Overview
Welcome to textbee.dev documentation. Learn how to transform your Android device into a powerful SMS gateway for your applications.
Welcome to the textbee.dev documentation. Use this guide to send and receive SMS programmatically via your Android device.
What is textbee.dev?
textbee.dev is an open-source SMS gateway that uses your Android phone as the gateway. Control it through the web dashboard or REST API — no per-message fees from commercial providers; you use your existing phone plan.
Key Benefits
- Cost-effective: No per-message fees from third-party providers
- Easy integration: Simple REST API works with any programming language
- Private and secure: Your messages stay on your devices
- Open source: Code available on GitHub
- Flexible: Works with any application that can make HTTP requests
Use Cases
- Notifications and alerts: Order confirmations, appointment reminders, system alerts
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Send OTP and verification codes via SMS
- Marketing campaigns: Promotional messages (ensure compliance with local regulations)
- Customer communication: Two-way SMS with customers
- Personal automation: Reminders, IoT alerts, and similar use cases
Getting Started
- Set up textbee — Create your account and install the app
- Register a device — Connect your Android phone
- Send your first SMS — Start sending messages
Documentation Structure
- Getting Started: Setup guides and device registration
- Sending SMS: Individual and bulk messages
- Receiving SMS: Process incoming messages
- Webhooks: Event-driven notifications
- Pricing: Plan details and limits
- FAQ: Common questions and answers
Limitations
- Android only: An Android phone is required as the SMS gateway; iOS is not supported.
- Phone must stay online: The device needs an active internet connection (Wi‑Fi or mobile data) and should stay powered on. For a dedicated gateway, keep it plugged in.
- Message limits: Free and Pro plans have monthly limits. See Pricing for details.
- Scheduled messages: Not yet available.