Number Hosting , also called Hosted SMS or Hosted Messaging, lets eligible businesses use SMS/MMS in HighLevel with a phone number they already own through another carrier. The original carrier continues handling voice calls while messaging is routed through LC Phone.
Because ownership and voice service remain with the existing carrier, Number Hosting is different from porting or migrating a phone number. A verification and authorization process is required before hosted messaging can be activated.
This guide explains eligibility, self-service Labs and Support-assisted setup, messaging compliance, timelines, post-activation checks, and common hosting issues.
Hosting approval does not replace messaging compliance. Applicable 10DLC numbers must meet A2P registration requirements, toll-free numbers used for SMS/MMS to US or Canadian recipients must complete Toll-Free Verification, and all messaging must follow consent, sender-identification, opt-out, and content requirements.
What is Number Hosting (Hosted SMS / Hosted Messaging)?
Number Hosting enables SMS/MMS messaging on an eligible phone number that remains owned and voice-enabled through another carrier. Instead of moving the phone number itself, hosted messaging changes only how supported text-message traffic is routed.
Your original carrier continues handling voice calls and ownership of the number. Once the hosting request is approved, supported SMS/MMS traffic is handled through LC Phone so the number can be used for messaging within HighLevel.
Key Benefits of Number Hosting
Hosted messaging is useful when a business wants to preserve its current voice provider and established phone number while adding supported SMS/MMS capabilities inside HighLevel.
- Keep Your Existing Number: Continue using the phone number customers already recognize.
- Keep Existing Voice Service: Voice calling remains with the current carrier instead of being moved to LC Phone.
- No Number Port Required: Hosting adds supported messaging without transferring ownership of the number.
- Use HighLevel Messaging: Send and receive supported SMS/MMS through the HighLevel messaging experience after activation.
- Maintain Separate Voice and Messaging Providers: Businesses can preserve an existing voice configuration while using LC Phone for messaging.
Number Hosting vs. Porting
Hosting and porting both let a business continue using an existing phone number, but they change different parts of the phone service. Choose hosting when voice should stay with the existing carrier; choose porting when the phone number itself needs to move to another carrier.
| Feature | Number Hosting | Porting |
|---|---|---|
| Number Ownership | Remains with the current carrier. | Transfers to the destination carrier. |
| Voice Service | Remains with the current carrier. | Moves with the number to the destination provider. |
| SMS/MMS | Hosted through LC Phone after approval. | Handled by the destination carrier after the port. |
| Carrier Transfer | No. | Yes. |
| Best Used When | You want to keep your existing carrier for voice but use HighLevel for messaging. | You want the destination provider to manage the entire phone number. |
Need the entire number moved instead? Use the Porting Options: US In-App vs International Manual Process guide.
Supported and Unsupported Number Types
Eligibility depends on the setup method. The initial Labs self-service release covers eligible US local and toll-free numbers for SMS only. The existing Support-assisted guidance covers eligible US and Canadian numbers and supported SMS/MMS; confirm specific number and messaging capabilities before proceeding.
| Number Type / Scenario | Eligible? | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| US/Canada Local Landline | Generally Yes | Most eligible landline numbers can use Hosted Messaging after verification and approval. |
| US/Canada Toll-Free Number | Generally Yes | Eligibility depends on the method. Toll-Free Verification applies to messaging to US and Canadian recipients. |
| Number Without Existing SMS Service | Yes, if otherwise eligible | The number must meet all other hosting requirements. |
| Number Already Using SMS With Another Provider | No, as currently configured | Do not make changes to existing messaging service until Support confirms the appropriate next step. |
| Mobile / Cellular Number | No | Mobile numbers cannot be hosted through this workflow. |
| Twilio Voice Number in Another Twilio Account | No | A number already owned by a Twilio account for voice cannot be hosted for messaging on a different Twilio account. |
| Number Outside the US/Canada | No | The Labs self-service release supports US numbers only. Support-assisted guidance covers eligible US and Canadian numbers. |
What You Need Before Requesting Number Hosting
Prepare ownership and compliance information before requesting hosting. The Support-assisted method also requires the destination Location ID and a list of requested numbers.
