> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zexa.ao/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Register and Manage Alphanumeric SMS Sender IDs in Zexa

> Register a custom Sender ID so your messages display your brand name. Learn how to submit, get approved, and use Sender IDs in your messages.

A Sender ID is the name or number your recipients see in the **From** field of your messages. For SMS and WhatsApp, Zexa requires you to register and receive approval for each Sender ID before use. Unregistered Sender IDs cannot be used to send messages on these channels.

## What is a Sender ID?

Sender IDs come in two forms:

| Type             | Format                                        | Example                     |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| **Alphanumeric** | Up to 11 characters — letters and digits only | `MYBRAND`, `ZEXA`, `SHOPAO` |
| **Numeric**      | Full phone number in E.164 format             | `+244912000000`             |

Alphanumeric IDs display your brand name and are typically used for marketing and notifications. Numeric IDs are phone numbers and support two-way messaging (recipients can reply). Choose the type that fits your use case when submitting a registration.

## Register a Sender ID

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Sender ID registration">
    In the [Zexa dashboard](https://app.zexa.ao), go to **Settings** > **Sender IDs** > **Register New**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your Sender ID">
    Type your desired Sender ID (e.g. `MYBRAND`). For alphanumeric IDs, use only letters and digits with no spaces or special characters, up to 11 characters.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the channel">
    Choose whether this Sender ID is for **SMS** or **WhatsApp**. Each channel requires a separate registration, even if you use the same name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Specify the intended use">
    Select the primary use case for this Sender ID:

    * **Transactional** — order confirmations, delivery alerts, account notifications
    * **Marketing** — promotional messages, offers, announcements
    * **OTP** — one-time passwords and authentication codes
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for approval">
    Review your details and click **Submit**. Zexa's compliance team will review your application and notify you by email.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Approval process

After submission, your Sender ID enters a review queue. The typical timeline is **1–3 business days**. You will receive an email notification when:

* Your Sender ID is **approved** and ready to use, or
* **Additional information** is required — in which case, log in to the dashboard and respond to the request under **Settings** > **Sender IDs**.

You can check the current status of any Sender ID at any time from the dashboard or via the API (see below).

## Sender ID rules

Follow these rules to avoid rejection or suspension:

* **Do not impersonate** banks, government agencies, telcos, or other established brands.
* **Maximum 11 characters** for alphanumeric SMS Sender IDs.
* **No spaces or special characters** — only letters (`A–Z`, `a–z`) and digits (`0–9`).
* Your Sender ID **must reflect your actual brand or company name**. Generic or misleading names are rejected.
* **WhatsApp Sender IDs** must be linked to a verified WhatsApp Business Account.

<Warning>
  Using an unapproved Sender ID or one that impersonates another organisation violates [Zexa's Terms of Use](https://zexa.ao/terms) and may result in immediate account suspension. Always wait for approval before using a Sender ID in a campaign.
</Warning>

## List registered Sender IDs via API

Retrieve all Sender IDs associated with your account using a `GET` request:

```bash curl theme={null}
curl --request GET \
  --url https://api.zexa.ao/v1/sender-ids \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer <api_key>"
```

```json theme={null}
{
  "data": [
    {
      "id": "sid_001",
      "sender_id": "MYBRAND",
      "channel": "sms",
      "status": "approved",
      "created_at": "2026-05-10T08:30:00Z"
    },
    {
      "id": "sid_002",
      "sender_id": "MYBRAND",
      "channel": "whatsapp",
      "status": "pending",
      "created_at": "2026-06-20T14:00:00Z"
    }
  ]
}
```

| `status` value | Meaning                                                     |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| `pending`      | Under review by the Zexa compliance team.                   |
| `approved`     | Ready to use in campaigns and messages.                     |
| `rejected`     | Not approved. Check the dashboard for the rejection reason. |

<Note>
  A Sender ID approved for **SMS** cannot automatically be used for **WhatsApp**. Each channel requires its own registration and approval. The API response reflects separate records per channel, as shown above.
</Note>

***

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Campaigns" icon="bullhorn" href="/messaging/campaigns">
    Launch broadcast campaigns using your approved Sender IDs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contacts" icon="address-book" href="/messaging/contacts">
    Build and manage the contact lists your Sender ID messages are delivered to.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" icon="file-lines" href="/messaging/templates">
    Create approved WhatsApp templates to pair with your WhatsApp Sender ID.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>