SMS sender ID checker

Test an alphanumeric sender ID before you register it. Check the length, characters, phone-number lookalikes and generic names, and see how it looks on a phone.

Your sender ID0 / 11

Type a sender ID to check it.

Your text stays in your browser. This checks format only; approval is decided by the destination country and operators.

YOURBRAND

Text message

Hi Sam, your YOURBRAND order #4521 is confirmed. Reply STOP to opt out.

Preview with sample text.

Short answer

An alphanumeric SMS sender ID is 3 to 11 characters, uses letters and digits, contains at least one letter, and should not look like a phone number or be a generic word such as INFO. The checker above tests these points as you type.

Sender ID rules this tool checks

Check	Rule
Length	3 to 11 characters
Letters	At least one letter A to Z
Characters	Letters and digits. Spaces and hyphens are accepted by only some providers; other symbols are generally rejected
Phone number	A long run of digits reads as a phone number, not a name
Generic names	Names such as INFO, SMS, ALERT, BILLING or SUPPORT may be declined

These are common rules, not a guarantee. Requirements differ by country and by network: some countries require sender IDs to be registered in advance, and some do not display alphanumeric sender IDs at all.

Registering a sender ID

Registration is how an operator approves the name you send under. For Sri Lanka, Unecast registration typically takes 1 to 2 business days once your documents are complete, subject to operator approval. You request it in the Unecast SMS portal, where it shows as Pending until it is approved and then turns Active. Ask us for the current document list. For the full process, read the sender ID registration guide. For other destinations, talk to the Unecast team about the rules that apply.

Tips for a good name

Use your brand name as people know it, keep it short enough to read at a glance, and avoid look-alike spellings. Use the same name across campaigns so recipients learn to recognise it, and name your brand in the message body as well.

Frequently asked questions

What is an SMS sender ID?

A sender ID is the name or number a recipient sees as the sender of a text message. An alphanumeric sender ID shows a brand name such as a shop or bank name instead of a phone number, so people can recognise who the message is from.

How many characters can an alphanumeric sender ID have?

An alphanumeric sender ID can be 3 to 11 characters long and must contain at least one letter. Letters A to Z and digits 0 to 9 are accepted everywhere that supports alphanumeric sender IDs.

Can a sender ID contain spaces or symbols?

Letters and digits are the safe choice. Some providers accept spaces or hyphens, but many networks do not, so avoid them if you want the same sender ID to work everywhere. Other symbols are generally rejected.

Why are names like INFO or ALERT a problem?

Generic names do not identify your business, and operators can refuse them or treat them as higher risk. A name that matches your brand is easier for recipients to trust and easier to get approved.

Does this checker register my sender ID?

No. It checks the format of a name against common rules, in your browser. Approval is always decided by the destination country and the mobile operators, so a name that passes here can still be reviewed or declined.

Do all countries support alphanumeric sender IDs?

No. Rules differ by country and by network. Some countries require sender IDs to be registered in advance, and some do not show alphanumeric sender IDs at all. Ask the Unecast team about your destination countries before you launch.

How long does sender ID registration take in Sri Lanka?

On Unecast, registration typically takes 1 to 2 business days once your documents are complete, subject to operator approval.

Is the text I type stored anywhere?

No. The check runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to Unecast or saved.