TownSq SMS Notifications Setup: Enable Text Alerts & Manage Opt-Ins

Turn on SMS in TownSq by enabling text notifications in the admin settings, adding a valid SMS sender/phone option if required, then collecting homeowner opt-ins (consent) and confirming each phone number is marked SMS allowed. Test with one user, then monitor delivery and opt-out logs.

 

Enable SMS notifications (admin side)

 

• Log in to TownSq with an account that has Admin/Manager permissions.
• Open Settings (or Admin) and find Notifications or Communication.
• Locate SMS/Text Messages and switch it On.
• If there is a choice of message types, enable only what you truly need (examples: announcements, package alerts, maintenance updates, security alerts).
• Save changes, then confirm there is no banner saying SMS not configured or provider not connected.

 

Opt-in management (consent) and what it means

 

• Opt-in means the resident gave permission to receive texts. Without it, texts may be blocked for compliance reasons.
• In the Residents/Users directory, open a resident profile and verify:
• Phone number is entered in the correct field (mobile, not office/home).
• There is an SMS opt-in or Text allowed status set to Yes/Enabled.
• If TownSq uses confirmation texts, the resident must complete the confirmation (they may need to reply YES or tap a link).
• Make sure each unit’s primary contacts are correct; wrong unit assignments cause “no permission” errors.

 

Common setup mistakes that stop SMS

 

• Using a landline or VoIP number instead of a mobile number.
• Resident is marked Do not contact or Opted out.
• SMS enabled globally, but disabled for the specific notification type.
• Duplicate user profiles with different phone numbers (messages go to the wrong profile).
• Sending long messages that get split; some systems fail on special characters.

 

Test and validate

 

• Create one test resident (or use a staff account) with a real mobile number and opt-in enabled.
• Send a test announcement to SMS only.
• Confirm delivery time, sender name/number, and that opt-out instructions appear if required.
• Check the message log for status like Sent, Delivered, Failed, or Opted out.

 

Troubleshooting and when to contact support

 

• If messages show Failed, verify the phone is mobile, opt-in is active, and the resident is not opted out.
• If there is no SMS toggle or it is greyed out, the community may not have SMS enabled on its plan; contact TownSq support to activate.
• If residents say they opted in but still get nothing, ask support to check carrier blocks, short-code restrictions, or account-level SMS provisioning.

 

If all requirements are already met

 

• Keep SMS limited to high-value alerts to reduce opt-outs.
• Review opt-out/undeliverable reports monthly and clean up bad numbers.
• Standardize templates (short, clear, no sensitive info) and keep a written policy for who can send SMS and for what.