API reference · SMS

Send an SMS

Send one SMS. Long messages are split into segments, and each segment uses credits.

POST/v1/sms/send

Bearer API key
Rate limit 120 / min
Returns 201 Created
Needs the SMS permission · 1 credit per 160 characters

POST /v1/sms/send

curl https://api.talks.africa/v1/sms/send \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TALKS_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "from": "DUKAFRESH",
    "to": "+254712345678",
    "message": "Your code is 482913"
  }'

{
  "id": "sms_8f2k1x",
  "status": "queued",
  "to": "+254712345678",
  "from": "DUKAFRESH",
  "segments": 1,
  "credits_used": 1,
  "created_at": "2026-11-13T19:24:01Z"
}

Use a tk_test_ key while you build. Nothing is sent and no credits are used.

Body parameters

tostringrequired
Recipient in international format, e.g. +254712345678.
messagestringrequired
The text to send.
fromstringoptional
Your approved sender ID, up to 11 characters.
scheduled_atstringoptional
ISO 8601 time to send later.
typestringoptional
promotional or transactional. Defaults to promotional.

Response fieldsResponse

id
Message ID
status
queued, sent, delivered or failed
segments
SMS segments used
credits_used
Credits charged
created_at · scheduled_at
Timestamps

Errors

Tap one to see its response above.

All errors use the standard error object. Select one to see its response.

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