A Talkala number that can receive texts
Verified external caller IDs do not receive messages in Talkala. You need a Talkala number that can receive texts.
Receive SMS in Your Browser
Can you receive SMS in a browser? Yes, if you have a Talkala number that can receive texts. When someone texts that number, the reply can show up in Talkala next to the account you use for calls. It is for receiving replies, not sending campaigns.
The short version
Requires a Talkala number
Receive replies only
Text messages only
When SMS in the browser is useful
SMS in Talkala is for practical follow-up. A client texts a confirmation code. A vendor replies with an address. A family member sends a quick update to the number you called from. Those texts appear in Talkala instead of being mixed into your personal phone inbox.
What you need
To receive SMS, you need a Talkala number. It is the real phone number people text to reach you in Talkala.
The Messages inbox
Incoming messages appear in the signed-in Messages area. If you own multiple numbers, inboxes are separated by receiving number.
Receiving calls too
Voice works the same way: when receiving calls is set up, someone can call your Talkala number and it can ring in your browser.
Wallet balance for received texts
Texts Talkala accepts are charged from prepaid wallet balance. US Talkala numbers cost $0.02/SMS, and Canada Talkala numbers cost $0.03/SMS.
How received SMS works
A text comes in, Talkala checks whether it can deliver it, and the message appears in the right inbox.
Someone texts your Talkala number
The message must be sent to a Talkala number in your account.
Talkala checks whether it can deliver it
Talkala cannot deliver it if your balance is too low, the number is no longer active, or no SMS price is available for that number.
The message appears in your inbox
Messages Talkala can deliver are grouped into threads and can create a Numbers notification that links back to the Messages inbox.
Key detail
What SMS cannot do yet
Right now, Talkala SMS is for receiving text replies. It is not a marketing texting product, not a bulk sender, and not a replacement for a full mobile plan. If you also want people to call your Talkala number, see how browser call receiving works.
- You cannot send SMS from Talkala yet.
- MMS messages with pictures or files are not stored in the inbox.
- Prices are shown per SMS for readability, but wallet billing is per SMS segment. A short plain-text SMS is usually one segment. Longer texts, or texts with some special characters, can count as multiple segments.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I send SMS from Talkala?
No. SMS is receive-only at launch, even if you own a Talkala number.
Do I need a Talkala number to receive SMS?
Yes. To receive SMS in Talkala, people need to text a Talkala number in your account.
How is received SMS billed?
Received SMS uses prepaid wallet balance. US Talkala numbers cost $0.02/SMS, and Canada Talkala numbers cost $0.03/SMS. Prices are shown per SMS for readability, but wallet billing is per SMS segment. A short plain-text SMS is usually one segment. Longer texts, or texts with some special characters, can count as multiple segments.
Next step
Need a number before receiving SMS?
Review Talkala numbers first. They let you use the same caller ID and receive incoming text messages in the browser.