- Location ID: The HighLevel sub-account where Hosted Messaging should be activated.
- Phone Number(s): Provide each requested number in E.164 format, such as +1XXXXXXXXXX .
- Number Owner Access: The authorized owner or representative must be available to complete ownership verification and authorization.
- Current Carrier Information: Be prepared to confirm the carrier or other ownership information if requested during verification.
- Messaging Compliance Information: Prepare the business, consent, use-case, and opt-in information needed for A2P 10DLC or Toll-Free Verification when applicable.
How Number Hosting Works
Number Hosting uses an ownership-verification and authorization process to confirm that the requester has permission to route messaging for the phone number. Hosting is activated only after the required verification and carrier review are complete.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Request | Submit the number through the Labs self-service flow, or provide the Location ID and eligible phone number(s) to HighLevel Support for the Support-assisted method. |
| 2. Ownership Verification | The authorized number owner confirms control of the requested number(s). |
| 3. Letter of Authorization | The number owner signs the required LOA authorizing hosted messaging. |
| 4. Carrier Review | Twilio and applicable carrier systems review the hosting request and may require additional confirmation. |
| 5. Activation | Approved SMS/MMS routing is activated through LC Phone. |
| 6. Messaging Registration | Complete or confirm A2P 10DLC or Toll-Free Verification requirements before relying on hosted outbound messaging. |
Hosted messaging requests require number verification, and applicable 10DLC and toll-free numbers must also meet US messaging registration requirements.
How to Set Up Number Hosting
Choose the setup method available to your account. The Labs self-service method supports eligible US local and toll-free numbers. The Support-assisted process has separate eligibility and submission guidance.
Method 1: Self-Service Number Hosting (Labs)
Agency Owners and Admins can submit a hosted SMS request directly in HighLevel for eligible existing US local or toll-free numbers. This Labs release supports one number per request , in GHL-managed Locations. Voice service remains with the current carrier.
- Enable the feature: Log in as an Agency Owner or Admin. Go to Settings > Labs and enable Hosted Numbers , where available.
- Start a request: Go to Settings > Phone System > Manage Numbers , select Add Number > Host a Number , enter the US number, and select Next to check eligibility.
- Verify ownership: Review the displayed verification code, answer the verification call on the existing number, enter the code using the phone keypad, then select Verify in HighLevel.
- Add a service address: Select a saved US service address or add a new physical US address.
- Authorize hosting: Enter the authorized signer's details and send the authorization letter for electronic signature. Complete Agency identity verification if prompted.
- Track the request: Open the Hosted Numbers tab. Monitor progress until the request is Hosted , then complete any remaining identity, messaging registration, and sender setup requirements. Confirm SMS Ready before sending messages.
Permissions: Only Agency Owners/Admins can initiate and manage hosting requests. Sub-Account Users can view their Location's requests and complete permitted identity or A2P actions, but cannot initiate hosting.
If the request is delayed or fails: Review the available action. Where supported, cancel and restart the request; for further assistance, copy the Request ID and contact Support.
Note: The Labs release is US-only and specifies SMS hosting; Canadian numbers and MMS should not be assumed supported through this method. No fixed Labs completion timeline is confirmed.
Method 2: Support-Assisted Number Hosting
For requests handled through HighLevel Support, provide the destination Location ID and eligible numbers, then complete the required verification and authorization.
Step 1: Confirm the Phone Number Is Eligible
Confirm that the number meets the eligibility requirements for the chosen method. The initial Labs self-service release is limited to eligible US local and toll-free numbers.
Step 2: Find the HighLevel Location ID
The Location ID identifies the sub-account where Hosted Messaging should be enabled. You can locate it in the sub-account URL while logged into HighLevel.
The Location ID appears in the sub-account URL and uniquely identifies the destination sub-account.
Step 3: Prepare the Phone Number List
Provide each number you want hosted in E.164 format. For example: +15551234567 . If requesting multiple eligible numbers, clearly list each number so Support can associate them with the correct Location ID.
