Quick Answer
2-way messaging lets customers reply to a business by SMS instead of only receiving broadcasts. In India it runs on a 10-digit long code or a 5-digit short code such as 56161, with keywords like BRAND OPTIN routing each reply to the right inbox. SMSGatewayHub adds auto replies, unlimited keywords on dedicated numbers, email, URL and mobile forwarding and a 90-day inbox, with a 99.9% uptime SLA.
Which 2-way number fits your business?
Every inbound SMS lands in a keyword inbox based on the keyword, long code or short code combination it was sent to. Pick the number type that matches your volume, budget and brand recall.
| Number type | How customers reply | What you get | Best for |
|---|
| Shared long code (10 digits) | Keyword at the start of the SMS, e.g. BUSINESSNAME OPTIN to 9664653344 | Your own keyword on a shared default number, keyword-based forwarding, per-keyword billing; keywords subject to availability | Small campaigns, feedback and lead capture on a budget. Long code service |
| Dedicated long code (10 digits) | Any message to your own number, e.g. CALLME to 96xxxxxx44 | Number of your choice, unlimited keywords and sub keywords, local numbers, complete traffic forwarding, keywords you can resell | High volume, multiple campaigns, agencies and resellers. Dedicated long code |
| Shared short code 56161 (5 digits) | Keyword to 56161, e.g. BUSINESSNAME OPTIN to 56161 | Brand keyword on an easy-to-remember 5-digit number, per-keyword billing, keyword-based forwarding | TV, radio, print, on-pack and outdoor campaigns, contests and voting. Short code 56161 |
Still deciding between shared and dedicated? See shared vs dedicated long code. For one-tap opt-ins without typing, a missed call number works alongside your long code.
What do the latest DLT rules mean for 2-way SMS?
Customer replies come in on your number, but every message you send out still passes DLT scrubbing. Four rules decide whether your outbound leg is delivered.
Header suffixes on outbound SMS
Operators now append -T, -S, -P or -G to every header, so your outgoing invite, reply or follow-up shows its category. Register each template in the right category. See sender ID and suffixes.
Your reply number must be whitelisted
A long code or callback number inside an outbound template must be a registered CTA and tagged with a typed variable such as {#cbn#}. Our sample templates show the format.
Consent you can prove
Promotional messages go only to consenting or non-DND numbers. An OPTIN keyword reply gives you a timestamped record of who asked to hear from you, stored in your panel.
Easy opt-out with a keyword
Give customers a simple way out, such as a STOP keyword on your long code, and route those replies to a separate inbox so you can suppress the numbers in your next campaign.
Why SMSGatewayHub
Why choose SMSGatewayHub over other 2-way messaging providers?
Two-way SMS only works if every reply is captured, routed and answered quickly. Here is what you get with SMSGatewayHub.
Keyword inboxes, unlimited on dedicated
Create as many inboxes as you need, each with its own keyword, and run multiple campaigns on one dedicated long code with sub keywords like XYZ P1 and XYZ P2.
Replies go where your team works
Forward every incoming SMS to email for free (and reply by email), push it to your URL or CRM, or forward it to a mobile for one credit per message. How webhooks work
Instant auto replies
Every keyword can send its own customised auto reply, so customers get a confirmation the moment they text in.
Certified security
ISO 27001, ISO 9001:2015, SOC 2 and VAPT tested, so customer replies and contact data are handled safely. Trust Center
Trusted since 2009
10,000+ registered businesses and 2,000+ enterprise clients, 24/7 e-support and a toll-free sales line, 1800 102 1822.
| Question to ask any 2-way messaging provider | SMSGatewayHub |
|---|
| Can I run several campaigns on one number? | Yes. Dedicated long codes support unlimited keywords and sub keywords, each with its own inbox. |
| How do replies reach my CRM or app? | Automatic forwarding to your URL, plus email and mobile forwarding, with API and webhook documentation. Developer API |
| How long is conversation history kept? | The conversational inbox shows all inbound messages over the last 90 days, unread first. |
| Can my team share the inbox? | Yes. Add team members to manage ongoing conversations and search past messages. |
| Do you offer a memorable short code? | Yes, the shared 5-digit short code 56161 with your brand keyword. |
| Am I charged for undelivered outbound SMS? | No. You pay only for delivered SMS. |
Comparing providers? Read how SMSGatewayHub powers DLT-compliant two-way SMS or see our MSG91 alternative page.
2-way SMS use cases by industry
Each card links to a dedicated industry page with message samples and DLT tips.
