How to Send Bulk SMS from Phone and WhatsApp: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In today's fast-paced digital world, effective communication is essential for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Bulk messaging has become a powerful tool for sending mass notifications, marketing messages, and important alerts. Whether you want to send promotional offers, business updates, OTPs, or customer notifications, bulk SMS and WhatsApp messaging provide an efficient and cost-effective solution.

This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of how to send bulk SMS from a phone, where to find SMS messages, how to send bulk messages via SMS and WhatsApp, and the best practices for maximizing the impact of your messaging campaigns.

What is Bulk SMS?

Bulk SMS refers to the process of sending a large volume of text messages simultaneously to multiple recipients. It is widely used by businesses for marketing, transactional notifications, OTP verifications, reminders, and customer engagement. Unlike individual text messages, bulk SMS allows businesses to reach a vast audience instantly, ensuring a high delivery and open rate.

Why Use Bulk SMS?

Bulk SMS is highly effective due to several advantages:

• High Open Rates: SMS messages have an open rate of over 98%, ensuring your message gets read.

• Instant Delivery: Unlike emails, which may go unread or land in spam folders, SMS messages reach recipients in seconds.

• Cost-Effective Marketing: Bulk SMS is cheaper than traditional advertising methods like TV, radio, and print media.

• Wider Reach: Unlike messaging apps that require the internet, SMS works on any mobile phone without needing an internet connection.

• Personalized Messaging: Businesses can personalize messages for different customer segments, making communication more engaging.

• Automation Capabilities: Bulk SMS platforms allow automated scheduling of messages for specific times or events.

How to Send Bulk SMS from a Phone

If you need to send bulk SMS directly from your mobile phone, there are several methods you can use:

1. Sending Bulk SMS via Built-in Phone Features

Most smartphones allow you to send messages to multiple recipients at once. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Open the Messages app on your phone.

• Step 2: Tap on New Message or Compose.

• Step 3: Enter multiple phone numbers manually or select multiple contacts from your phonebook.

• Step 4: Type your message and press Send.

However, this method has limitations, such as a recipient limit per message (typically 20-50 contacts). Additionally, sending multiple messages manually can be time-consuming and costly.

2. Using Bulk SMS Apps

Several mobile applications are designed to send bulk messages efficiently. Some of the best bulk SMS apps include:

• TextMagic

• BulkSMS

• SMS Gateway

• ClickSend SMS

• Fast2SMS

Steps to Send Bulk SMS via an App:

1. Download and install a bulk SMS app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Sign up and verify your account.

3. Upload or import your contact list (CSV or manual entry).

4. Type your message and customize sender ID if available.

5. Set scheduling options if you want to send messages at a later time.

6. Click Send to distribute messages instantly.

3. Using Online Bulk SMS Platforms

For businesses and organizations, online bulk SMS platforms provide an easier way to send mass messages from a phone or computer. Some popular services include:

• Africala Technologies

• SMSala

• Nexmo

• Textlocal

• Plivo

How to Use an Online Bulk SMS Service:

1. Create an account on the chosen bulk SMS platform.

2. Purchase SMS credits (if required).

3. Upload your contact list.

4. Compose your message.

5. Choose the sender ID (if allowed by your country’s regulations).

6. Schedule or send immediately.

7. Track delivery reports to monitor message performance.

Where to Find SMS Messages

If you have received or sent bulk messages and need to retrieve them, you can find them in various places:

1. On Your Phone

• Android: Open the Messages app and check the inbox or outbox.

• iPhone: Open the Messages app and browse through conversation threads.

2. Cloud Backups

• If your phone is backed up to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone), you can restore old messages.

• Some third-party apps also offer SMS backup and restore services.

3. Bulk SMS Platform History

• If you used an online bulk SMS provider, log in to your account and check the message history.

How to Send Bulk SMS in WhatsApp

WhatsApp does not provide built-in bulk messaging but allows broadcasting messages to multiple contacts. Here’s how you can send bulk messages on WhatsApp:

1. Using WhatsApp Broadcast Lists

• Open WhatsApp and tap on the three-dot menu (Android) or settings (iPhone).

• Select New Broadcast.

• Add contacts and type your message.

• Tap Send.

Limitations:

• Only contacts who have saved your number will receive the message.

• There is a limit to how many contacts you can send messages to per broadcast list.

2. Using WhatsApp Business API

For businesses needing to send bulk WhatsApp messages legally, WhatsApp Business API is the best option. You’ll need to integrate a bulk messaging service like:

• SMSala

• Africala

• Infobip

• Gupshup

Steps to Use WhatsApp Business API:

1. Register for a WhatsApp Business API provider.

2. Get approval from WhatsApp.

3. Upload your contacts.

4. Customize and automate bulk messages.

5. Monitor delivery and response rates.

3. Using Third-Party Bulk WhatsApp Messaging Tools

Several unofficial tools claim to offer bulk WhatsApp messaging, such as WA Sender or WhatsApp Bulk Sender. However, be cautious, as using unauthorized tools may result in account bans.

Conclusion

Bulk SMS and WhatsApp messaging provide a fast and effective way to reach multiple users. Whether you’re using your phone’s built-in features, bulk SMS apps, or online platforms, each method has advantages.

For businesses, investing in an official bulk SMS service or WhatsApp API ensures compliance, security, and efficiency. Choose the best solution based on your needs and start sending bulk messages effortlessly!

Key Takeaways:

• Bulk SMS is a powerful marketing and communication tool with high open rates and instant delivery.

• You can send bulk SMS using built-in phone features, bulk SMS apps, or online platforms.

• WhatsApp bulk messaging can be done via Broadcast Lists or WhatsApp Business API.

• Using a legitimate bulk messaging service ensures compliance with mobile network regulations and prevents bans.

By following these steps and best practices, you can maximize engagement, drive sales, and enhance customer communication with bulk messaging.