Find solution
Is there a way to send out SMS messages for free?

What's the way for an iOS application to send SMS messages?

  • I need to allow users to send SMS using my app. Best of the SMS will not show up in "Sent" folder. Assume there is no Internet connection.

  • Answer:

    Short answer, you probably can't do what you want. iOS is a somewhat restrictive platform for development. There are reasons for that, and arguments to be made for and against it, but ultimately, that's the way it is. As a result, if you want to send an SMS, you have at least three options: - MFMessageComposeViewController (https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/MessageUI/Reference/MFMessageComposeViewController_class/Reference/Reference.html) which lets you use a system view to compose and send a message. It will show up in the conversation history ("sent folder") in Messages.app - sms links (https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/featuredarticles/iPhoneURLScheme_Reference/SMSLinks/SMSLinks.html), which offer you even less options than MFMessageComposeViewController - sending a message to a service you control over the internet to a service that sends an SMS message on your behalf; this is the closest to what you suggested, except you already excluded 'the internet' presumably for this reason Of course, if you're willing to write something that works on jailbroken devices only, then you have many more options. I assume that is also not something you're looking for?

Geoffrey Wiseman at Quora Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

You can't automatically send messages from your app, it's apple's restriction and you can't overcome over it. Instead, you can use MFMeasageComposeViewController class, so message can be sent using standard ios interface, but without closing your app. http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/MessageUI/Reference/MFMessageComposeViewController_class/Reference/Reference.html

Boris Rosenstein

I believe 's & 's answers are the most complete resolution for this question.

Paris Xavier

As the answers have explained; this cannot be done using native Classes in an iOS app. You could however integrate with a service provider such as Twilio.  I am looking into services like this for use in future app development.

Marc Diamante

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.