SMS Gateway for Android turns an Android phone into an SMS gateway that other apps and services can talk to over an API. You install it on a phone with a SIM card, and it lets you send and receive SMS (and MMS) messages programmatically, either straight from the device or through a cloud or private server when you can't reach the device directly.
Developer: capcom6 · License: Apache-2.0 (open source) · Price: Free
Before you start: on your Android device go to Settings > Security (or Privacy on some devices) and enable Unknown sources so you can install an APK that isn't from the Play Store. The app needs Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later.
Official file from the developer's release · Nov 3, 2026 · SHA-256 babb274689fadfc6…
Key features
- Send and receive SMS and MMS through an API, with multipart messages, status tracking, and an in-app inbox viewer
- No personal information needed to create an account; in local mode you don't need an account at all
- Webhooks for real-time incoming message notifications, batched delivery, and a queue diagnostics view
- Multiple SIM card and multiple device support, working hours scheduling, send rate limiting, and message scheduling
- End-to-end encryption of message content and recipient numbers, plus support for running your own private server
Why isn’t SMS Gateway for Android on Google Play?
It's published by its developer on GitHub rather than Google Play; it is not listed on F-Droid either.
Is SMS Gateway for Android safe?
The app is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, and the APK on this page comes from the developer's own GitHub releases. Two build variants exist: the secure (release) build recommended for normal use, and an insecure build meant only for development and testing, which should not be used otherwise. Sending SMS requires the SEND_SMS permission, while reading or receiving messages needs optional permissions like READ_SMS, RECEIVE_SMS, RECEIVE_MMS, and RECEIVE_WAP_PUSH, which you only need to grant if you use those features. SMS Gateway for Android comes straight from its developer rather than through Google Play, so it hasn’t gone through Google’s app review. As with any app, check the permissions it asks for and install it if you’re comfortable with them.
How to install
- Tap the download button above: the APK file downloads straight to your phone.
- When Android asks, allow your browser to install unknown apps.
- Open the file and tap Install.
FAQ
Is SMS Gateway for Android free?
Yes, it's open source under the Apache-2.0 license, and the APK is free to download from GitHub releases.
Do I need an account to use it?
No, not for local mode. If you use the cloud server, the device is registered only after you sign up or sign in, and you can unregister it at any time. No email or personal details are required either way.
What's the difference between the secure and insecure builds?
The secure (release) build has strict security settings and is recommended for normal use. The insecure build allows cleartext traffic and is only meant for development and testing, not for public use.
More free apps you won’t find on Google Play: Open Source Apps · Best Android apps not on the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMS Gateway for Android free?
Yes, it's open source under the Apache-2.0 license, and the APK is free to download from GitHub releases.
Do I need an account to use it?
No, not for local mode. If you use the cloud server, the device is registered only after you sign up or sign in, and you can unregister it at any time. No email or personal details are required either way.
What's the difference between the secure and insecure builds?
The secure (release) build has strict security settings and is recommended for normal use. The insecure build allows cleartext traffic and is only meant for development and testing, not for public use.
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