Your Number · Webhook/REST API · Uses your carrier plan

Turn Your Android Phone Into
A Powerful SMS Gateway

TxtCow lets you send automated SMS using your own phone number via webhooks and API. Perfect for WooCommerce, Shopify, Odoo, or any custom integration. No virtual numbers — customers reply to your real number, and usage depends on your mobile carrier plan (carrier charges may apply).

Start with your number View API Docs

✓ JWT Secure Authentication ✓ Multi-Device Support ✓ Real-time Monitoring

BYON: Your Own Number Webhook · REST API Uses your carrier SMS plan

Core Features

Everything you need to send and receive SMS programmatically using your own phone.

JWT Authentication

Secure user accounts with JWT tokens (1-hour access, 30-day refresh). Email verification, session management, and audit logs included.

Rate Limiting & Quotas

Built-in quota management: 3 msgs/min, 30/day, 930/month (default). Contact support to request quota adjustments.

TxtCow usage counts only messages sent via TxtCow. Messages from your phone's native SMS app are excluded. Actual sendability depends on your carrier plan; extra charges or throttling may apply. We recommend an unlimited SMS plan.

Two-Way Messaging

Send SMS via API and receive incoming messages automatically uploaded to your dashboard. Full message history with search.

Multi-Device Support

Connect multiple Android devices to one account. Distribute load, achieve redundancy, or separate business lines.

Real-Time Monitoring

Track device status (online/offline), message delivery (sent/delivered/failed), and usage statistics from your dashboard.

Enterprise Security

Bcrypt password hashing, API key SHA-256 encryption, HTTPS enforcement, and CORS protection.

Platform Integrations

Connect with popular e-commerce and business platforms using webhooks or direct API calls.

WooCommerce WordPress Plugin

WordPress/WooCommerce

Install our WordPress plugin or add a simple PHP snippet. Trigger SMS on order creation, payment confirmation, shipping updates, or cancellations.

// WordPress Hook Example add_action('woocommerce_order_status_processing', 'txtcow_send_order_sms', 10, 1);

Shopify Webhook

Shopify

Use Cloudflare Workers, Vercel, or any serverless platform to receive Shopify webhooks and forward to TxtCow API. Fully automated order notifications.

Odoo ERP Integration

Odoo ERP

Call TxtCow API from Odoo automated actions or custom controllers. Perfect for CRM notifications, order confirmations, and invoicing alerts.

Custom REST API

Wix, Custom Apps, POS

Integrate with any system via our REST API. Supports both JWT authentication (for web apps) and API key authentication (for server-to-server calls).

API Quickstart

Two authentication methods: JWT (for web/mobile apps) and API Keys (for server integrations).

Method 1: JWT Authentication

For web dashboards and mobile apps. Login once, use access tokens.

# 1. Login curl -X POST https://txtcow.com/api/auth/login \ -d '{"email":"user@example.com","password":"***"}' # Response: { "access_token": "...", "refresh_token": "..." } # 2. Send SMS curl -X POST https://txtcow.com/api/messages/send \ -H "Authorization: Bearer ACCESS_TOKEN" \ -d '{"recipient":"+64XXXXXXXXX","message":"Hello!"}'

Method 2: API Key (Legacy)

For server-to-server integrations. Create API key in dashboard.

# Send SMS with API Key curl -X POST https://txtcow.com/sms-gateway/api/send \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{ "api_key": "sk_live_XXXXXXXX", "phone": "+64XXXXXXXXX", "message": "Order #1234 confirmed!", "source": "woocommerce" }'

3-Minute Setup

STEP 1

Sign Up & Verify Email
Create account at txtcow.com

STEP 2

Install Android App
Login with same credentials, device auto-registers

STEP 3

Send First SMS
Use API key or JWT to send your first message

Download Android App

Install the TxtCow Gateway app on your Android device to start sending SMS.

📱 Get the App

Download the latest version of TxtCow Gateway for Android.

