What is a Sender ID?
A Sender ID is what your recipients see as the number or ‘sender’ when they receive your message — it's an easy way to ensure customers can quickly identify who sent the message.
Choose how your sender appears by buying or setting up different Sender IDs.
What Sender IDs are available?
ClickSend offers several types of Sender ID. Each have their own advantages, and are recommended for for different purposes. When purchasing a Sender ID with ClickSend, registration and fees may apply.
Not all Sender IDs can be used in every country. Please check our guidelines for the country you plan on sending to.
Shared numbers
This is a number that’s assigned by ClickSend when you send messages.
How it works:
If you don’t set up a Sender ID, you’ll send via a Shared number by default.
Shared Numbers are shared so you’ll send via a different number each time.
Replies appear in the ClickSend dashboard, not on your personal device.
There’s no set up required.
When to use shared numbers:
Shared numbers are ideal for basic messaging when custom Sender IDs aren’t required.
Dedicated numbers
These are unique phone numbers purchased through ClickSend. They might be a 10DLC, TFN or other — depending on what is available in your country.
How it works:
Dedicated Numbers support two-way communication.
This number is only used by your business.
There are different SMS limits per send based on the type of Dedicated Number.
When to use dedicated numbers:
For customer support or high-value, personalised interactions.
For campaigns that require guaranteed inbound message delivery.
Alpha tags
This is a custom text-based sender name that can be up to 11 characters with no spaces.
How it works:
Appears as a custom name (e.g., “MyBrand”).
You can’t receive replies to any messages sent via Alpha Tag.
Alpha Tags can’t be used for conversational messaging.
When to use alpha tags:
Alpha Tags are perfect for when you need to brand your messages or any time you’re sending one-way communication.
Own numbers
This is when you use your personal or business phone number as the Sender ID.
How it works:
Messages are sent from ClickSend using your number.
Your replies will go directly to your own number.
When to use own numbers:
When you want replies to appear on your personal phone or internal systems. It’s great for small-scale, highly personalised communication.
Own numbers need to be verified with a code that will be sent to the number you’re registering.
Different Sender IDs for different countries
Many countries have their own regulations for Sender IDs. They may have rules about the types of sender you can use. You may also need to register your Sender ID before you use it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use multiple Sender IDs?
Can I use multiple Sender IDs?
Yes. You can register and switch between different Sender IDs depending on the campaign or region.
What if my region doesn’t support my chosen Sender ID?
What if my region doesn’t support my chosen Sender ID?
ClickSend will guide you to an alternative option, such as a Dedicated Number or default Shared Number, based on the region’s regulations. Contact customer support for help.