---
id: sms-inbound
title: Inbound SMS (Twilio)
description: Configure Twilio to send inbound SMS to Chatley and enable SMS on your agent.
---

Use this guide to connect Twilio so incoming text messages reach your Chatley
agent. API credentials stay on the Chatley server; you only copy webhook URLs
into Twilio.

## Before you begin

- A Twilio account with a phone number that supports SMS.
- An agent in Chatley with a phone number assigned (required before enabling SMS).
- Compliance: follow Twilio and carrier rules (10DLC, toll-free verification, etc.).

## Step 1 — Open Post-call SMS

1. Sign in and open the workspace that contains your agent.
2. Open the agent, go to the **Actions** tab, then scroll to **Post-call SMS**.
   The same panel lists your **inbound SMS webhook URL** and optional status
   callback — copy the primary webhook when it appears.

## Step 2 — Configure Twilio

1. In Twilio Console, open your phone number (or Messaging Service) configuration.
2. Under **A message comes in**, choose **Webhook** and method **HTTP POST**.
3. Paste the webhook URL from Chatley and save.
4. Optionally set the status callback URL if Chatley shows one — useful for
   delivery reporting.

:::note
The UI may show a webhook URL on your app's own domain, or a separate API URL —
either is valid as long as Twilio can reach it over the public internet. If in
doubt, use the URL shown in the **Post-call SMS** panel.
:::

## Step 3 — Inbound handling and post-call texts

After Twilio is pointed at the webhook, incoming SMS to your agent's number can
be handled by Chatley according to your plan and server rules. In the same
**Post-call SMS** section, you can turn on **Send SMS after calls end** to text
the **caller** when a voice session ends — for example a thank-you or order
confirmation. Choose a template or a custom message, save, and ensure your use
case and compliance posture allow automated outbound texts.

## Troubleshooting

| Problem | What to check |
| --- | --- |
| **Webhook URL missing in UI** | Ensure you are signed in and the API is reachable; refresh the agent page and open **Actions → Post-call SMS**. |
| **Twilio errors** | Check Twilio Debugger and confirm the URL is HTTPS in production. |
| **No reply from the agent** | Confirm SMS is enabled for the agent and the correct number is linked. |

## Next steps

- [Talk to Assistant](./talk-to-assistant.md) — test your agent live.
- [Webhooks](./webhooks.md) — forward captured leads to your own systems.