Frequently Asked Questions for Zoom Phone SMS Texting
This is intended for Staff and Faculty Accounts Only. This is not for Student Zoom Accounts.
*Please note that Minnesota State University Mankato is currently in the process of transitioning all employees from the Cisco phone system to the Zoom phone service. This article applies only to those who have been moved to the Zoom phone service. Learn more about this project on the Zoom webpage.
Reference this article for Sending SMS (Text Mesasages) on Zoom Phone App
Can I receive and send messages from my Yealink desk phone?
No, SMS text messages must be read and sent using the Zoom app on your laptop or desktop computer, or the Zoom app on your Android or IOS smartphone.
Can I opt out of using Zoom SMS texting on my University Phone?
Yes, contact the IT Solutions Center to have SMS turned off for your Zoom Phone office number.
How do I send images?
You can send JPG, PNG, and GIF files. See the SMS user guide for more information.
Can I send video files?
Not at this time. Zoom is working to enable this in the future.
Can I send or receive messages to/from SMS short codes? (For example, receiving Multi-Factor Authentication codes.)
Yes. you can receive SMS messages from short codes. For example, you can receive messages for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or messages from ordering services.
How do I determine what phone numbers are associated with an SMS message?
While viewing an SMS conversation, click or tap the information button 
beside the recipient's number or name.
How can I create a contact to identify someone I receive an SMS message from?
Hover over the SMS message and then click on the three dots (... more), then select Create Contact - Create a Personal Contact.
Which phone numbers can I use to send/receive SMS messages?
Your University-issued office phone number.
Our Telecommunications Coordinator can also use phone numbers associated with a call queue or auto receptionist (except the main University number). NOTE: there is an additional licensing cost needed for this purpose.
You cannot send or receive messages from a shared line number.
If I have multiple direct phone numbers, how do I select the desired number to send a message?
When composing a new SMS message, you can switch phone numbers using the From drop-down menu above the text box.
For existing SMS conversations, you can’t switch your phone number. Compose a new SMS message to change your phone number.
Can I send an SMS message to a group?
You can an SMS message to a group of up to 10 phone numbers.
Can I use my toll-free numbers for SMS ?
Not at this time. Toll-free numbers don't support sending or receiving SMS messages. Zoom is working to enable this in the future.
Can I send messages to an international number?
Our Telecommunications Coordinator can enable the ability to send/receive SMS for certain countries/regions. Messages sent to international telephone numbers will be metered according to the international messaging rate table and there will be a monthly charge associated with sending and receiving these messages.
Can I send messages from auto receptionist and call queue phone numbers?
Yes, if enabled by our Telecommunications Coordinator. NOTE: this will require additional licensing and costs. Learn more about the prerequisites for this feature.
What should I do if I'm not receiving messages on my direct phone number from select carriers?
If it's been more than 2 hours since you’ve added the phone number to your account, please contact IT Solutions for assistance.
What is the character limit for SMS messages?
When using Zoom desktop client or mobile app, each message can contain up to 500 characters.
Note: Each SMS message can contain up to 160 characters as this is the standard SMS character limit. When sending a message longer than 160 characters, the Zoom desktop client or mobile app will automatically segment the message. You will see a single message on the Zoom desktop client and mobile app, but your recipient may see several messages.
Does SMS support end-to-end encryption?
Zoom Phone SMS does not support end-to-end encryption.