Mac OS X: How to send SMS text messages from the command line

You may send a SMS text message to any SMS-supporting cellular phone (e.g., iPhone) or device for free (and without ads), from the command line. To do this, you need TextBelt. TextBelt is a very simple, outgoing SMS API that uses carrier-specific gateways to send messages.

To send an SMS (text message) from OS X command line to a cellular phone or device:

1.Launch Terminal

2.Enter the following Terminal command:

curl “http://textbelt.com/text” -d number=1234567890 -d “message=this is where you put your message”

Like this:

If your message is delivered successfully, you will get:

{“success”:true}

If not, you will get an error message, like these:

{“success”:false,”message”:”Exceeded quota for this phone number.”}

(note TextBelt allows maximum 75 outgoing messages per day)

or

{“success”:false,”message”:”Invalid phone number.”}

Related: How to tell if you’re sending an iMessage or a text message (SMS)

SK( Managing Editor )

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.