---
title: "SMS Connector Installation Step-by-Step Guide"
slug: "sms-connector-installation-step-by-step-guide"
updated: 2026-07-21T16:30:59Z
published: 2026-07-21T16:30:59Z
canonical: "kb.connecttoteams.com/sms-connector-installation-step-by-step-guide"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.connecttoteams.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS Connector Installation Step-by-Step Guide

## Introduction

Use this guide as an overview to help you configure SMS services using the **legacy SMS Connector App** and **Unified Connector App**—collectively referred to as SMS Connectors. It outlines the key setup steps and provides direct links to related articles for detailed instructions and configuration guidance.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/312e5ae5-e3c1-465d-8e37-f253a7ba8eee/Images/Documentation/sms-connector-and-unified-connector(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T17%3A43%3A29Z&se=2026-10-29T18%3A43%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=OCccJF6G6NiK3tQ%2BgXgQkPkBWp9XGoWU59Q3KyILk2w%3D)

> [!NOTE]
> Introducing the Unified Connector App
> 
> To simplify deployment and ongoing management, we are consolidating **four separate connector applications into a single Unified Connector App**.
> 
> 
> 
> This approach reduces complexity for both enterprise administrators and end users by eliminating the need to install, configure, and manage multiple Microsoft Teams applications.
> 
> 
> 
> **Key Benefits**
> 
> **One app, four services:** A single installation now supports PBX, CallApp, SMS, and Chat services — no more juggling multiple Teams apps.
> 
> **Simpler setup:** Fewer configuration points and a more streamlined deployment experience.
> 
> **Consistent user experience:** One unified interface across all connector services.
> 
> **Easier maintenance**
> 
> - Simplified updates and version control
> - Improved reliability through shared services
> - Reduced administrative overhead
> - Clearer support and troubleshooting model
> 
> **New: AI-powered actions:** Starting with system upgrade **2.19.0 on March 17, 2026**, the Unified Connector App includes AI support. Users can perform actions like sending SMS messages using plain, everyday language directly from any Microsoft Teams conversation screen — no special commands or navigation required.

> [!NOTE]
> Recommendation
> 
> As of May 17, 2026 (ConnecttoTeams portal upgrade 2.19.0), the standalone CallApp app is no longer offered to new enterprises. It remains available to enterprises already using it. Removing an enterprise's CallApp configuration is irreversible, and restoring CallApp will mean migrating to the Unified Connector App.
> 
> 
> 
> SMS will follow the same path starting August 22, 2026 (ConnecttoTeams portal upgrade 2.20.0): the standalone SMS Connector App will no longer be offered to new enterprises, though it remains available to enterprises already using it. Removing an enterprise's SMS configuration is irreversible, and restoring SMS will likewise mean migrating to the Unified Connector App.
> 
> 
> 
> PBX remains offered to new enterprises for now, though the Unified Connector App is recommended for all four services — PBX, CallApp, SMS, and Chat.
> 
> Note: All Connector Apps will eventually reach end of life, so Enterprise Admins should start migrating enterprises now rather than waiting — the EOL date will be announced soon.

## Setting Up the SMS Connector Service for an Enterprise

Setting up an SMS Connector involves the collaboration of the Service Provider and the [Enterprise Admin with Global Admin role](/v1/docs/global-administrator-requirement) in Teams Admin Center. Some tasks can be delegated to [non-Global Admins](/v1/docs/enterprise-manage-users-without-global-admin), but due to Microsoft’s security policies there is no way to complete setup without the Global Administrator’s initial involvement.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/312e5ae5-e3c1-465d-8e37-f253a7ba8eee/Images/Documentation/sms_connector_setup_collaboration.svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T17%3A43%3A29Z&se=2026-10-29T18%3A43%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=OCccJF6G6NiK3tQ%2BgXgQkPkBWp9XGoWU59Q3KyILk2w%3D)

### Instructions for the Service Provider

Carry out the following steps in the ConnecttoTeams [Service Portal](https://service.connecttoteams.com).

