Overview
This guide walks you through setting up a Zapier automation (called a "Zap") that forwards all inbound text messages received by your Telnyx number to your personal mobile number.
Estimated Setup Time: 15 minutes
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Telnyx Account: Sign up at https://telnyx.com/sign-up if you don't have one
SMS-enabled phone number: Purchase an SMS-capable number from the Telnyx Portal
Messaging Profile: Created and assigned to your Telnyx number
API V2 Key: Generated in the Telnyx Mission Control Portal
Zapier Account: Free accounts available at https://zapier.com
Creating the SMS Forwarding Zap
Step 1: Connect to the Telnyx Integration on Zapier
Visit the Telnyx Zapier Integration page: https://zapier.com/apps/telnyx/integrations
Click Connect to add Telnyx to your Zapier account
If prompted, sign in to your Zapier account
Step 2: Create a New Zap
Go to your Zapier Dashboard: https://zapier.com/app/dashboard
Click Create Zap (or Make a Zap!) in the top-right corner
Step 3: Configure the Trigger (Receive a Message)
In the App search field, search for and select Telnyx
Under Choose Trigger Event, select Receive a Message
Click Continue
Select the Telnyx account to use for receiving messages
If your account isn't listed, click Add Account and enter your API V2 Key
Click Continue
Important: All messages received by numbers associated with the selected messaging profile will trigger this Zap. We highly recommend attaching only a single number to messaging profiles used for Zapier automations.
Step 4: Test the Trigger
Click Test Trigger (or Find Message)
Zapier will pull in a sample inbound message webhook to set up the action stage
If successful, you'll see sample message data
Click Continue to proceed to the Action step
Step 5: Configure the Action (Send SMS)
In the Do This... step, search for and select Telnyx
Under Choose Action Event, select Send SMS
Click Continue
Select your Telnyx account (or sign in if prompted)
Click Continue
Step 6: Customize the SMS Settings
Configure the following fields:
Field | Value |
Source Number | Enter your Telnyx number in E.164 format (e.g., +14155551234) |
Destination Number | Enter your personal mobile number in E.164 format (e.g., +13105559876) |
Message Content | See format below |
For the Message Content field, enter something like:
FWD FROM: [From Phone Number]
BODY: [Text]
Note: "From Phone Number" and "Text" are dynamic fields from the trigger. Use the dropdown on the right side of the Message Content field to insert these variables into your message body.
Click Continue
Step 7: Test Your Zap
Click Test Step (or Send Test)
You should receive a test message on your mobile phone similar to:
FWD FROM: +16365553226 BODY: Sample Text Sent From Zapier!
Troubleshooting: If the test fails, verify that:
Your Source and Destination numbers are in E.164 format (include +1 for US/Canada)
Your Telnyx number is messaging-enabled and assigned to a messaging profile
Your 10DLC registration is complete (for US long codes)
Step 8: Activate Your Zap
If the test was successful, click Publish (or Turn on Zap)
Your Zap is now active!
How It Works
Once activated, your Zap will:
Trigger: When someone sends a text message to your Telnyx number
Action: Automatically forward that message to your personal mobile number with the sender's phone number and message content
Best Practices
Use a dedicated messaging profile — Attach only one number to profiles used for Zapier to avoid unintended triggers
Monitor your Zap — Check Zapier's Task History to ensure messages are being forwarded successfully
Use E.164 format — Always include the country code (e.g., +1 for US) when entering phone numbers