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FTP

Our FTP connection is well suited for once-off, high volume message dispatches. It's particularly useful for batch processing from legacy systems. All you do is upload to our FTP server, and your messages are sent instantly. Clickatell creates a history log file in your FTP folder with the status details of all messages sent.

Download the FTP Developer Guide

Features of FTP API

  • Supports text, Unicode, binary SMS and flash messaging.
  • Supports extended length messages.
  • Converts ringtones and logos into the correct format.
  • Use our VCard and VCal converters.
  • Delivery acknowledgement and Sender ID can be set up.
  • Gateway escalation: Should the message be delayed for a predefined length of time, it can be escalated to an alternative delivery gateway. Queuing lets you specify up to 3 prioritized queues which your messages can be sent out on.
  • Specify a delay of up to 7 days when sending messages.
  • Batch sending and two-way messaging.

FTP API Quickstart Guide

This tutorial will explain in just a few simple steps how you can send an SMS using Clickatell’s FTP API.  Note: in the manual example outlined below it is assumed that developers will utilize server-generated commands to insert these posts into their code automatically.


  • Step 1

    Register for the FTP API. Go to the FTP API page and click on the Sign Up Now button.

  • Step 2

    Next fill in your registration details on the registration form and press “submit”.  The 3 pieces of information you will need to send an SMS will be your “username”, your “password” and your API_ID.  Your API_ID gets issued immediately upon confirmation of registration. Note:  Once you have registered and been activated, you will automatically receive 10 FREE SMS credits which you can use for testing.

  • Step 3

    Have the following information ready:
    User: xxxx
    Password: xxxx
    Api_ID: xxxx
    To: xxxxxxx (number you would like to send the message to in an international format e.g. 448311234567)
    Text: Meet me outside (actual message you would like to send)

  • Step 4

    Open your Browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) and type in your info in the address bar in the following sequence: ftp://ftpupload.clickatell.com

  • Step 5

    Copy your text file into this folder. Your message will be sent immediately. Sign up for Developers' Central now and get 10 free test messages.