Adding extra numbers to your account can seem like a quick way to send more messages or fix delivery problems. In practice, it usually does the opposite. Carrier and industry rules prohibit spreading your messages across multiple numbers, and doing so can get your messages blocked and your numbers suspended.
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing means spreading similar or identical messages across multiple phone numbers in a way that evades the filters carriers use to detect unwanted messages.
This rule applies based on the effect, not only the intent. Even if you're not trying to get around filters, splitting a campaign across several numbers can still be treated as snowshoeing.
Examples include:
Sending the same broadcast from several numbers to divide up your volume
Switching to new numbers after your messages start getting filtered or blocked
Rotating numbers so contacts see a different sender each time
What can happen
Messages get filtered or blocked before they reach your contacts.
Numbers get suspended, including ones you were using correctly.
Your 10DLC campaign or toll-free verification gets rejected or revoked.
Your account is reviewed or restricted.
Other practices carriers treat as filter evasion
Along with snowshoeing, carriers also prohibit:
Intentionally misspelling words to get past spam filters
Using non-standard opt-out wording instead of keywords like STOP
Sending unsolicited or unwanted messages in bulk
How many numbers you actually need
Most businesses only need one number per use case or brand. For example, you might have one number for marketing and another for appointment reminders. Each number should have a clear purpose that matches your registration. Every message should also clearly identify your business as the sender, whichever number it comes from.
If your messages are being blocked
Adding numbers won't fix blocked messages, and it can make the problem worse. Instead:
Confirm your contacts gave consent to receive your messages. Promotional messages require prior express written consent.
Review your message content for anything that looks like spam.
Make sure your registration matches what you're actually sending.
Contact our support team and we'll help you find the cause.
When more than one number makes sense
Additional numbers are fine when each one has a distinct, legitimate purpose, such as separate brands, locations, or use cases, and each is registered on its own. If you're not sure whether you need another number, check with our support team before adding one.
Still have questions? Reach out to our support team through chat and we'll be happy to help.