Messaging limits and compliance
To send texts from a US local number, your workspace completes a one-time Text messaging setup (10DLC carrier registration); once approved, Ody handles opt-out compliance automatically and enforces sensible media limits so your messages deliver reliably.
Registration: the one-time setup
US carriers require the business behind every local ("10-digit long code") number to be registered before it can send application-to-person texts. In Ody, a workspace admin completes this in Settings → Numbers → Text messaging setup, a four-phase stepper:
- Business info — your legal name, EIN (sole proprietors can register with a name and mobile number instead), address, website, and industry.
- Campaign — what kind of messages you send, how customers opt in, and 1–5 real sample messages. Compliant opt-in, HELP, and STOP language is applied automatically.
- Carrier review — identity vetting (minutes to hours), then campaign review (typically 1–3 business days). If something is rejected, the exact reasons display with an Edit & resubmit path.
- Texting live — your local numbers can now send SMS and MMS.
For the full background on what 10DLC is and why carriers require it, see What is 10DLC and why it matters.
Until you're approved
- Receiving works immediately — incoming texts land in your inbox from day one; registration only gates outbound sending.
- Outbound texts are blocked with a clear message: "texting isn't set up yet," "still in carrier review," or "failed — review and resubmit," depending on where your registration stands. Nothing is silently dropped.
Opt-outs and required language
- Customers can always reply STOP to opt out and HELP for assistance — this is handled at the carrier level, and the required language is baked into your registered campaign automatically.
- Only text people who have agreed to hear from you, and keep your messages consistent with the use case you registered. That's what keeps your number's deliverability healthy.
Message and media limits
- Attachments: up to 10 per message, 5 MB per file; oversized media is automatically resized toward carrier limits. See Send photos and attachments (MMS).
- Group texting isn't supported yet — see Group texting.
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Frequently asked questions
Why can't I text until registration is approved?
US carriers require every business texting from a local 10-digit number to be registered (10DLC). Ody blocks outbound texts until your registration is approved so your messages are never filtered as spam.
What happens when a customer texts STOP?
Opt-outs are honored automatically at the carrier level, and compliant STOP/HELP/opt-in language is applied to your campaign for you — you don't need to add it to every message.
How long does registration take?
Business identity vetting usually completes within minutes to hours; carrier campaign review typically takes 1–3 business days.