# Replies and Sender IDs

## Why this matters

A message either comes from a number people can reply to, or from a name (a Sender ID) that can't be replied to. Which you use decides whether you get answers back in your sheet, and what your contacts see.

## The options

Under **Replies:** on the **Send New** tab you'll see some of these, depending on your account's country and what's set up on your account:

| Option | Sent from | Replies come back? |
|---|---|---|
| **Allow replies** | A shared ExcelSend reply number | Yes |
| **Your Reply Number** | Your own number, chosen from **Your Reply Number:** | Yes |
| **Use a Sender Id** | Your organisation's name, chosen from **Sender Id:** | No |
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If you have a default Sender ID, it's selected for you.

## What your country allows

Mobile networks and regulators set the rules, so options vary by country. Some countries allow a shared reply number, some only Sender IDs, and some require your own reply number. The [Countries page](/where/) shows the current position for each.

ExcelSend tells you on the **Send New** tab when you need to do something first:

- **Country Regulation**: "Regulations in your country require you to subscribe to an SMS reply number before sending text messages." Click **Subscribe here...** to rent a reply number in the ExcelSend portal.
- **Branded Sender Id Required**: "Receiving replies is not supported in your country. You are required to register a Branded Sender Id to send SMS." Click **Apply...** to apply for one in the ExcelSend portal.
- **Branded Sender Ids are Pending**: you've applied and are waiting. Approval usually takes up to 48 hours, and you get an email with the result.

## Choose an option

1. On the **Send New** tab, under **Replies:**, choose **Allow replies**, **Your Reply Number** or **Use a Sender Id**.
2. If you chose **Your Reply Number** or **Use a Sender Id**, pick the number or name from the list below it.

## Common problems

**There's no Allow replies option**
Your country doesn't have shared reply numbers. Use a Sender ID, or your own reply number where one is available.

**Contacts say they can't reply**
The message was sent with a Sender ID. Names can't be replied to. Use **Allow replies** or **Your Reply Number** for messages that ask for an answer.

**Create Preview won't enable**
No valid replies option is chosen, for example a Sender ID is still pending. Choose another option or wait for approval.

## Related

- [Where ExcelSend works](/where/)
- [The ExcelSend portal](/docs/account/excelsend-portal/)
- [Opt-outs](/docs/sending/opt-outs/)

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Source: https://excelsend.com/docs/sending/replies-and-sender-ids/