Hospitals & clinics
Patients reply CONFIRM to appointment reminders, reducing no-shows and keeping schedules on track. Bulk SMS for hospitals
Retail & e-commerce
OFFER keyword lead capture, feedback after delivery and opt-in database building. Bulk SMS for e-commerce
2-way SMS keyword flows you can launch today
Each flow pairs an inbound keyword with an auto reply and a forwarding rule. Numbers below are examples from our shared long code and short code.
| Customer sends | Auto reply (what they receive) | Where the reply is routed |
|---|
| SALON OPTIN to 9664653344 | Thanks! You're subscribed now. | Keyword inbox + email forwarding |
| CALLME to your dedicated long code | Thanks, our team will call you shortly. | Your URL / CRM via forwarding + sales mobile alert |
| CONFIRM to your dedicated long code | Your appointment is confirmed. See you soon. | Clinic inbox, exportable contact list |
| CAFE VOTE to 9664653344 | Your vote has been counted. Thank you! | Poll inbox with real-time report on the VMN dashboard |
| BUSINESSNAME OPTIN to 56161 | Welcome! Watch this space for exclusive updates. | Short code keyword inbox + URL forwarding |
Outbound messages that invite a reply must use DLT-registered templates with the long code whitelisted as a CTA. See the DLT template registration process and bulk SMS template examples.
How to start 2-way messaging
Create your account
Sign up free and complete DLT registration for your outbound messages.
Choose your number
Pick a shared long code, a dedicated long code or a keyword on short code 56161.
Set keywords and auto replies
Create keywords and sub keywords, write the auto reply for each and choose forwarding to email, URL or mobile.
Send your invitation
Promote the keyword in an SMS, ad or poster and send it through the panel, HTTP API or campaign manager.
Track and continue the conversation
Analyse replies on the VMN dashboard and live delivery reports, then keep the conversation going from the inbox.
2-way messaging resource map
Everything related to two-way SMS on SMSGatewayHub, grouped by what you need to do next.
2-way messaging vs two-way campaigns: which do you need?
2-way messaging is the always-on capability: a long code or short code with keyword inboxes, auto replies and forwarding, so customers can text you any time. Use it for lead capture, feedback, support requests and appointment confirmations. A two-way campaign is a time-bound drive built on top of it, for example a missed call registration followed by an SMS that asks participants to reply with their details.
Most businesses start with a long code and add short code 56161 when they advertise on TV, radio or print. If you also want rich, button-based replies, pair SMS with WhatsApp. For IoT and device use cases, read how to enable IoT with SMS in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2-way SMS messaging?
2-way SMS messaging lets customers reply to a business by text, using long code or short code keywords, so you can hold a conversation instead of only broadcasting. Replies are captured in keyword inboxes and can trigger an automatic response. SMSGatewayHub supports 2-way messaging on shared and dedicated long codes and on short code 56161.
How does a keyword work on a shared long code?
On a shared long code, your keyword must be the first word of the SMS so incoming texts can be routed to the right inbox, for example BUSINESSNAME OPTIN to 9664653344. Keywords are subject to availability and billed per keyword. With a dedicated long code from SMSGatewayHub, every message to your number is yours and you can create unlimited keywords.
Can incoming SMS be forwarded to my email, CRM or phone?
Yes. SMSGatewayHub can automatically forward every incoming message to one or more email addresses for free, push it to your URL so your website or CRM can act on it, or forward it to a mobile for one credit per message. You can also reply by email and the reply goes back to the customer as SMS.
What is the difference between a long code and short code 56161?
A long code is a 10-digit number that looks like a normal mobile number and suits feedback, leads and ongoing conversations. A short code is a 5-digit number such as 56161 that is easier to remember, which makes it ideal for TV, radio, print and outdoor campaigns. SMSGatewayHub offers both, with keyword inboxes and auto replies on each.
How long does SMSGatewayHub keep 2-way conversations?
The conversational inbox shows all inbound messages over the last 90 days, with unread conversations at the top. Team members can search for specific content and manage ongoing discussions. You can also export contact numbers to your own list at any time.
Do outbound messages in a 2-way campaign need DLT registration?
Yes. Any SMS you send to invite or answer a reply must use a DLT-registered header and template, and a long code or callback number in the text must be whitelisted as a CTA. Customer replies to your long code are inbound and are received in your inbox.
What does 2-way messaging cost with SMSGatewayHub?
SMSGatewayHub uses Pay As You Go pricing for outbound SMS, and you pay only for delivered SMS; long code and short code plans are listed on their pricing pages. Exact rates depend on volume and number type, see https://www.smsgatewayhub.com/pricing or talk to sales on 1800 102 1822.
Start two-way conversations with your customers
Get 1,000 free SMS credits, a keyword on our long code or 56161, and free DLT guidance. Go live in under 24 hours.