Google Sheets formula guide

SENDSMSWITHSENDER: Send SMS With a Custom Sender Name

Send text messages from Google Sheets with a custom sender, branded sender ID, or business name where alphanumeric sender IDs are supported.

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Quick answer

How do I send an SMS with a custom name?

Install Sheet SMS, open your Google Sheet, and enter =SENDSMSWITHSENDER(message, phone_number, sender_name). The third argument is the custom sender name that recipients may see instead of a phone number. Use a sender name that represents your business and request approval before sending.

Branded vs. Generic Messaging

Without Custom Sender ID

SMS

+1 (833) 459-009110:42 AM

Hello, your ticket request for tomorrow has been received. Thanks!

Generic & unrecognized sender number

High Trust

With Custom Sender ID

ACME

ACME BRAND10:42 AM

Hello, your ticket request for tomorrow has been received. Thanks!

Clean branded title, no random digits

1How the formula works

SENDSMSWITHSENDER is the Sheet SMS formula for sending an SMS with a custom sender. The third parameter is an alphanumeric sender ID: the business name, organization name, or custom name you want to submit for delivery. The sender must be approved before first use.

Formula Syntax

// Structure:

=SENDSMSWITHSENDER(message, phone_number, sender_name)

// Real Example:

=SENDSMSWITHSENDER("Your order is ready", "+447123456789", "MYBRAND")

Argument	Type	Description
message	String / Cell Ref	The content of the text message. Can reference a cell like `A2`.
phone_number	String / Cell Ref	The recipient's number starting with `+`. (e.g. `"+33612345678"`).
sender_name	String (Max 11 chars)	The custom sender name or brand name displayed when the destination network supports alphanumeric sender IDs.

Country Regulations & Fallbacks

Alphanumeric Sender IDs are governed by telecommunication rules:

Country support: Sender ID rules vary by destination. Check the current custom sender country list before planning a campaign.
United States and Canada: Alphanumeric custom names are generally not available through this sender-ID route. Use the standard SENDSMS formula when you need a phone-number sender.
One-way messaging: A custom sender name is not a reply-capable phone number. Use a standard phone-number sender for two-way conversations.

2Key Rules & Character Constraints

Use 3 to 11 characters for the sender name.

Use letters, numbers, and spaces; special characters and emojis are removed or rejected.

Choose a recognizable name connected to your business or organization.

A new custom sender requires admin approval before its first dispatch.

Sender ID availability depends on the recipient's country and carrier.

There is no separate custom-sender monthly fee.

3Custom sender formula examples

Keep message text, phone numbers, and sender names in separate columns so you can reuse the same with-sender formula for every row in a campaign.

Cell references

=SENDSMSWITHSENDER(A2, B2, C2)

A2 contains the message, B2 the phone number, and C2 the custom sender name.

Fixed sender name

=SENDSMSWITHSENDER(A2, B2, "ACME")

Use one approved branded sender for every row in a campaign.

Reminder message

=SENDSMSWITHSENDER("Reminder: your appointment is tomorrow", B2, "CLINIC")

Useful for appointment reminders, delivery alerts, and service notifications.

Personalized SMS

=SENDSMSWITHSENDER("Hi "&D2&", your order is ready", B2, "STORE")

Combine spreadsheet values with a branded sender for personalized texts.

When to use a custom sender

Order updates: send shipping and pickup alerts from your store name.
Appointment reminders: make the clinic, salon, or practice immediately recognizable.
Marketing campaigns: identify the brand behind a promotion or announcement.
Operations alerts: label internal notifications with a product or department name.

Before you send

Install Sheet SMS from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Format every recipient number with its country code, such as +447123456789.
Choose a 3–11 character sender name using letters, numbers, and spaces.
Enter the formula and wait for approval if this sender name is new.
Confirm that recipients have opted in and include opt-out instructions where required.

4How the validation process works

Enter formula

Write =SENDSMSWITHSENDER("Hello!", "+447123456789", "MYCOMPANY") in your sheet.

Pending approval email

The first time you invoke MYCOMPANY, the cell will show a pending approval note. An automated request goes to our admin and we send you an email confirmation.

Approval & sending starts

Once our admins review and approve your brand identity (usually takes under 1 hour), the formula automatically runs and dispatches your branded SMS.

SENDSMSWITHSENDER and custom sender FAQ

Why does my formula return `Custom sender is pending approval`?

Sheet SMS checks new sender names before dispatch to reduce impersonation and spoofing. The approval is tied to the sender name and account. If the formula returns a pending message, wait for the review or contact support.

Can custom sender IDs receive replies?

No. Alphanumeric sender IDs are one-way only and are not phone numbers. If recipients need to reply, use the standard SENDSMS formula and a reply-capable phone-number sender.

Are there extra costs for using a custom sender?

Sheet SMS does not add a separate monthly fee for using a custom sender. Normal SMS credit and destination-country pricing still apply; see the pricing page for current rates.

Can I use any business name as a custom sender?

Use a sender name that represents your own business, organization, product, or service. Sender names are reviewed, must follow the character rules, and may be restricted by destination-country regulations. Do not use a name that impersonates another company.