Guide
Business Text Messages Not Delivering? A2P 10DLC Registration Explained
Appointment reminders and texts to customers failing or being filtered? Here is how U.S. carrier registration (A2P 10DLC) works, why registrations get rejected and how to fix it.
Short answer: U.S. carriers filter or block texts that businesses send from regular 10-digit numbers unless the business has registered its brand and messaging campaign, a process called A2P 10DLC. Register your brand and campaign through your texting provider, with a clear opt-in process and privacy policy, or use a verified toll-free number.
Why texts stop delivering
- The number was never registered for business texting.
- The campaign registration was rejected and never fixed.
- Messages don’t match the registered use case.
- Links use shortened or suspicious domains.
- Customers never clearly opted in.
Why registrations get rejected
- No visible opt-in on your website or forms.
- No privacy policy that covers text messages and says numbers aren’t sold.
- Sample messages that are vague or don’t mention your business name and how to opt out.
- Business details that don’t match public records.
How to fix it
- Add a clear opt-in checkbox or wording wherever customers give their number.
- Update your privacy policy to cover texting.
- Write sample messages with your business name and “Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Register (or re-submit) your brand and campaign through Twilio or your texting platform.
- Consider a verified toll-free number for simpler use cases.
We handle registrations and rejections remotely. See business texting registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 10DLC if I only text a few customers?
If you text customers from a business phone system or app on a regular 10-digit number, yes. Unregistered traffic is increasingly filtered or blocked.
How long does registration take?
Brand approval can be quick, while campaign review often takes days to a couple of weeks, longer if it is rejected and resubmitted.