GoHighLevel SMS Number Guide

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How GoHighLevel Chooses the Twilio Number for SMS

If you use ClickUp for internal project tracking and GoHighLevel for marketing, it is important to understand exactly which Twilio phone number is used when your leads receive SMS messages. This guide explains, step by step, how the system selects a number, what happens when multiple numbers exist, and how to troubleshoot unexpected sending numbers.

The information below is based directly on the official GoHighLevel documentation so you can configure your Twilio numbers with confidence.

Overview: How GoHighLevel Uses Twilio Numbers

GoHighLevel connects to your Twilio account and sends SMS through the phone numbers you have purchased in Twilio. When a text is sent, the platform automatically chooses a number according to specific rules. These rules depend on:

  • Which numbers exist in your Twilio account
  • Which numbers are attached to your GoHighLevel location
  • Whether a specific number has already been used in the conversation with that contact

Understanding these behaviors helps you maintain consistent branding and avoid confusion for your leads.

Key Rules for GoHighLevel Twilio Number Selection

When GoHighLevel sends an SMS, it follows predictable logic for choosing the Twilio number. The exact rules can vary slightly depending on your setup, but the core behavior remains consistent.

1. Existing Conversation Number Is Reused

If a lead has already received or sent messages with a specific Twilio number connected to your GoHighLevel account, the system will typically continue using that same number for future messages in that conversation.

This helps ensure that the lead sees one consistent number instead of switching between several, which can otherwise appear suspicious or spam-like.

2. Default or Primary Number for the Location

For new conversations where no previous messages exist, GoHighLevel usually selects a primary or default Twilio number associated with that location. The default behavior described in the original help article is that the system chooses from the available numbers tied to the current account and location.

If you only have one Twilio number attached to the location, that number will be used automatically for all outgoing SMS messages via that location.

3. Multiple Twilio Numbers and GoHighLevel

When multiple Twilio numbers are attached to a single GoHighLevel location, the system will still apply the rule of staying consistent per conversation. For brand-new contacts, GoHighLevel will pick from your available numbers according to the internal logic described in the source documentation.

If different sub-accounts or locations have their own Twilio numbers, each location will use only the numbers connected to that specific location. Cross-location number usage does not occur by default.

Practical Examples of GoHighLevel SMS Behavior

To make the rules easier to apply, here are some simple scenarios based on the behavior described in the original GoHighLevel support article.

Scenario 1: One Twilio Number in the Account

  • Setup: You have a single Twilio number connected to your GoHighLevel location.
  • Result: All outbound SMS to all leads from that location will use this one number.

This is the most straightforward configuration and is easy to manage and brand.

Scenario 2: Multiple Numbers on One Location

  • Setup: You have several Twilio numbers attached to one GoHighLevel location.
  • For new leads: The system will select a number from those available for that location, following its built-in logic.
  • For existing leads: If a specific number was already used in that conversation, GoHighLevel continues to use the same number, maintaining consistency.

Over time, each lead becomes tied to a specific sending number, which stabilizes your sender identity for that contact.

Scenario 3: Multiple Locations With Their Own Numbers

  • Setup: You manage multiple locations (sub-accounts) inside GoHighLevel, and each one has its own Twilio number or set of numbers.
  • Result: Each location uses only the Twilio numbers linked to that specific location for sending and receiving SMS.

This is useful when you manage different brands, regions, or clients within one GoHighLevel agency account.

Step-by-Step: Verifying Your GoHighLevel Twilio Numbers

To ensure the right number is used, you should verify your configuration both in Twilio and inside GoHighLevel.

Step 1: Check Numbers in Twilio

  1. Log in to your Twilio account.
  2. Go to the Phone Numbers section.
  3. Confirm which numbers are purchased and active.
  4. Note which numbers should be used for each business or GoHighLevel location.

Step 2: Confirm Numbers in GoHighLevel

  1. Log in to your GoHighLevel dashboard.
  2. Open the correct location (sub-account).
  3. Navigate to the area where your Twilio integration and phone numbers are configured (usually under Settings > Phone Numbers or similar, based on the current interface).
  4. Verify that the intended Twilio numbers are connected to this location.

Step 3: Test SMS Sending Behavior

  1. Create or select a test contact that has no existing conversation.
  2. Send a manual SMS from the GoHighLevel conversation window.
  3. Check which Twilio number the contact receives the message from.
  4. Send a second message to the same contact and confirm that GoHighLevel continues to use the same Twilio number.

If the number used does not match your expectations, adjust your configuration and retest.

Troubleshooting Unexpected SMS Numbers in GoHighLevel

If your leads are receiving SMS from an unexpected number, review the following points that are derived from the official help article:

  • Confirm there are no extra Twilio numbers attached that you do not intend to use.
  • Check that you are working in the correct GoHighLevel location (each has its own configuration).
  • Verify that the number you expect to use is active and correctly connected.
  • Review any existing conversation history to see which number was first used.

You can also compare your observations with the original documentation here: official GoHighLevel Twilio number article.

Best Practices for Managing GoHighLevel SMS Numbers

To keep your SMS strategy organized and predictable, follow these best practices when working with GoHighLevel and Twilio:

  • Limit each location to only the Twilio numbers you truly need.
  • Document which number is intended for which brand or region.
  • Train your team on which GoHighLevel location to use for each client.
  • Periodically audit Twilio and GoHighLevel settings to ensure they match your current processes.

By keeping a clean structure, you reduce the risk of leads receiving texts from numbers that do not match your expectations.

Where to Get More Help on GoHighLevel

If you want tailored help optimizing your workflows, funnels, or Twilio setup inside GoHighLevel, you can work with specialized consultants. For example, Consultevo provides consulting and implementation services for automation, CRM setups, and advanced marketing systems.

For the latest official technical details, always refer back to the GoHighLevel help center and specifically to the original article describing which Twilio phone number leads receive SMS from.

With a clear understanding of how GoHighLevel selects Twilio numbers, you can confidently manage your SMS communications, maintain consistent branding, and troubleshoot any issues that arise with outbound text messages.

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