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SMS Messaging Ramp (Warm-Up) Guide

The SMS Messaging Ramp (Warm-Up) gradually increases your daily SMS sending limit by requiring successful message volume milestones within 24-hour windows.

Updated over 2 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

  • Accounts sending SMS for the first time.

  • Accounts increasing outbound SMS volume.

  • Accounts that see SMS limits or temporary sending blocks.

  • Anyone needing to understand why their SMS limit is capped.


What the SMS Messaging Ramp Is

The SMS Messaging Ramp is a built-in compliance and deliverability safeguard.

It:

  • Limits how many SMS messages an account can send per day.

  • Gradually increases limits as usage proves legitimate.

  • Helps protect phone numbers from carrier filtering or suspension.

The ramp is automatic and cannot be bypassed.


Where to Find Messaging Limits

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Select Phone Numbers.

  3. Open Advanced Settings.

  4. Click Messaging Limit.

This screen shows your current level, daily limit, and future levels.


Understanding Messaging Ramp Levels

Each level has:

  • A daily message limit

  • A requirement to unlock the next level

Example levels shown in the Messaging Ramp Progress Card:

  • Level 1: 100 messages/day

  • Level 2: 250 messages/day

  • Level 3: 500 messages/day

  • Level 4: 750 messages/day

  • Level 5: 1500 messages/day

  • Level 6: 2250 messages/day

  • Level 7: 3000 messages/day

  • Level 8: 3000+ messages/day

Locked levels appear greyed out until unlocked.


How to Unlock the Next Level

To move up one level:

  1. Send exactly your current level’s full daily limit within 24 hours.

  2. Once the limit is reached, SMS sending is temporarily blocked for 24 hours.

  3. After the 24-hour block ends, the next level unlocks automatically.

This pause is expected behavior and confirms compliance to carriers.


What Happens During the 24-Hour Block

  • SMS sending is disabled.

  • Incoming messages can still be received.

  • No action is required from you.

  • The unlock time is displayed directly in the Messaging Ramp card.

The block is not an error or penalty.


Reaching the Highest Level

When you reach Level 8:

  • Your account can send 3000+ messages per day.

  • You will see a confirmation message.

  • Further increases typically require contacting your agency or support.


Common Issues and Fixes

Not Unlocking the Next Level

  • Confirm you sent the full required message count.

  • Ensure all messages were sent within one 24-hour window.

  • Wait for the full 24-hour cooldown to complete.

Sending Blocked Unexpectedly

  • This usually means you successfully hit the level requirement.

  • Check the unlock timestamp shown in the Messaging Ramp card.

Limits Not Increasing

  • Levels do not unlock partially.

  • Missing even one message prevents the upgrade.


FAQ

What is the SMS Messaging Ramp Card?

It is a visual tracker that shows your current SMS level, daily sending limit, and what is required to unlock higher limits.

How do I unlock the next level?

Send the full message limit for your current level within 24 hours, then wait through the automatic 24-hour sending block.

What happens when I reach the highest level?

You gain access to 3000+ messages per day and may be guided to contact support for further scaling options.

What kind of messages should I send during warm-up?

Send legitimate, opt-in, conversational messages that follow SMS compliance best practices. Avoid spam or blast-style messaging.

Is the Messaging Ramp visible to all users?

Yes. Any user with SMS permissions in the account can view the Messaging Ramp status.

Will my level reset if I stop sending messages?

No. Once a level is unlocked, it remains unlocked unless the account is inactive for an extended period of several months.

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