Download APK v1.0.0

Note: APK deployment in progress. Contact support for early access.

Version: 1.0.0 (Updated: Jan 2026)
File size: ~51 MB
Requirements: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher

🚀 Installation Steps

Allow Unknown Sources: Go to Settings → Security → Enable "Install unknown apps" for your browser
Download APK: Click the download button above
Install: Open the downloaded file and tap "Install"
Grant SMS Permissions: When prompted, allow SMS and Phone permissions

⚙️ First-Time Setup

After installing the app, follow these steps to start sending SMS:

STEP 1

Log In
Open the app and sign in with your TxtCow account (same email/password used on the web dashboard)

STEP 2

Grant Permissions
Allow SMS, Phone, and Notification permissions when prompted. These are required for the app to work.

STEP 3

Auto-Registration
Your device will automatically register with the server. You'll see a "Connected" status.

STEP 4

Disable Battery Optimization
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → Select TxtCow → Don't optimize. This keeps the app running in the background.

📝 Troubleshooting Tips

App won't install?

Make sure you enabled "Install unknown apps" for your browser
Check that you have enough storage space (at least 50 MB free)
Try downloading again if the APK file is corrupted

Device not showing as connected?

Check your internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
Make sure you're logged in with the correct account
Restart the app and wait 10-15 seconds for registration

Messages not sending?

Verify SMS permission is granted in Android settings
Check that your SIM card has sufficient balance/credit
Ensure the app isn't being killed by battery optimization
Check the message queue in the web dashboard for errors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BYON (Bring Your Own Number)?

Instead of using expensive cloud SMS services (Twilio, Vonage) or shared virtual numbers, TxtCow uses your own SIM card. This means lower costs, higher deliverability, and customers see your real business number.

What are the default quotas?

New users get: 3 messages/minute, 30 messages/day, 930 messages/month, and 1 service integration by default. Limits apply only to messages sent via TxtCow; actual sendability follows your mobile carrier plan. Contact support to request quota increases.

Can I use multiple phones?

Yes! One account can connect multiple Android devices. Useful for load balancing, redundancy, or separating personal/business lines.

Is my data secure?

Yes. We use bcrypt password hashing, JWT secure tokens, SHA-256 API key encryption, HTTPS enforcement, and rate limiting. All production data is backed up daily.

Do I need to keep the app open?

The app polls for messages every 10 seconds in the background. For best results, disable battery optimization for TxtCow in Android settings.

Which countries are supported?

Any country with Android phone support. However, local carrier spam rules and sending limits may vary. Check with your carrier for SMS sending policies.

Compliance Notice

TxtCow must be used in line with local anti-spam laws. Please review before sending.

New Zealand (Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007)

When operating in New Zealand, only send messages that fit one of the permitted purposes:

Quotes/estimates requested by the recipient
Facilitating, completing, or confirming a transaction the recipient already agreed to
Warranty, product recall, safety/security information
Factual notifications about subscriptions, memberships, accounts, loans, or similar ongoing relationships
Information directly related to an employment relationship or benefit plan
Delivery of goods/services (including updates/upgrades) the recipient is entitled to
Information from a government body, court, or tribunal
Any other purpose allowed by applicable regulations

You must obtain consent and avoid sending messages outside these categories.

Other Countries

If you operate outside New Zealand, you must comply with your country’s spam/telecom rules (e.g., consent, identification, and opt-out requirements). Only send messages that are lawful and permitted in your jurisdiction.

TxtCow and its developers are not liable for unlawful or abusive use of the service. All legal responsibility for message content and sending practices rests with the user.

Start Sending SMS with Your Own Number Today

No credit card required. Setup in 3 minutes.

Start with your number Sign In

✓ No credit card ✓ Uses your carrier plan (TxtCow usage = TxtCow-sent SMS only) ✓ JWT + API key auth

Turn Your Android Phone Into A Powerful SMS Gateway