Using HTTP POST to Connect Custom SMS Gateways in BotSailor

BotSailor offers flexible SMS integration through HTTP POST requests, allowing users to connect their own custom SMS gateway providers easily. Whether you’re using a local provider or an in-house SMS system, this method ensures smooth message delivery using your existing infrastructure.

📌 Use Case

This setup is ideal for:

• Businesses using custom SMS providers.
  
  
• Integrations with regional SMS services not pre-listed in BotSailor.
  
  
• Cost-effective delivery using in-house SMS servers or APIs.
  
  

🧩 Steps to Connect a Custom SMS Gateway via HTTP POST

🔹 Step 1: Navigate to SMS Integration Settings

1. From your BotSailor dashboard, click on Settings in the left sidebar.
   
   
2. Then select SMS under the Settings > Integration section.
   
   
3. Click the New button at the top of the SMS Profile list.
   
   

🔹 Step 2: Choose HTTP POST Method

In the newly opened SMS Profile modal:

1. Select the integration type as Http Post from the options listed on the right.
   
   
2. Enter your preferred API Name — this will be your internal reference.
   
   
3. Provide the Base URL of your SMS provider's API endpoint 

(e.g., https://api.yoursmsgateway.com/send).

🔹 Step 3: Define HTTP POST Parameters

Now add all necessary POST parameters required by your SMS gateway API:

1. Click on + Add New Parameter.
   
   
2. Enter the Key, Type, and Value for each parameter:
   
   
• Key: The parameter name expected by your API (e.g., api_key, to, message).
  
  
• Type:
  
  
• Fixed: Enter a static value (e.g., your API key).
  
  
• To: Will be dynamically replaced with recipient number.
  
  
• Message: Will be dynamically replaced with the SMS text.
  
  
• Value: The fixed value if applicable (e.g., API key string).
  
  
3. Continue adding parameters until all required fields for the POST request are included.
   
   

🧪 You can also click Test response to verify if the configuration is working as expected.

🔹 Step 4: Save and Activate

Once all fields are properly configured:

• Click Save at the bottom of the modal.
  
  
• Your custom SMS gateway will now be available under the list of SMS Profiles.
  
  
• You can now use this profile in automated broadcasts, verification messages, and other SMS-related tasks within BotSailor.
  
  

✅ Tips for Successful Integration

• Ensure your API supports POST requests.
  
  
• If your provider requires headers (e.g., Authorization), those must be handled server-side or via a proxy.
  
  
• Check provider documentation for rate limits or restrictions.
  
  
• Always test with a sample message before going live.
  
  

🔚 Conclusion

With BotSailor’s HTTP POST method, you can easily integrate any custom SMS service that provides an open API. This ensures flexibility, scalability, and control over how you communicate with your subscribers through SMS.