> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kero.chat/help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send an SMS message

> Send an individual SMS message in Kero using your SMS Agent, Sender ID or a reusable SMS template.

Once your SMS Agent is set up, you can send individual SMS messages directly from Kero.

You can write a new SMS message or use an existing SMS template.

> [!NOTE]
>
> SMS templates are useful for messages you send regularly and help keep your messaging consistent. They can also be reused when creating SMS campaigns.

## Create a Direct Message

From your Kero workspace:

1. Go to **Direct Message**.
2. Select **New Direct Message**.
3. Select your **SMS Agent**.

Selecting an SMS Agent tells Kero that you're sending an SMS and determines the SMS configuration available for the message.

> [!NOTE]
>
> If you haven't created an SMS Agent yet, see [Set up your SMS Agent](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/setup-your-sms-agent.md).

## Enter the mobile number

Enter the recipient's mobile number in the **Mobile Number** field.

Use the international number format, including the country code.

For example: `+27821234567`

Kero identifies the destination country from the mobile number.

> [!NOTE]
>
> SMS availability and Sender ID requirements can vary by destination country and mobile network.

You can check the requirements in [SMS Sender ID requirements by country](https://kero.chat/help/messaging-resources/messaging-directories/sms-sender-id-requirements-by-country.md).

## Choose how to create your message

You can either:

* write the SMS directly, or
* use an existing SMS template.

The **Use a template** switch controls which option you use.

## Write an SMS directly

Leave **Use a template** switched off.

The **Message Content** section will appear.

Enter your message in the **SMS Text** field.

As you type, Kero shows:

* **Characters**: The number of characters in your message
* **Parts**: The number of SMS parts required
* **Encoding**: Whether the message uses GSM or Unicode

The **Message Preview** updates as you compose your message.

> [!NOTE]
>
> SMS messages that exceed the character limit for a single SMS are divided into multiple parts. Each SMS part is billed as an individual SMS message.

Learn more in [SMS message length & character limits](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/sms-message-length-character-limits.md).

### Select your Sender ID

Select the **SMS Sender ID** you want to use.

Your Sender ID identifies who the message is from when it appears on the recipient's device.

Only Sender IDs available for your SMS configuration will appear in the dropdown.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Sender ID requirements vary by country. A Sender ID may need to be registered before it can be used for a particular destination.

Learn more in [About SMS Sender IDs](https://kero.chat/help/messaging-resources/sms-resources/about-sms-sender-ids.md).

## Send using an SMS template

If you want to use a saved SMS template, switch **Use a template** on.

Select the template you want to use from the **Template** dropdown.

Kero loads the content associated with the selected template.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Using templates is recommended for messages you send regularly. Templates help keep message content consistent and can also be reused in campaigns.

### Complete template parameters

SMS templates can contain parameters for information that changes between recipients.

For example, a template could contain:

`Hello {{first_name}}, how are you doing?`

When you select the template, Kero displays a field for each parameter used in the message.

Enter the value for each parameter before sending.

The **Message Preview** shows how the SMS will appear to the recipient.

## Review your message

Before sending, check:

* the SMS Agent
* the recipient's mobile number
* your message content
* any template parameters
* the Sender ID
* the message preview

If you're writing the SMS directly, also check the **Characters**, **Parts** and **Encoding** indicators.

## Send your SMS

When you're ready, select **Send**.

Kero submits the SMS for delivery using your configured SMS service.

> [!NOTE]
>
> A message being successfully submitted doesn't necessarily mean it has reached the recipient's device. Delivery information is returned after the message has been processed by the mobile network.

## What's next?

Learn how SMS character limits, encoding and message parts affect your messages.

Next, see [SMS message length & character limits](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/sms-message-length-character-limits.md).


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