Get the SMSKit Gateway app
Install on any Android phone, pair it to your account, and start sending. Takes about five minutes.
Install in 4 steps
- 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
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; when a SHA-256 is shown above you can verify it to be sure.
- 3
Grant permissions
The app asks for a few permissions. Each has a job (see the table below).
- 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
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Send SMS | To actually send your messages. |
| Receive SMS | For two-way messaging and delivery handling. |
| Read SMS | Powers Business SMS Archival — backing up the inbox and sent history already on the phone so you can search, retain, and export it. Entirely opt-in: requested at runtime only when you start an import, never on install, and the gateway works fully without it. |
| Phone state | To read which SIMs are installed (multi-SIM routing). |
| Notifications | Android requires a visible notification for the background service. |
| Run at startup | So the gateway comes back online after a reboot. |
| Ignore battery optimization | So Android doesn't sleep the app and drop your messages. |
Read SMS is the only sensitive permission, and it's opt-in: it exists so you can back up and export your existing message history. See how Business SMS Archival works.
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.