Using SMS (Text Messaging) on Zoom Phone App

Question

How can I send a test message using my Zoom Phone  

Overview

This is intended for Staff and Faculty Zoom Phone accounts Only. This is not for Student Zoom Accounts.

NOTE: SMS texting and messaging is only available through the Zoom app. It is not available on Yealink desk phones.

*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.

How to compose and send a new SMS message

Note: If you are sending an SMS (text) or group SM (text) to US and Canada emergency phone numbers, you will receive an error message stating that text to emergency service is not available, and instead to call those numbers. The system will automatically call those emergency phone numbers for you after a 10 seconds countdown unless you cancel the call.

How to compose and send an SMS (Text Message) through the Zoom App

1. Sign into the Zoom App via laptop or mobile      

• Zoom: Sign In on Windows with University Account
• Zoom: Sign In on Mac with University Account
• Zoom: Sign In on iPhone or Android Using University Account
• Zoom: Sign In on Chromebook Using University Account

2. Click or tap the Phone icon
3. Click or tap the SMS tab
4. Click or tap the compose icon below the SMS tab .
5. In the To field at the top, enter a name or phone number to search through your contacts directory, or manually enter a phone number. You can add up to 10 contacts / phone numbers.
   If the recipient is in your contacts directory, the number will be replaced by the contact's name, otherwise, it will remain a phone number.
   Note: If the contact has several phone numbers, click the right arrow icon  to view and select the number to send SMS to.
5. Enter a message
6. Send the message
   • Desktop Client: Press the Enter key
   • Mobile App: Tap the send icon 

How to reply to an existing SMS conversation

1. Sign in to the Zoom desktop client, mobile app, or Zoom PWA.
2. Click or tap the Phone tab.
3. Click or tap the SMS tab.
4. Click or tap an SMS conversation.
5. Enter a message.
6. Send the message.
   • Desktop client or Zoom PWA: Press the Enter key.
   • Mobile app: Tap the send icon .

How to reply to an existing SMS conversation

1. Sign in to the Zoom desktop client, mobile app, or Zoom PWA.
2. Click or tap the Phone tab.
3. Click or tap the SMS tab.
4. Click or tap an SMS conversation.
5. Enter a message.
6. Send the message.
   • Desktop client or Zoom PWA: Press the Enter key.
   • Mobile app: Tap the send icon .

How to use SMS features

While composing a new SMS or replying to an existing conversation, you can use these features:

Send images (JPG, PNG, and GIF files)

Notes:

• You can only send one image at a time. Sending images (also known as MMS) is not supported when sending to international phone numbers.

Desktop client:

1. 1. Click the File button to select an image.
   2. (Optional) Enter a message to send with the image.
   3. Press the Enter key to send the image.
      If you also enter a message, the text and image will appear in a single chat bubble in Zoom Phone. The other SMS participant may see separate chat bubbles depending on their SMS service. 

Mobile app:

1. 1. Tap the plus icon .
   2. Tap Photo Album to select an image to send.
   3. Tap Done.
   4. (Optional) Enter a message to send with the image.
   5. Tap the send icon  to send the image.
      If you also enter a message, the text and image will appear in a single chat bubble in Zoom Phone. The other SMS participant may see separate chat bubbles depending on their SMS service. 
       

Call the other SMS participant

If you would like to call a person who sent you an SMS message, click or tap the phone button  at the top of the message text. (to the left of their name or phone number)

View phone numbers involved in the SMS conversation

Click or tap the info button in top-right corner:  (more info)

Prerequisites for using SMS

• SMS is enabled and can be disabled by the IT Solutions Telecommunications Coordinator.
• Extension-only phone users cannot use SMS
• Toll-free phone numbers don't support SMS​​​​​​
• International SMS doesn't support sending images.
• Requires Zoom desktop client or mobile app, version 5.4.7 or higher
• SMS is not supported on Yealink desk phones.