Beside lets you send text messages directly from the app. You can start a new conversation from your contacts, the dial pad, or your recent call history - whichever is easiest for you.
Send a text from the contact list
Open the Beside mobile app
Tap + in the top-right corner of the screen
Select the contact you want to message (scroll or use the search bar)
Tap the chat bubble icon next to their name
Type your message
Tap Send
Send a text from the dial pad
Open the Beside mobile app
Tap + in the top-right corner of the screen
Tap the Dial Pad
Enter the phone number you want to message
Tap 💬 Text under the keypad
Type your message and tap Send
Send a text from your call history
Open the Beside mobile app
Tap the 📞 Phone tab at the bottom left to view your recent calls
Find the contact or number you interacted with
Tap the "i" (information) icon
Type your message and tap Send
Which number do your texts come from?
When you send a text from Beside, the recipient sees your Beside number as the sender - not your personal carrier number.
Your setup | Number shown to recipients |
Beside number (default) | Your Beside number |
Call forwarding + Caller ID enabled | Your Beside number (Caller ID only applies to calls, not texts) |
Ported number | Your ported number (which is now your Beside number) |
📌 Note:
Caller ID does not apply to texts. Even if you've set up Caller ID to show your existing number on outgoing calls, your texts will still come from your Beside number. This is a carrier limitation - SMS Caller ID is not supported.
If you want your texts to come from your existing number, you need to port that number to Beside. 📖 Port your number vs set up call forwarding
Use Draft Text to write messages faster
Draft Text is your built-in AI helper inside every conversation. It can generate a clear, professional draft based on the instructions you give it.
How to use Draft Text
Open any conversation
Tap Draft Text
Tell the AI what you want:
"Write a polite reminder about the appointment today at 3 PM."
"Rephrase my message to sound more professional."
"Create a friendly follow-up asking if they received my estimate."
Review the draft
Tap Insert to copy it into the message box
Edit if needed, then Send
📌 Note: Draft Text does not automatically rewrite the message you already typed. It creates a new draft based on your instructions. If you want a rephrasing, add "Rephrase:" before your message.
Tips for successful texting
Check permissions - make sure Beside has access to your contacts for a smoother experience.
Check your network - a stable internet connection is required for sending messages.
Blocked content - if a message fails to send because of restricted words (e.g., profanity, sensitive topics), try rephrasing it. 📖 Forbidden content on Beside
FAQ
Which number do my contacts see when I text them?
Which number do my contacts see when I text them?
Your contacts always see your Beside number as the sender. If you set up call forwarding with Caller ID, that only applies to outgoing calls - not texts. The only way to have texts come from your existing number is to port it to Beside.
📖 Port your number vs set up call forwarding
Can I send pictures, videos, or GIFs via Beside?
Can I send pictures, videos, or GIFs via Beside?
You can send JPG or PNG images up to 5MB. Videos and GIFs may not always work reliably, even under 5MB.
Can I send bulk messages or mass texts using Beside?
Can I send bulk messages or mass texts using Beside?
No. Bulk or mass messaging is not allowed on Beside.
📖 Forbidden content on Beside
Why did my message fail to send?
Why did my message fail to send?
Messages can fail for several reasons: blocked content (profanity, sensitive topics, shortened URLs), weak internet connection, or exceeding SMS character limits (160 characters standard, 70 with emojis).
📖 Fix undelivered text messages
Can I text from Beside for macOS?
Can I text from Beside for macOS?
Yes. You can send and receive texts from 📖 Beside for macOS using the same phone line as your mobile app. You need to set up your line on mobile first.
📖 Send texts and make calls on macOS