How to Forward Text Messages to Custom API

Why Forward SMS to Custom API?

Forwarding SMS to a custom API helps you:

• Integrate with any application - Connect SMS forwarding to your own backend
• Full control over data - Process and store messages exactly how you need
• Build custom workflows - Trigger any action based on incoming SMS
• Add to existing systems - Integrate SMS into CRM, support systems, or databases
• Create custom automations - Parse data, filter messages, and execute custom logic
• No third-party limitations - Complete flexibility with your own endpoint
• Secure communication - Use your own authentication and encryption

Prerequisites

Before setting up Custom API forwarding, make sure you have:

1. ✅ Forward SMS app installed
2. ✅ iOS Shortcuts automation configured (Required first step)
3. ✅ Custom API endpoint that accepts HTTP POST requests
4. ✅ (Optional) API authentication token or key

Setup Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your API Endpoint

Your API endpoint should accept HTTP POST requests with JSON payload:

Example Request Format:

{
  "from": "+1234567890",
  "message": "This is the SMS text content",
  "timestamp": "2025-10-15T12:34:56Z"
}

Requirements:

• Method: POST
• Content-Type: application/json
• Response: Return HTTP 200 for successful receipt
• Authentication: (Optional) Bearer token or API key in headers

Example API Endpoint:

https://your-domain.com/api/sms/receive

Step 2: Configure Forward SMS App

Now add your custom API endpoint to Forward SMS app:

1. Open Forward SMS app
2. Tap Create New Rule or "+" button
3. Select Custom API as the destination type
4. Enter your API endpoint URL
5. Tap Send Test Message to test the integration
6. Check your API logs to verify the test message was received
7. Tap "Save"

Your SMS messages will now automatically forward to your custom API endpoint!

API Payload Details

The Forward SMS app sends the following JSON structure:

{
  "from": "string",        // Sender's phone number
  "message": "string",     // SMS message content
  "timestamp": "string"    // ISO 8601 timestamp
}

Example Response:

{
  "success": true,
  "message": "SMS received successfully"
}