1. **Configure the enterprise for SMS service.**

Choose the path that applies:

| Scenario | Action |
| --- | --- |
| New enterprise | [Create the enterprise](/v1/docs/manage-enterprises#add-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. |
| Existing enterprise | [Edit the enterprise](/v1/docs/manage-enterprises#edit-enterprise) to add SMS to the Service field. |
2. **Review your app template.** If you wish to apply app template changes to all your enterprises, update your Reseller-level default app template: - Unified Connector App → [Build Unified App Template](/v1/docs/reseller-build-unified-app-template). - Legacy SMS Connector App → [Build SMS App Template](/v1/docs/managing-sms-app-template).
3. **Customize settings specific for the enterprise** This prepares the app for the deployment by the Global Admin (covered in the next section): - Unified Connector App → [Customize and Deploy Unified Connector App for an Enterprise](/v1/docs/customize-and-deploy-unified-connector-app-for-an-enterprise) - Legacy SMS Connector App → [Customize and Deploy SMS App for an Enterprise](/v1/docs/prep-sms-app-instance-for-an-enterprise).
4. **Configure SMS carrier profiles** [Configure SMS Carrier Profiles](/v1/docs/sms-carrier-configuration-as-a-reseller-admin-2) and assign applicable profile(s) to the enterprise.

> [!NOTE]
> Note to the Master Reseller
> 
> Before the Reseller can configure SMS Carriers, you must configure SMS carrier profile (even partially) for the particular service provider and assign profile(s) to the Reseller. See instruction [here](/v1/docs/sms-carrier-configuration-as-a-master-reseller-admin).
5. **Configure SMS Domains (conditional)** If the underlying SMS provider is one of these SMS providers - Netsapiens, RingLogix, United Cloud, Viirtue, configure the [SMS domains for your enterprise](/v1/docs/configure-sms-domains-for-the-enterprise). Otherwise, skip this step.
6. **Upload SMS Capable Numbers** If the Reseller is providing [SMS phone numbers to enterprise](/v1/docs/manage-sms-phone-numbers), upload new phone numbers with SMS capability or edit existing phone numbers to add SMS support. Ensure each number is: - Configured with the correct [SMS Carrier Profile](/v1/docs/sms-carrier-configuration-as-a-reseller-admin-2) with valid API credentials, - Properly assigned to the target enterprise.

### Instructions for the Enterprise Admin

1. **Prepare Teams Admin Center** - Enable the [Messaging Policies for SMS and Chat Apps](/v1/docs/messaging-policies-for-sms-and-chat-apps)

- Ensure you have [custom apps enabled](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/teams-custom-app-policies-and-settings#org-wide-custom-app-setting) for Teams
2. **Accept the invitation and grant permissions (new enterprises)** If you are a new enterprise, your Microsoft organization's Global Administrator should follow the instructions provided in the [invitation email](/v1/docs/getting-started-as-an-enterprise).

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

Then, using Global Admin credentials, log in to the appropriate portal:

| Your services | Portal to use |
| --- | --- |
| Messaging only (SMS, Chat) | [Messaging Portal](/v1/docs/enterprise-messaging-portal) |
| Both messaging (SMS, Chat) and calling (PBX, CallApp) | [Enterprise Portal](/v1/docs/enterprise-portal-standard) |

You’ll be asked to [grant permissions](/v1/docs/microsoft-permissions-for-the-enterprise-portal). These must be accepted before the enterprise can access the portal.
3. **Sync your user groups (optionally)** **Limiting service to specific user groups**

If your organization is large and you only need to enable services for a subset of users, you can scope the rollout by selecting the Teams groups that ConnecttoTeams syncs with. See instructions [here](/v1/docs/enterprise-user-groups).

