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Connect Phone Numbers/Lines to MessageDesk

Setting up texting is a single, streamlined flow that combines carrier registration with phone configuration. You choose the number path (purchase, host, or connect), we guide you through the right steps, and you start texting.

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Your Onboarding Journey

1. Complete the phone configuration form Fill out our configuration form to kick off setup: Typeform → 2. Provide business information (if needed) If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll add basic business details so we can complete A2P 10DLC (for local numbers) or Toll-Free Verification. 3. Choose your configuration path

• Purchase new: Local 10DLC or toll-free numbers
• Connect existing: Landline, VoIP, local 10DLC, or toll-free numbers
• Connect Twilio: Plug in your Twilio numbers (see note below)

4. Start texting Once approved and connected, you’re ready to message from your shared inbox.

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Important to Know

• Registration is part of setup: It’s not a separate first step—our flow handles it.
• Smart routing in the form: The configuration form adapts to your choices (purchase vs. connect, local vs. toll-free, etc.).
• Different paths for different stacks: Twilio-connected numbers keep using your Twilio registration state.

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Supported Number Types

MessageDesk can text-enable most business numbers in the U.S. and Canada.

1. Landlines / local 10-digit numbers
2. VoIP provider numbers (RingCentral, Dialpad, Zoom, Vonage, Nextiva, etc.)
3. Toll-free numbers (800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, 888)
4. Twilio numbers (connected to your Twilio account)

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Landlines / local 10-digit numbers

Text-enable traditional wired/legacy lines across all U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Connect Landline and VoIP Numbers to MessageDesk

Learn how to connect an existing landline or VoIP number to MessageDesk for texting.

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VoIP provider numbers

Integrate numbers from common business VoIP systems (e.g., RingCentral, Dialpad, Grasshopper, Ooma, Aircall, Vonage, Nextiva, Verizon Business, AT&T Business, Zoom).

Connect Landline and VoIP Numbers to MessageDesk

Learn how to connect an existing landline or VoIP number to MessageDesk for texting.

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Toll-free numbers

Text-enable North American toll-free numbers with prefixes 800/833/844/855/866/877/888.

Connect Landline and VoIP Numbers to MessageDesk

Learn how to connect an existing landline or VoIP number to MessageDesk for texting.

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Twilio numbers

Use your Twilio numbers within MessageDesk’s shared team inbox.

Connect Twilio Numbers to MessageDesk

Learn how to connect your Twilio numbers to MessageDesk.

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Unsupported Number Types

• International numbers outside the U.S./Canada
• Google Voice and mobile carrier personal numbers (unless fully ported to a VoIP provider first)
• Virtual numbers (non-carrier virtual SMS apps/services)
• Short codes (outbound) – MessageDesk doesn’t send from 5–6 digit codes
  • Inbound from short codes is supported (you can receive replies)

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Hosting vs. Porting (What’s the Difference?)

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Phone number hosting (text-enable only)

We add SMS to your existing number—voice stays with your current provider.

• Keep your current number
• Calls continue to route exactly as they do now
• Texts flow through MessageDesk into your shared inbox

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Phone number porting (move everything)

We move the entire number (voice + text) to MessageDesk.

• Full transfer of services
• MessageDesk becomes the provider for that number

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Texting with Multiple Numbers

You can connect up to 48 phone lines to a single workspace and manage all conversations in one place. Filter your inbox by phone line, and tailor roles & permissions so only the right teammates see the right conversations.

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Registration & Deliverability Essentials

• A2P 10DLC (local): Required for most U.S. local business texting; improves throughput and reduces filtering.
• Toll-Free Verification: Recommended/required for higher volume and better deliverability on toll-free.
• Twilio: Registration stays in Twilio; just connect your numbers to MessageDesk.
• Timing: Registration can take time to approve—plan ahead for campaigns.
• Content: Avoid generic short links and spammy phrasing; include opt-out language when appropriate.

Learn more: Carrier Registration Overview

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Frequently Asked Phone Number Questions

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How many phone numbers can I connect?

Up to 48 phone numbers per workspace.

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How soon can I start texting?

• Outbound: After your number is connected and registration (10DLC or toll-free) is approved.
• Inbound: As soon as the number is connected, inbound texts will appear in your inbox.

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Does every teammate see every conversation?

No. Use roles & permissions to limit access by phone line, label, or teammate inbox.

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Can I rename lines for clarity?

Yes. Go to Settings → Phone Management to name a line (you can even add an emoji), which helps triage in the Inbox.

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Can international users access MessageDesk with US or Canadian numbers?

Yes, international users can use MessageDesk with US or Canadian numbers if they are tied to a North American business entity and can complete carrier registration for that entity. For example, a US-based business with support representatives in other countries can use MessageDesk.

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Can I send or receive texts internationally with a US or Canadian number?

No. MessageDesk only supports sending and receiving text messages to and from phone numbers in North America (US and Canada). Even if you have a US-registered number, you cannot text phone numbers outside of North America.

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What if my provider isn’t listed?

If it’s a standard landline or VoIP number in the U.S./Canada, we can likely text-enable it. Use the configuration form, and we’ll route you down the right path.

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Can I use phone line extension numbers with MessageDesk?

MessageDesk does not directly integrate with or support texting for phone line extension numbers. However, you can configure user Roles and Permissions in MessageDesk to limit access to certain phone lines. Additionally, you can use conversation assignment and Relays to automate who gets assigned to what conversation on any given phone line. Learn more: Team Management | Relays