Connect Twilio for SMS
Toolfy offers two ways to enable SMS notifications: Managed SMS (we handle everything) or Bring Your Own Twilio account (you control everything). Choose the approach that fits your business.
Integration options
Managed SMS (Recommended)
Toolfy handles Twilio provisioning, carrier compliance, and number purchasing for you. No Twilio account needed.
Best for: Small teams who want SMS without complexity
Bring Your Own Twilio (Advanced)
Connect your existing Twilio account via Twilio Connect for full control over subaccounts and billing.
Best for: Teams with existing Twilio accounts or enterprise requirements
Managed SMS setup
This is the default option for most Toolfy customers. No Twilio account required.
Step 1: Complete the wizard
Navigate to Reminders → Channels and click "Finish SMS setup". Provide your business profile and sample message copy.
Detailed instructions: Set Up SMS Notifications
Step 2: Toolfy provisions your number
Our team creates a Twilio subaccount for your organization, registers your brand with carriers, files the messaging campaign, and purchases a compliant phone number.
Timeline: 1–3 business days for UK/US. The wizard shows live progress updates.
Step 3: Enable SMS reminders
When the status shows "Number live", flip on SMS for the reminders you need (job confirmations, invoice nudges, review requests). Usage appears on your Toolfy invoice.
Bring Your Own Twilio
Connect your existing Twilio account via Twilio Connect for full control.
Prerequisites
- • Active Twilio account with verified business profile
- • TrustHub Business Profile approved (required for SMS in most regions)
- • A2P 10DLC registration complete (US) or equivalent for your region
- • At least one active phone number with SMS capabilities
Contact Toolfy support
Email support@toolfy.io with your organization ID and confirm you want to connect your own Twilio account. We'll verify your account meets requirements.
Authorize Twilio Connect
We'll send you a secure Twilio Connect authorization link. Click it and grant Toolfy access to send messages using your numbers. This uses OAuth—we never see your Twilio password.
Select your phone number
In Settings → SMS, choose which of your Twilio numbers Toolfy should use for outbound messages. You can switch numbers anytime.
Enable SMS reminders
Navigate to Reminders → Channels and flip on SMS for the recipes you need. Messages send from your Twilio number and billing goes through your Twilio account.
Switching between integration types
From Managed to BYO Twilio
Contact support to disconnect the managed number and authorize your Twilio account. Your message templates and reminder settings carry over automatically. The managed number stays reserved for 30 days in case you change your mind.
From BYO Twilio to Managed
Revoke Toolfy's Twilio Connect access from your Twilio console, then complete the Managed SMS wizard. We'll provision a new number and your reminder settings remain intact.
Common questions
Does Toolfy see my Twilio credentials?
No. Twilio Connect uses OAuth tokens—we never see your Twilio password or account SID. You can revoke access anytime from your Twilio console.
Can I use a short code or toll-free number?
Managed SMS provisions standard local numbers (10DLC in US, geographic in UK). If you have a short code or toll-free number in your Twilio account, connect via BYO Twilio and select that number in Settings.
What permissions does Toolfy need in my Twilio account?
We request read access to your phone numbers and send permissions for SMS. We cannot create subaccounts, purchase numbers, or access your billing. The Twilio Connect authorization screen shows exactly what we can do.
How does billing work with BYO Twilio?
Twilio bills you directly for message segments at your negotiated rates. Toolfy never marks up SMS costs. You still pay your normal Toolfy subscription—SMS is included in all plans.
Related articles
- Set Up SMS Notifications - Complete guide to Managed SMS provisioning
- Troubleshoot SMS Delivery - Fix common delivery issues
- SMS Opt-Out Management - Handle unsubscribe requests