> **Recommendation:** If your organization does not have strict requirements on which users are managed, leave the group selection blank. Limiting by group comes with a performance trade-off due to technical limitations in the Microsoft API integration.

**Things to know**
  - **Sync latency.** Updated group selections may take up to **10 minutes** to reflect in the user list, due to latency when pulling data from Microsoft.
  - **Performance impact.** Narrowing by group is slower than syncing the full directory.
4. **Upload phone numbers (if applicable)** If allowed by service provider, [upload phone numbers with SMS capability](/v1/docs/manage-sms-phone-numbers).
5. **Configure SMS Users and SMS Groups** **Note**: This tasks can be delegated to [non-Global Admins](/v1/docs/enterprise-manage-users-without-global-admin). [Configure SMS users](/v1/docs/configure-sms-users) individually or in [bulk](/v1/docs/configure-sms-users-in-bulk), and any [SMS Groups](/v1/docs/configure-sms-groups) as needed.
6. **Deploy and sync the app** Choose the path that applies:

- **Unified Connector** **App** → [Deploy and Sync the Unified Connector App](/v1/docs/deploy-and-sync-the-unified-connector-app) - **Legacy SMS Connector App** → [Deploy and sync the SMS Connector app](/v1/docs/deploying-the-sms-app-to-a-microsoft-teams-organization)..
7. **Verify SMS Domain (if shown)** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/312e5ae5-e3c1-465d-8e37-f253a7ba8eee/Images/Documentation/image-SSQTL7Z6.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T17%3A43%3A29Z&se=2026-10-29T18%3A43%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=OCccJF6G6NiK3tQ%2BgXgQkPkBWp9XGoWU59Q3KyILk2w%3D) If your navigation menu shows the **SMS Domains** page, verify that your Domains have - **Subscription ID** filled in - **Date Subscribed** filled in - **Expiry Date** set to a future date. This ensures your Teams users will your inbound SMS messages. If any of these are incorrect, reach out to your Service Provider to troubleshoot the issue. **Note**: You won’t see this page if your underlying SMS Provider does not require you to configure this.
8. **Direct your users to the user guide** Share the applicable user guide to your members:

- For Unified Connector App, share [Using the Unified Connector App for SMS](/v1/docs/using-the-unified-connector-app-for-sms).

- For SMS Connector App (Legacy), share [Using the SMS Connector App (Legacy)](/v1/docs/using-the-sms-connector-app-legacy).
9. **Ongoing user management**
  1. You may find the need to [disable SMS for a user](/v1/docs/manage-sms-user-numbers#disable-sms-user) or [unassign phone numbers](/v1/docs/manage-sms-user-numbers#add-or-remove-phone-numbers-from-sms-user) as part of user management.
  2. Sync the connector app **When a sync is required**

When changes are made to SMS assignments, a sync of the deployed connector app may be required so that the changes take effect for the affected Teams users.

The trigger depends on which app your enterprise uses:

| Connector App | Sync required when… |
| --- | --- |
| Legacy SMS Connector App | Any SMS number is assigned or unassigned |
| Unified Connector App | A user is assigned an SMS number for the first time - either as a personal number or as a member of an SMS group |

**Completing the sync** When a sync is needed, a sync task automatically appears in the **Dashboard's Tasks table**. The enterprise admin should:
    1. Open the **Tasks** table in the Dashboard
    2. Locate a **Sync SMS App** task (legacy) or **Sync Unified App** task (Unified)
    3. Complete the task to finalize the changes

## Troubleshooting Issues

There may be issues with the deployment of the app. Review the [troubleshooting guides for app deployment issues here](/v1/docs/troubleshooting-app-deployment-issues).

## Suggested Further Reading

- For the step by step guide for configuring PBX Connector app, [click here](/v1/docs/pbx-connector-installation-step-by-step-guide).
- For the step by step guide for configuring SIP Trunk Connector app, [click here](/v1/docs/sms-connector-installation-step-by-step-guide).