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Get the SMSKit Gateway app

Install on any Android phone, pair it to your account, and start sending. Takes about five minutes.

Download APK (v1.0.0)
Version 1.0.0 · released 2026-06-23 · What's new
SHA-256: a1b2c3d4e5f60718293a4b5c6d7e8f90112233445566778899aabbccddeeff00
Requires Android 8.0+
Why not the Play Store (yet)? Google heavily restricts apps that use SMS permissions. Like most serious SMS gateways, we distribute a signed APK directly for now. A Play listing is on the roadmap — the app you download here is the same one.

Install in 4 steps

  1. 1

    Allow the install

    When you open the APK, Android asks permission to install from your browser or file manager. Tap Settings → Allow from this source, then go back and install.

  2. 2

    Get past Play Protect

    Play Protect may warn that it doesn't recognize the developer — normal for any sideloaded app. Tap More details → Install anyway. The APK is signed by SMSKit; verify the SHA-256 above if you want to be sure.

  3. 3

    Grant permissions

    The app asks for a few permissions. Each has a job (see the table below).

  4. 4

    Pair to your account

    Open the app, then on the dashboard go to Devices → Add device and scan the pairing code. Your phone registers, reports its SIMs, and goes online.

About Play Protect: it's safe to tap "Install anyway" for this signed APK. Don't disable Play Protect globally — just proceed past the one warning for SMSKit Gateway.

Why the app needs each permission

PermissionWhy
Send SMSTo actually send your messages.
Receive SMSFor two-way messaging and delivery handling.
Phone stateTo read which SIMs are installed (multi-SIM routing).
NotificationsAndroid requires a visible notification for the background service.
Run at startupSo the gateway comes back online after a reboot.
Ignore battery optimizationSo Android doesn't sleep the app and drop your messages.
Open the dashboard

Keep it online (battery settings)

Android aggressively sleeps background apps, and some phone makers are worse than others. To keep your gateway reachable:

  • • Exempt SMSKit Gateway from battery optimization (the app prompts you; accept it).
  • • Lock the app in recents on Xiaomi/Huawei/Samsung so the task killer leaves it alone.
  • • Keep the phone charging and on Wi-Fi or data.

Per-manufacturer steps (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo) are expanding in our docs.

System requirements

  • • Android 8.0 (API 26) or newer.
  • • A SIM on a normal carrier plan (dual-SIM supported).
  • • Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • • A power source — treat the phone as an always-on appliance.

Cheap or used phones are fine. You don't need a flagship.