Connect an eligible existing Azure Communication Services resource to the Azure gateway in PD SMS Manager. Check service eligibility before retrieving a key or planning a new sender.

Check the current Azure position

Microsoft’s retirement and onboarding guidance lists ACS SMS for retirement on 30 September 2028 and onboarding restrictions from 23 October 2026. Its SMS guidance limits new number acquisition to eligible existing customers/resources with existing ACS numbers. An older resource alone is not a blanket purchase entitlement. This guide uses an existing supported resource and sender.

Obtain the resource credential

Open the intended Communication Services resource in Azure and use Settings → Keys to obtain its complete Connection string. It contains endpoint and access key, so treat the whole value as a secret. If key access is unavailable, ask the Azure administrator to review the specific key-access permission rather than granting broad access indiscriminately.

The gateway does not use the tenant, subscription, application/client ID and client secret from an Azure app registration. Those values do not replace this resource connection string.

Add the Azure gateway

1. Open SMS Manager → Gateways → Add a gateway and choose Azure Communication Services.
2. Give the gateway a recognisable name and paste the complete Connection string.
3. Enter the resource’s supported identity in From (sender).
4. Review Request delivery reports, then save and use Test connection.
5. Review the intended gateway routing before enabling messages.

From must be usable on the same resource for the destination. The connection test uses a no-recipient probe; its limited result is not proof of sender readiness or phone delivery. Requesting delivery reports does not configure Event Grid subscriptions or refresh module History with later results.

Review the standard client Phone Number field or nominated mobile custom field in Settings. Rehearse with a separate Log only gateway if no provider traffic is intended. A real delivery test is a separate action. Preserve the redacted result and reconcile an Unknown outcome before another send.

See the PD SMS Manager WHMCS guide for related tasks, or explore PD SMS Manager.