Sending SMS from Moodle.
Moodle 4.5 introduced its own SMS subsystem but ships almost no providers. We built four: pick the one you already have a contract with, or the one that is cheapest for you.
What you use this for
- You want SMS-based two-factor authentication for users without a corporate email address.
- Participants need a reminder they will actually read.
- You already have a contract with an SMS provider and want to use it.
- Email too often lands in the spam filter for your audience.
The plugins
Textmagic
Textmagic works with a per-user API key and is usually the fastest to set up: create an account, paste the key, done. No separate sender registration needed to get going.
smsgateway_textmagic · GPL, free to use
2 releases since 2025 · Moodle 4.5–5.0
Sinch
Sinch is the heaviest of the four in reach and delivery guarantees, making it the logical choice if you send internationally or need verifiable delivery reporting.
smsgateway_sinch · GPL, free to use
2 releases since 2025 · Moodle 4.5–5.0
Messagebird
Messagebird is a Dutch provider, which often simplifies the discussion about where message data is processed. Convenient if you want processing agreements to stay within the EU.
smsgateway_messagebird · GPL, free to use
1 release since 2025 · Moodle 4.5–5.0
Plivo
Plivo charges per message with no subscription, which works out favourably at low or irregular volumes, for example two-factor only at login.
smsgateway_plivo · GPL, free to use
Good to know
- The SMS subsystem only exists from Moodle 4.5 onwards. These gateways do not work on older versions.
- You pay the provider for the messages themselves; we only supply the integration.
- You need an account and API key with the provider in question.
Frequently asked questions
Which provider should we choose?
Technically it makes no difference to Moodle; all four deliver the same. Choose on price per message, coverage in the countries you send to, and whether you already have a contract.
Can you add another provider?
Yes. Since Moodle 4.5 an SMS gateway is its own plugin type, so a new provider is well-scoped work provided there is a decent API.
Need this to do something it does not do yet?
The plugins are open source and free to use. If you need a change, a migration or someone to keep them working across Moodle upgrades, that is what we do.
No obligation, no sales pitch. We advise first; a proposal comes later.
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Fonts
Your own fonts in PDF certificates and in the text editor, without touching core.