SMS Connector Installation Step-by-Step Guide

  • Updated on Oct 21, 2025
  • Published on May 22, 2025
  • 4 minute(s) read
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Use this step-by-step guide to set up SMS services using the SMS Connector App and Unified Connector App, collectively referred to as SMS Connectors throughout this guide.

Setting Up the SMS Connectors for an Enterprise

Setting up a SMS Connectors involves the collaboration of the Service Provider and the Enterprise Admin with Global Admin role in Teams Admin Center. Some tasks can be delegated to non-Global Admins, but due to Microsoft’s security policies there is no way to complete setup without the Global Administrator’s initial involvement.

Instructions for the Service Provider

Carry out the following steps in the ConnecttoTeams Service Portal.

  1. Configure the enterprise for SMS service.

    -  For a new enterprise, add the enterprise with SMS service included. In the Registered Email ID field, supply the Microsoft Global Administrator’s email address. The Global Admin will receive the invitation email which contains instruction with a with a link to start the set-up process.
    -  For an existing  new enterprise,     edit the enterprise to add “SMS” to the Service field.

  2. Optionally review your default app template.
    If you want to make changes that apply to all enterprises, update your default app template:
    - If your enterprises are using the legacy SMS Connector app, check this guide: Build SMS App Template.

    - If your enterprises are using the new Unified Connector app, check this guide: Build Unified App Template.

  3. To customize settings for a specific enterprises
    - If the enterprise uses the legacy SMS Connector App, check this guide: Customize and Deploy SMS App for an Enterprise.
    - If the enterprise uses the new Unified Connector App, check this guide: Customize and Deploy Unified Connector App for an Enterprise
    This prepares the app for the deployment by the Global Admin, which is included in the steps presented in the next section.

  4. Configure SMS Carrier Profiles and assign applicable profile/s to the enterprise.

  5. If the underlying SMS provider is one of these SMS providers - Netsapiens, RingLogix, United Cloud, Viirtue - configure the SMS domains for your enterprise.
    Skip this step if the SMS provider is not one of these providers.

  6. If Reseller is providing SMS phone numbers to enterprise, upload new phone numbers with SMS capability or edit existing phone numbers to add SMS support. Make sure each number is configured with the correct SMS Carrier Profile with valid API credentials, and is properly assigned to the target enterprise.

Instructions for the Enterprise Admin

  1. In Teams Admin Center

    1. Enable the Messaging Policies for SMS and Chat Apps

    2. Ensure you have custom apps enabled for Teams

  2. If you're a new enterprise, your Microsoft organization's Global Administrator should follow the instructions provided in the invitation email.

    Clicking the COMPLETE button in that email will prompt the Global Admin to grant the required permissions.

    Using Global Admin credentials, log in to:

    You’ll be asked to grant permissions. These must be accepted before the enterprise can access the portal.

  3. Sync your user groups.

  4. If allowed by service provider to upload phone numbers, upload phone numbers with SMS capability.

  5. Individually configure SMS users or in bulk, and any SMS Groups as needed, and assign them their respective SMS phone numbers. These tasks can be delegated to non-Global Admins.

  6. Deploy and sync the app.

    - If your enterprise uses the legacy SMS Connector, check this guide: Deploy and sync the SMS Connector app.
    - If your enterprise uses the new Unified Connector, check this guide: Deploy and Sync the Unified Connector App

  7. Once the app sync is completed as shown in the Enterprise Dashboard, proceed to ask your MS Teams users to add the app to their MS Teams client:
    - If your enterprise uses the legacy SMS Connector App, here is the guide: Adding the SMS Connector App into Teams.
    - If your enterprise uses the new Unified Connector App, here is the guide: Adding the Unified Connector App into Teams.

  8. If your navigation menu shows SMS Domains page, verify that your Domains have  Subscription ID and Date Subscribed are filled and that the Expiry Date is a future date. This ensures your Teams users will your inbound SMS messages.
    Otherwise, reach out to your Service Provider to troubleshoot the issue.
    You won’t see this page if your underlying SMS Provider does not require you to configure this.
     

  9. Direct your users to the user guides for the SMS Connector App.

  10. You may find the need to disable SMS for a user or unassign phone numbers from users. Every time there is change for phone number assignment and SMS user assignment, sync the SMS Connector app.

Note to the Service Provider

Still having trouble? Submit a help desk ticket through the Enterprise Portal.

Troubleshooting Issues

There may be issues with the deployment of the app. Review the troubleshooting guides for app deployment issues here.

Suggested Further Reading

  • For the step by step guide for configuring PBX Connector app, click here.

  • For the step by step guide for configuring SIP Trunk Connector app, click here.

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