> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.invoca.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring Inbound SMS for AI Agents

> Let callers text one of your Invoca promo numbers directly and have an AI agent respond automatically, using a configuration you set up ahead of time.

## Overview

Inbound SMS lets a caller text one of your Invoca promo numbers instead of calling it, and have an AI agent respond automatically. The moment someone texts the number, the agent takes over the conversation using the setup you've configured in advance. This works well for programs where a prospect's first move is more likely to be a text than a call, such as Google Local Services Ads (LSA) campaigns or direct mail.

## Prerequisites

Before you configure inbound SMS, confirm the following:

* The promo number you want to use is already SMS-verified.
* You understand that each SMS-enabled number links to exactly one agent or workflow, and can't be moved between campaigns after the fact. Texts to that number report under whichever campaign it belongs to.

## Setup steps

1. From the network level, go to your **Promo Numbers** page and find the number you want to configure.
2. Click the actions menu (**•••**) next to that number.
3. Select **Configure Inbound SMS**.
4. In the pop-up modal, fill in three fields:
   * **Assign Agent**: choose the agent or workflow that should handle incoming texts.
   * **Initial Message**: the first SMS reply sent when a new conversation starts, such as a thank-you note along with opt-out instructions.
   * **Inbound Scheduled Callback RingPool**: the ringpool the agent pulls a number from if it schedules a callback with the lead. This field is required, but it's only used if your agent is configured to schedule callbacks.
5. Click **Save Configuration**.

Your initial message must include opt-out instructions to stay compliant with carrier SMS registration requirements. Use **STOP**, **UNSUBSCRIBE**, **CANCEL**, or **END** to give the consumer a clear way to opt out. Leaving this out of your initial message can cause your number to become unregistered with the carrier.

## How it works

When someone texts an SMS-enabled number, Invoca checks whether an existing conversation already exists for that consumer and number. If one exists, the agent continues where it left off. If not, Invoca sends the configured initial message first, followed by the agent using the consumer's inbound message to start the conversation.

If the same number instead receives an inbound call, it routes through the call treatment already configured for that campaign. You can customize the call treatment for that specific promo number, for example routing calls to a centralized call center, or it will default to using the campaign's standard call treatment.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I move an SMS-enabled number between campaigns?** Not directly. Contact Invoca Support if you need to move one. It's best to confirm a number is in the correct campaign before registering it for SMS in the first place.


## Related topics

- [AI Messaging Agent: Lead Form Follow-Up Guide](/s/article/ai-messaging-agent-lead-form-followup.md)
- [Creating Emails from Signals: SMS / Voice Agent Lead Intake](/s/article/creating-emails-from-signals-sms-voice-agent.md)
- [Activate Your AI Messaging Agent in Invoca](/s/article/activate-your-ai-messaging-agent-in-invoca.md)
- [Building Your AI Messaging Agent in Invoca](/s/article/building-your-ai-messaging-agent-in-invoca.md)
- [Reviewing your AI Messaging Metrics](/s/article/reviewing-your-ai-messaging-metrics.md)