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Two-Way SMS

Send and receive SMS messages directly from your WordPress dashboard with interactive conversations and automated commands.

Available on:
Free All-in-One Two-Way

The Two-Way SMS add-on transforms your WordPress site into a complete SMS communication hub. Instead of just sending outbound messages, you can receive and respond to incoming texts directly from your WordPress dashboard, enabling interactive conversations with your customers.

Why Two-Way SMS?

Two-way SMS communication opens up new possibilities for customer engagement:

BenefitDescription
Customer SupportLet customers reach you via text and respond instantly
Order ManagementEnable order inquiries and updates via SMS commands
Lead GenerationCapture leads through text message conversations
Higher Engagement98% SMS open rate ensures messages are read

Key Features

Interactive SMS Inbox

View and manage all incoming SMS messages in a dedicated inbox within your WordPress admin. Reply directly to messages without leaving your dashboard.

SMS Commands

Set up automated command responses. Customers can text keywords like CANCEL 123 to manage orders or trigger specific actions automatically.

WooCommerce Integration

Manage WooCommerce orders via SMS. Customers can check order status, cancel orders, or get updates by sending simple text commands.

Email Incoming Message

Forward all incoming SMS messages to the WordPress admin email address. Never miss an important message even when you’re away from your dashboard.

Forward Incoming Message

Forward incoming messages to the admin’s phone number with a custom message template. Stay connected on the go with instant SMS notifications.

Additional Features

FeatureDescription
Subscribe/UnsubscribeLet people join or leave your SMS newsletter via text
Order Notes IntegrationInsert notes to WooCommerce orders via SMS commands
Message ThreadingView complete conversation history with each customer
Search & FilterFind messages quickly with powerful search tools

Supported Gateways

Two-Way SMS works with gateways that support incoming message webhooks:

  • Twilio
  • Plivo
  • Nexmo/Vonage
  • Telnyx
  • Clickatell
  • BulkSMS
  • ASPSMS
  • AfricasTalking
  • Octopush
  • Mobile Message (AU)

NOTE

See Two-Way Gateway Setup for step-by-step webhook configuration instructions for each gateway.

How It Works

  1. Set Up Your Gateway: Configure a two-way capable SMS gateway (like Twilio or Nexmo)
  2. Configure Webhook: Copy your webhook URL and configure it in your gateway’s dashboard
  3. Manage Your Inbox: View all incoming messages in your WordPress admin
  4. Reply Directly: Respond to customers without leaving your dashboard
  5. Set Up Commands: Configure SMS commands for automated responses

Configuration

General Settings

  1. Go to SMS Two Way → Settings (or SMS → Settings → Two Way)
  2. Configure settings:
    • Enable/disable two-way messaging
    • Email Incoming Message (forward to admin email)
    • Forward Incoming Message (forward to admin phone with custom message)

Webhook URL

Your incoming message webhook URL is displayed in the settings page:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-json/wp-sms-two-way/v1/webhook?wpsms_token=YOUR_TOKEN

The token is automatically generated. For gateways requiring manual setup, copy this URL and configure it in your gateway’s dashboard. See Two-Way Gateway Setup for step-by-step instructions.

SMS Commands Setup

  1. Go to SMS Two Way → Commands
  2. Click Add New Command
  3. Configure:
    • Command Name: The keyword trigger (e.g., STATUS, CANCEL, HELP)
    • Action: What happens when the command is received
    • Response: Message to send back
  4. Save the command

WooCommerce Commands

Enable WooCommerce-specific commands:

CommandExampleAction
STATUSSTATUS 12345Returns order status
CANCELCANCEL 12345Requests order cancellation
NOTENOTE 12345 Please deliver after 5pmAdds note to order

Email Incoming Message

Forward incoming SMS to admin email:

  1. Go to SMS Two Way → Settings
  2. Find Email Incoming Message
  3. Enable the Status toggle
  4. Messages will be forwarded to the WordPress admin email

Forward Incoming Message

Forward incoming SMS to admin phone:

  1. Go to SMS Two Way → Settings
  2. Find Forward Incoming Message
  3. Enable forwarding
  4. Messages will be sent to the admin’s phone number
  5. Customize the forwarding message template

Message Variables

Use these variables in forwarding messages:

VariableDescription
%sender_number%Sender’s phone number
%message%Original message content
%site_name%Your website name
%order_id%Order ID (for WooCommerce commands)
%order_status%Order status (for WooCommerce commands)

Example Messages

Forward Message Template

New SMS from %sender_number%: %message%

Subscribe Confirmation

You're now subscribed to %site_name% updates! Reply STOP to unsubscribe anytime.

Debugging

Incoming webhook requests are logged for troubleshooting:

/wp-content/uploads/wp-sms-two-way-logs/incoming_requests

Check this log if messages aren’t being received.

Installation

  1. Ensure WSMS is installed and activated
  2. Download Two-Way SMS from your account
  3. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
  4. Upload wp-sms-two-way.zip and activate
  5. Enter license key in SMS → Add-Ons
  6. Configure webhook in your gateway (if required)

Requirements

RequirementVersion
WordPress6.0+
PHP7.4+
MySQL5.7+
MariaDB10.2+ (alternative to MySQL)
WSMS (core)6.9+
PHP Intl ExtensionRequired
SMS GatewayMust support two-way/incoming webhooks

IMPORTANT

If using a non-default database port, specify it in wp-config.php:

define('DB_HOST', 'localhost:10016');

Perfect For

  • E-commerce stores offering SMS-based customer support
  • Service businesses managing appointments and bookings
  • Organizations running SMS-based surveys or feedback campaigns
  • Businesses wanting to improve customer communication
  • Support teams handling inquiries via SMS

Documentation

Last updated: December 29, 2025