RCS and SMS fallback guides
Beam uses iMessage for eligible iPhones, RCS for supported Android phones and SMS fallback where available. Channel support, delivery status and the requirements of the SMS sending route should be checked before a client rollout.
Start with the iMessage API channel routing, then use these articles to test the details of your client workflow.
Understand the delivery route
- Can you text clients without A2P 10DLC registration?
Understand iMessage, SMS fallback, and why A2P registrations stall before choosing a texting workflow for your clients.
- What happens when you text an Android phone from an iMessage business line?
See what an Android recipient actually gets from an iMessage-capable business line: RCS, SMS fallback, receipts, and how to test it before rollout.
- Does RCS Business Messaging Replace A2P 10DLC?
RCS Business Messaging has its own verification process. Learn when A2P 10DLC still applies, how fallback works, and what agencies should check.
Handle delivery and opt-outs
- Why Client Texts Get Filtered and How to Diagnose It
Diagnose filtered client texts by checking message errors, receiving phones, content, links, and sending paths before changing a business texting line.
- How to Handle STOP and Opt-Outs on a Business Texting Line
Handle STOP requests across business texting and CRM workflows, reconcile suppression records, and verify opt-out handling for agency clients.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Android contact receive iMessage?
Beam uses RCS when the Android phone and carrier support it, with SMS fallback otherwise. A line capable of iMessage does not make an Android recipient an iMessage recipient.
Does iMessage remove SMS registration requirements?
iMessage and FaceTime Audio run outside carrier A2P 10DLC. SMS fallback remains subject to the applicable carrier requirements for its sending route.
Does delivered mean the person read the message?
No. Delivery and read status are different. Beam reports read status only when the channel supplies a real event.
Should an uncertain message be sent again immediately?
Check the recorded message status first. An uncertain iMessage delivery is not automatically resent or switched to SMS.
Continue with Beam documentation or contact the Beam team.