the call to confirm details, provide links, or summarize next steps.

How it Works

SMS in Caller AI is handled as a Tool. The AI triggers the tool, and the system sends the text via the phone number attached to the assistant.

Compliance Warning: To send SMS messages, you must have an active number that is registered for A2P 10DLC (if in the US). Sending messages from unregistered numbers may result in blocking by carriers.

Enabling SMS Tools

You do not need to build a custom tool for basic SMS. Caller AI provides a pre-built function.

  1. Go to Tools in your Assistant Settings.
  2. Enable the Send SMS tool.
  3. Configure the Default Message (optional). If left blank, the AI will generate the message content dynamically based on the conversation.

Common Use Cases

1. Sending Booking Links

If you don't use the integrated Cal.com tool, you can simply text the link to the user.

System Prompt Instruction "If the user wants to book a time, say: 'I will text you a link to our calendar so you can pick a time that works best.' Then, use the sendSMS tool to send: 'Here is the link to book your appointment: https://cal.com/mybusiness'."

2. Post-Call Summary

Send a summary of what was discussed immediately after the call ends (or right before hanging up).

System Prompt Instruction "Before ending the call, ask the user if they want a text summary. If yes, use the sendSMS tool to send a bulleted list of the key points we discussed."

3. Address Confirmation

Voice is prone to error when dictating addresses. Texting ensures accuracy.

System Prompt Instruction "I've updated your address to 123 Main St. I'm sending you a text right now to confirm I have it spelled correctly."

Receiving SMS (Inbound)

Currently, Caller AI focuses on Voice automation. Incoming SMS messages to your Caller AI numbers are logged in the Conversations tab in the dashboard, but the AI does not automatically reply via text chat at this time.

To handle inbound SMS replies automatically, we recommend using the Webhooks integration to forward incoming messages to a platform like GoHighLevel, Slack, or Zendesk.

Costs

SMS messages are billed separately from voice minutes. Check your billing section for current per-segment SMS rates (usually significantly lower than voice costs).