# "How to Connect ClickSend SMS to On-Chat"

> "On-Chat integrates with ClickSend so your team can receive, respond to, and automate SMS conversations from customers using ClickSend's reliable global SMS platform."

URL: https://on-chat.live/guides/how-to-connect-clicksend-sms-to-on-chat/
Last updated: 2026-11-14

## Introduction
ClickSend is a global communication platform that provides SMS, email, voice, and postal messaging for businesses. Its SMS gateway offers high deliverability across 220+ countries. With ClickSend integrated into On-Chat, your support team can manage inbound SMS conversations from customers worldwide in a centralized shared inbox.

**SEO Keywords:** ClickSend SMS integration, ClickSend On-Chat, SMS helpdesk ClickSend, two-way SMS support, ClickSend API customer service, global SMS customer support

## Prerequisites
- An active ClickSend account with API access
- ClickSend API username and API key
- On-Chat account with admin access
- A ClickSend virtual number that supports inbound SMS
- Webhook URL support enabled in your ClickSend account

## Step 1: Retrieve Your ClickSend API Credentials
Log in to your ClickSend account at dashboard.clicksend.com. Go to **Account** → **API Credentials** and copy your **Username** and **API Key**. These credentials allow On-Chat to authenticate with ClickSend and send outbound SMS messages on your behalf.

## Step 2: Purchase a Virtual Number
In ClickSend, navigate to **Numbers** and purchase a virtual number that supports inbound (two-way) SMS messaging. This is the number your customers will text. Select a number appropriate for your target market — local numbers tend to have higher open rates.

## Step 3: Create an SMS Inbox in On-Chat
In On-Chat, go to **Settings** → **Inboxes** → **New Inbox** and select **SMS**. Choose **ClickSend** as the SMS provider. Enter your API Username, API Key, and virtual number. Save to generate your On-Chat webhook URL for inbound messages.

## Step 4: Configure the Inbound Webhook in ClickSend
In your ClickSend account, go to **Numbers** and select your virtual number. Set the **Inbound SMS URL** to your On-Chat webhook endpoint. ClickSend will POST every incoming SMS message to this URL, routing it into your On-Chat inbox as a new conversation.

## Step 5: Assign Agents and Configure Routing
In On-Chat, navigate to **Settings** → **Inboxes** → select your ClickSend inbox → **Collaborators**. Add agents who will handle SMS support. Set up auto-assignment rules to route conversations to available agents based on round-robin or manual assignment.

## Step 6: Create Canned Responses and Automation
Build canned responses for frequently asked questions your customers send via SMS. Set up On-Chat automation to auto-reply outside business hours, label conversations by keyword, or escalate urgent messages. This reduces response times and agent workload.

## Step 7: Test and Go Live
Send a test SMS to your ClickSend virtual number. Verify it appears as a conversation in On-Chat. Reply from an agent and confirm the customer receives the message. Monitor ClickSend delivery reports and On-Chat analytics to optimize your SMS support workflow.

## Best Practices
- Use short, clear SMS messages — aim for under 160 characters to avoid split messages
- Review ClickSend delivery receipts to monitor per-country SMS delivery rates
- Set up an out-of-office auto-reply for after-hours SMS messages
- Use On-Chat conversation exports to analyze ClickSend SMS support trends

## Keep reading

- [How to Build a WhatsApp Chatbot Without Code](https://on-chat.live/guides/how-to-build-a-whatsapp-chatbot/): A step-by-step tutorial for building a dynamic WhatsApp chatbot in a visual flow builder, from your first message to live data and agent handoff.
- [Chatbot Flow Design: 12 Best Practices](https://on-chat.live/guides/chatbot-flow-design-best-practices/): Practical rules for designing chatbot conversation flows that customers finish: branching, fallbacks, personalisation, handoff and testing.
- [Make Your Chatbot Dynamic with Webhooks](https://on-chat.live/guides/dynamic-chatbot-webhooks/): Connect your chatbot flows to live data. Learn how webhooks, expressions and splits turn a scripted bot into one that answers with real information.