# Send an SMS (Quick Send) (/guides/sms/quick-send)

**Quick Send** sends one message right away to as many people as you like. You need an approved [sender ID](./sender-ids.mdx) and [SMS units](./buying-units.mdx).

Go to **SMS → Quick Send**.

![Quick Send — sender, message and recipients](</_next/static/media/sms-06.3skngb2aq259o.png>)

## 1. Sender [#1-sender]

- **Sender ID** — pick which name recipients will see. Your default is marked *(default)*.
- **Campaign Name** (optional) — helps you find this send later in Campaigns and reports. Left blank, a name is created for you.

## 2. Message [#2-message]

- Type your text in **Message**, or start from a saved **Template**.
- Click the **Insert** buttons to personalise the message: `{{first_name}}`, `{{last_name}}`, `{{display_name}}` and `{{organisation_name}}` are replaced for each contact.
- The counter under the box shows characters and **SMS parts** — each part uses one unit per recipient.

The phone on the right shows a preview of how the message will look.

## 3. Recipients [#3-recipients]

Choose a tab:

| Tab | Sends to |
|---|---|
| **Manual Numbers** | Numbers you type or paste — one per line, or separated by commas or semicolons. `07…` and `01…` numbers are accepted. You can also search for contacts, groups or tags here. |
| **Contact Groups** | Every member of the groups you tick (member counts are shown). |
| **All Contacts** | All active contacts with a phone number who haven't opted out. |

Numbers that have [opted out](./opt-outs.mdx) are always skipped automatically.

## 4. Check the cost, then send [#4-check-the-cost-then-send]

1. Click **Preview Recipients & Cost**. You'll see the number of recipients, SMS parts, the **cost in units** and your **balance after** sending.
   - Invalid numbers are listed and will be skipped.
   - If your balance is too low, you'll be prompted to top up first.
2. Click **Send Now**.

![Preview Recipients & Cost before sending](</_next/static/media/sms-07.2b5pmyp0mf0ub.png>)

The message goes out immediately — there is no extra confirmation step, so check the preview first. Large sends continue in the background; follow progress in [Campaigns](./campaigns.mdx) or [Delivery reports](./delivery-reports.mdx).

<Callout type="idea" title="Want to send later or on a schedule?">

Use a [scheduled or recurring campaign](./campaigns.mdx#schedule-a-campaign).

</Callout>