Step 4: Contact HighLevel Support
Contact HighLevel 24/7 Live Chat Support and provide:
- Destination Location ID
- Phone number(s) to host
- Any requested ownership or carrier details
Step 5: Complete Ownership Verification and the LOA
HighLevel provides the Hosted Messaging verification process. The authorized number owner must complete ownership verification and sign the Letter of Authorization. Carrier confirmation may also be required.
Step 6: Wait for Approval and Activate Messaging
After the request passes verification and review, hosted SMS/MMS routing is activated. Complete the applicable messaging registration and validation steps below before relying on the number for production messaging.
Messaging Compliance for Hosted Numbers
Number Hosting authorizes the routing of supported messaging traffic, but carrier registration and messaging-policy requirements still apply. Approval to host a number should not be treated as approval to send unrestricted SMS or MMS.
| Requirement | What to Know |
|---|---|
| A2P 10DLC | Applicable 10-digit local numbers used for US business messaging must be associated with the appropriate approved Brand and Campaign before messaging. |
| Toll-Free Verification | Toll-free numbers used to send SMS/MMS to US and Canadian recipients must be successfully verified before messaging. |
| Consent / Opt-In | Only message contacts who have provided valid consent for the applicable business and messaging use case. |
| Sender Identification | Initial outbound messaging must clearly identify the business sending the message. |
| Opt-Out Handling | Provide required opt-out language and honor opt-out requests such as STOP. |
| Content Rules | Hosted messaging remains subject to HighLevel messaging policies and carrier restrictions on prohibited or restricted content. |
Do not begin production messaging solely because the hosting request shows approved. Confirm the number's applicable messaging registration is also complete.
What Happens After Hosted Messaging Is Activated?
After activation, voice and messaging continue using separate service paths. A short validation confirms that hosted SMS/MMS works in the correct sub-account while the existing carrier still handles voice calls normally.
- Confirm hosted messaging is active in the intended HighLevel sub-account.
- Send an outbound test SMS to a separate phone number.
- Reply to the test SMS and confirm the inbound message appears in Conversations.
- Test MMS when your number and messaging use case support it.
- Verify voice calling remains with the original carrier by placing inbound and outbound voice tests through the existing voice configuration.
- Confirm A2P 10DLC or Toll-Free Verification status when applicable.
- Review workflows and automations that will use the hosted number before enabling production traffic.
Timeline Expectations
Hosted Messaging requires external verification and carrier review, so activation is not immediate. Promptly completing ownership verification and authorization helps prevent avoidable delays.
This estimate applies to the existing Support-assisted guidance. The Labs self-service method has no confirmed fixed timeframe; carrier processing, authorization, and verification can affect completion.
Troubleshooting Number Hosting
Most hosting delays or messaging failures are caused by number eligibility, incomplete authorization, existing SMS service, or missing messaging registration. Identify the issue below before submitting another request.
Mobile numbers are not eligible for this Number Hosting workflow. Use another supported messaging or number-transfer option.
A number with an existing SMS service is not eligible as-is. Contact Support before changing or disabling the existing messaging configuration so you can confirm the correct migration or hosting path.
Confirm that ownership verification and the Letter of Authorization were completed. Additional carrier confirmation or verification can extend the normal review period.
Confirm A2P 10DLC or Toll-Free Verification requirements are complete for the number and messaging route. Also review SMS compliance settings, contact consent, and any message error shown in Conversations or workflow execution details.
Confirm the hosting request is fully activated for the intended Location ID and test again from an unrelated phone number. If activation is complete and inbound messages still do not appear, contact HighLevel Support with the Location ID and affected number.
Number Hosting is intended to change messaging routing only. If voice calling changes unexpectedly, verify the number's configuration with the original voice carrier and contact HighLevel Support if the issue began during hosting activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Self-Service FAQs
Who can start a Labs hosting request? Only Agency Owners and Admins. Sub-Account Users can view requests and complete authorized identity or A2P actions.
Why does the number show Hosted but not SMS Ready? Hosting is complete, but identity verification, A2P 10DLC or Toll-Free Verification, or sender setup may still be outstanding.
Can I reuse an existing A2P registration? HighLevel reuses an applicable approved Location-level A2P registration where available.
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