Text Messages

Text Message Appearance

RedFlag text messages may display differently depending on their content and configuration. This article explains how SMS messages appear and how message length, encoding, and delivery options affect what recipients see.

Understanding GSM vs. Non-GSM Encoding

Text messages are transmitted using one of two encoding types: GSM or non-GSM (Unicode). The encoding determines how characters are counted and how many characters fit into a single SMS segment.

GSM Encoding

Supports standard Latin letters, numbers, and basic symbols (A–Z, 0–9, punctuation).
Each segment allows 160 characters.
Messages sent using this encoding can include up to 8 segments (1200 characters total) when sent as one message.

Non-GSM (Unicode) Encoding

Used when a message includes special or international characters, such as emojis, accented letters, or non-Latin scripts (e.g., Chinese, Arabic).
Each segment allows 70 characters.
Messages sent with Unicode encoding can include up to 8 segments (500 characters total) when sent as one message.

🛡️ Note: Even a single non-GSM character (for example, an emoji or accented letter) converts the entire message to Unicode encoding.

GSM-Encoded Messages

GSM-encoded messages use the standard SMS character set (letters, numbers, and basic symbols). Messages that do not contain emojis, accented letters, or other non-Latin characters follow these rules.

Character and Segment Limits

GSM-encoded messages can send up to 1200 characters total (8 segments) when using “Send as one message in multiple segments.”

Message Length: Under 160 Characters

No Special Features
If the message is under 160 characters and does not include:

Conference Bridge
Acknowledgment response
Polling response

The entire message displays directly in the recipient’s text message.

🛡️ Note: The Sender Name and spaces count toward the 160-character limit.

With Conference Bridge Only
If the message includes a Conference Bridge, but no Acknowledgment or Polling response:

Defaults to a Preset Text Message containing a browser link to view full details.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Choose to send as one message or keep the truncated version.
- Edit the preset message text (excluding the required URL).

With Acknowledgment or Polling Response
If the message includes Acknowledgment or Polling:

Must be sent as a Preset Text Message with a URL link to respond in a browser.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Customize the preset text within the allowed limit (URL cannot be removed).

Message Length: Over 160 Characters

No Special Features
If the message is over 160 characters and does not include File Attachment, URL Shortener, Conference Bridge, Acknowledgment, or Polling:

The system displays a snippet with a link to view more.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Leave the message truncated, or
- Choose to send as one message in multiple segments (up to 8 segments / 1200 characters total).

Recipients see one continuous message (sent in segments). Charges apply per segment for international texts, and delivery may take longer for longer messages.

With URL Shortener, File, or Conference Bridge
If the message includes a URL Shortener, File Attachment, or Conference Bridge, but not Acknowledgment or Polling:

Defaults to a Preset Text Message with a browser link.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Choose truncated or full message (up to 8 segments / 1200 characters total).
- Edit the preset message text (URL required).

With Acknowledgment or Polling Response
If the message includes Acknowledgment or Polling, regardless of length:

Must be sent as a Preset Text Message with a browser link to respond.
In the Message Preview, users can edit the preset message text (URL cannot be removed).

Non-GSM Encoded Messages

Messages that include non-GSM characters (emojis, accented letters, or non-Latin text) use Unicode encoding. This affects how message length is counted.

Character and Segment Limits

Non-GSM messages can send up to 500 characters total (8 segments) when using “Send as one message in multiple segments.”

Message Length: Under 70 Characters

No Special Features
If the message is under 70 characters and does not include:

Conference Bridge
Acknowledgment response
Polling response

The message displays directly in the recipient’s text message.

🛡️ Note: The Sender Name and spaces count toward the 70-character limit.

With Conference Bridge Only
If the message includes a Conference Bridge, but no Acknowledgment or Polling:

Defaults to a Preset Text Message with a browser link.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Choose to send as one message or keep it truncated.
- Edit the preset message (URL required).

With Acknowledgment or Polling Response
If the message includes Acknowledgment or Polling:

Must be sent as a Preset Text Message with a browser link to respond.
In the Message Preview, users can customize the preset text within the character limit (URL cannot be removed).

Message Length: Over 70 Characters

No Special Features
If the message is over 70 characters and does not include File Attachment, URL Shortener, Conference Bridge, Acknowledgment, or Polling:

The system displays a snippet with a link to view more.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Leave the message truncated, or
- Choose to send as one message in multiple segments (up to 8 segments / 500 characters total).

Longer messages may take more time to deliver. International charges apply per segment.

With URL Shortener, File, or Conference Bridge
If the message includes a URL Shortener, File Attachment, or Conference Bridge, but not Acknowledgment or Polling:

Defaults to a Preset Text Message with a browser link.
In the Message Preview, users can:
- Choose between truncated or full message (up to 8 segments / 500 characters total).
- Edit the preset message text (URL required).

With Acknowledgment or Polling Response
If the message includes Acknowledgment or Polling, regardless of length:

Must be sent as a Preset Text Message with a browser link to respond.
In the Message Preview, users can edit the preset message text (URL cannot be removed).

Important Notes

🛡️ Note: Messages containing Acknowledgment or Polling must be opened in a browser for recipients to respond.

🛡️ Note: Preset Text Messages can be updated globally (More > Location Details > Settings) or per message (Message Preview panel).

🛡️ Note: There is no way to default all truncated messages to send as full messages. Senders must manually select this option for each message in the Message Preview panel.