---
title: Why can't I send a regular text message?
description: You can receive texts right away, but your 800.com number must be registered for SMS before it can send any outbound message, including one-to-one replies.
---

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2. [Text Messaging](https://support.800.com/en-us/hc/text-messaging?hsLang=en-us)
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August 18, 2026

# Why can't I send a regular text message?

If you can receive messages but cannot send them, your number is not registered for SMS yet.

U.S. and Canadian telecom carriers and The Campaign Registry require every business number, both local and toll-free, to be registered before it can send any outbound text, whether that is a single reply to a customer or a message to a list. This applies even if you never plan to send a marketing campaign.

You can receive inbound texts right away without registering.

If your number is not registered yet, follow the steps for your number type:

- [How to Register a Toll-Free Number for SMS Verification](https://support.800.com/hc/en-us/articles/36121918397069-How-to-Register-a-Toll-Free-Number-for-SMS-Verification?hsLang=en-us)<https://support.800.com/hc/en-us/articles/36121918397069-How-to-Register-a-Toll-Free-Number-for-SMS-Verification?hsLang=en-us>
- [How to Register a Local Number for SMS Verification](https://support.800.com/hc/en-us/articles/36122025410573-How-to-Register-a-Local-Number-for-SMS-Verification?hsLang=en-us)

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