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French operators block SMS sent from standard mobile numbers (+33 6xx / +33 7xx). You must register a Sender ID before sending any SMS or enabling automatic replies from a French number.
There is a limit of 40 SMS per day.

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Sender ID Self-Serve Setup

You can now register a Sender ID directly from the Allo app. Your SMS will display your company name instead of a phone number. This also unlocks automatic SMS replies for missed calls on French numbers.
1

Open Settings > Compliance

Go to Settings > Compliance in your Allo dashboard (desktop or web).
2

Submit your brand name

Enter your company name (3 to 11 characters, letters and digits only) and a sample message.
3

Wait for approval

Approval typically takes 48 hours. You will be notified when your Sender ID is active.
4

Start sending

Once approved, your outbound SMS display your brand name. Automatic SMS replies for missed calls are also unlocked.
Once your Sender ID is approved, head to Settings > Automatic SMS to configure your missed call auto-replies. You can set two different messages: one for missed calls during business hours, and one for after hours.

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Automatic SMS Replies (French numbers)

After registering your Sender ID, you can enable automatic text messages when you miss a call. This works the same way as on US numbers, but requires a Sender ID to comply with French regulations. How it works:
  • A caller reaches your Allo number and you don’t answer
  • Allo automatically sends an SMS using your brand name as the sender
  • You can configure two distinct messages: one for missed calls during business hours, and another for calls received outside your working hours
Setup:
  1. Register your Sender ID (see above)
  2. Go to Settings > Automatic SMS
  3. Write your messages for business hours and after hours
  4. Toggle the feature on
Automatic SMS replies are not available for French numbers without a registered Sender ID. This is a regulatory requirement, not an Allo limitation.

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Why standard mobile numbers don’t work

French operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile) prohibit using mobile numbers for business SMS. ARCEP — France’s telecom regulator — formalized this ban in January 2023. If you try to send SMS from a +33 6 or +33 7 number via API, operators block the message at the network level. Numbers that exceed volume thresholds are automatically suspended. Allo offers two compliant alternatives: Alphanumeric Sender ID and Short Code.

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Your options

Your SMS displays a custom text name (up to 11 characters) instead of a phone number. For example, your recipients see “MOBILEFIRST” instead of +33 6 12 34 56 78.How it works: Allo sends your SMS with your brand name as the sender. Recipients see your company name on their phone. No phone number appears.Best for: Appointment reminders, order confirmations, payment notifications, and one-way marketing campaigns.Formatting rules:
  • 3 to 11 characters
  • Letters (A-Z, a-z) and digits (0-9) only
  • Must contain at least one letter
  • No spaces or special characters
Key limitation: Recipients cannot reply. For marketing SMS, include a STOP instruction in the message body (e.g., “STOP au 36179”).Setup time: Typically 48 hours via the self-serve flow. No additional cost beyond your SMS plan.

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Setup

1

Open Settings > Compliance

Go to Settings > Compliance in your Allo dashboard and submit your desired sender name (3 to 11 characters). Example: “MOBILEFIRST”.
2

Brand verification

Allo verifies your sender name against French operator rules. Certain names are restricted — generic terms like “Alert” or “Bank” and protected brand names (government agencies, major banks) are blocked by AF2M.
3

Activation

Once approved, your sender ID is activated automatically. All outbound SMS from your account display your brand name. This typically takes 48 hours.
Most small businesses start with Alphanumeric Sender ID. Add a Short Code later if you need two-way messaging.

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French SMS compliance rules

Sending business SMS in France requires following three sets of rules: ARCEP (telecom), CNIL (data protection), and AF2M (industry charter). Consent:
  • B2C (consumer) SMS: Explicit opt-in consent required before sending. Pre-checked boxes are illegal.
  • B2B (professional) SMS: No prior opt-in required, but the message must relate to the recipient’s professional activity. You must identify yourself and offer opt-out.
Time restrictions (marketing SMS only):
  • No marketing SMS on Sundays or French public holidays
  • No marketing SMS between 20:00 and 08:00
  • Transactional SMS (order confirmations, OTPs, alerts) has no time restrictions
STOP mechanism: Every marketing SMS must include opt-out instructions. With a Short Code, recipients reply “STOP” directly. With an Alphanumeric Sender ID, include a short code reference in the message body (e.g., “STOP au 36179”). Sender ID restrictions: AF2M maintains a list of protected sender names. Names impersonating public institutions, banks, or major brands are blocked. Allo checks your sender name during verification.

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Common questions

No. French operators block SMS sent from standard mobile numbers (+33 6 / +33 7) via API. You need an Alphanumeric Sender ID or Short Code.
No. Alphanumeric Sender IDs are one-way only. If you need two-way messaging, use a Short Code.
No additional setup fee. You pay standard per-message rates included in your Business plan.
A dedicated Short Code takes 2 to 4 months. A shared Short Code through an aggregator takes days to a few weeks. Allo handles the process for you.
Generic terms (“Alert”, “Bank”, “Delivery”, “Test”) and names impersonating government agencies, banks, or major brands are blocked by AF2M. Your sender name must represent your actual business.
No. Marketing SMS is restricted to weekdays (Monday to Saturday) between 08:00 and 20:00, excluding French public holidays. Transactional SMS has no time restrictions.

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SMS & Messaging

Learn more about Allo SMS features