Number restrictions

Some restrictions do apply when using Numbers. You can find specific restrictions per country on our Country Features page.

Numbers are best used for local, two-way communication and for receiving SMS from local mobiles rather than internationally.

SMS vs. Voice Numbers

Be sure to specify which number capabilities you need when you buy a Number.

If a Number you have is neither Voice nor SMS-enabled, you’ll need to purchase another number in order to have that functionality.

United States and Canada

American and Canadian Numbers have a daily limit of 500 SMS per day, and 1 SMS per second.

If you want to send more than 500 SMS per day or require a higher throughput, you can buy additional Numbers.

For example: 3 Numbers = 3 SMS per second and 1500 SMS per day.

If you’re using our API and your dedicated Number, you will have to bear this in mind when setting up your configuration.

If you ignore these regulations, the operator may block your Number. For the Shared Number, we take care of the limitations for you by throttling.

For a full overview of USA and Canada related restrictions, you can check out the [Country restrictions](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/sections/360000108538-Country-info-Restrictions m).

Receiving Verification Codes

Numbers are designed for two-way communication with a SIM card phone number, not for receiving from an application system like the ones that generate verification codes.

Virtual Numbers cannot be to be used to verify user accounts for receiving login codes and especially those of financial institutions. This is strictly prohibited and the use of a Number to receive OTP will result in the suspension of the account.