---
updatedAt: 2026-03-09T12:30:58.000Z
agentTools:
projectIndex: https://help.rainforestqa.com/llms.txt
---
# SMS Test Data
Learn how to use the browser to test sending text messages.
## Overview
Use Rainforest's pool of SMS numbers to test your app's ability to send text messages. Combine it with our SMS inbox placeholder to verify receipt of the text message. You can do all of this from the web browser; no mobile device is required.
SMS test data works the same way as our other built-in test data. The data acts as a placeholder in your instructions and generates a valid number when the test executes. Similar to {`{{random.inbox}}`}, {`{{sms.inbox}}`} is a virtual inbox where text messages are sent and can be viewed by our testers.
## Adding SMS Test Data to a Test Step
To test sending text messages to a device, insert an SMS placeholder from the test data list.
1. Click Insert Test Data to add an SMS placeholder.
2. From the *Built-In Data* list, expand *SMS* and select {`{{sms.number}}`}.
2. Include a step that instructs the user to review the sent text. See [Test Instructions Example](#test-instructions-example).
3. Select "SMS > {`{{sms.inbox}}`}" to receive a text message.
The {`{{sms.inbox}}`} value appears as a URL to the tester.
## Private SMS Numbers
With Private SMS, you can purchase a pool of dedicated SMS numbers and associated inboxes to use as test data—or placeholders—in your tests. These are unique, static numbers that are not shared with other clients. Customers are free to use the numbers as they wish.
Private SMS can help with use cases such as two-factor authentication. Let's say a tester must enter an authentication code before they can test your application. Instead of using their own mobile number, they specify one of your private numbers.
### How to Use Private SMS Numbers
If you'd like to use this feature, talk to our Support team. Once private SMS numbers are provisioned, you can access the list of phone numbers from Settings > Test Data. Moreover, you can download the list in `.csv` format.
There are two ways to use Private SMS:
1. Randomly pick a number from your account's private pool using the {`{{private_sms.inbox}}`} placeholder.
2. Pick a number by using the placeholders {`{{private_sms.inbox()}}`} and {`{{private_sms.number()}}`} to access the inbox and the actual phone number. Key in the number between the parentheses in the inbox () and number () fields.
**Note:** You can upload the numbers as test data via `.csv`. For example: {`{{private_sms.inbox({{file.column}})}}`} uses the CSV file "file" and the column "column." The column contains the list of numbers.
### Enabling Private SMS for My Account
If you want to learn more about Private SMS or are interested in enabling the feature for your account, we're here to help. For information about other test data we offer, check out our [Using Test Data](https://help.rainforestqa.com/docs/using-test-data) page.
*If you have any questions, reach out to us at .*