Start a Zapier flow from an incoming text message

Zapier SMS It works by SureSMS calling a webhook address from Zapier whenever an SMS is received. There is no SureSMS app to select in Zapier. Use Webhooks by Zapier and the trigger Catch Hook.

This example creates a row in a Google Sheet with the time, sender, recipient, and text. The next step in your Zap can also be another system.

You need to take care of that first

• A Zapier account where you can create a Zap.
• A SureSMS account with a phone number that can receive text messages.
• Webhook Guide: Merge Fields, GET, and Troubleshooting, if you want to see all the options.

In Zapier

1. Create a new Zap.
2. Select Webhooks by Zapier as a trigger.
3. Select Catch Hook.
4. Copy the web address that Zapier displays. It starts with https://.
5. Leave Zapier in test mode while you send the call from SureSMS.

In SureSMS

1. Go to Integrations → Webhooks.
2. Click Create a new webhook.
3. Select POST on Incoming SMS (Recommended) i Description.
4. Paste the Zapier address into URI.
5. Select from All issues, whether it applies to all numbers, a single number, or a password.
6. Paste this JSON into POST value:

{
  "time": "",
  "sender": "",
  "receiver": "",
  "message": ""
}

7. Click Test.
8. Click Gem, when the status is in the 200 series.

How to Test

1. Check in Zapier to see if the test data is coming in.
2. Map the fields to Google Sheets: time, sender, recipient, and text.
3. Send a real text message to that number.
4. Open the tab Log in SureSMS Webhooks, and click Update.
5. Check to make sure Zapier has run and that the row has been created.

If it doesn't work

• Zapier doesn't see any tests: Leave Zapier in test mode before you click Test in SureSMS.
• 400 Bad Request: Check the JSON and use it <%bodyjson%> to the message text.
• Nothing comes through with a real text message: Enter your number or password below All issues.

See also Make, which uses the same pattern in a different tool and Overview of Integrations.