Guide
Sender IDs in Malawi: how to send from your own name
A sender ID is the name people see instead of a number. A good one tells them who is texting before they read a word. Here is how to choose it and how to get it approved.
What a sender ID is
When a text arrives, the top line shows who sent it. That can be a phone number or a short name, such as your school or shop. That name is your sender ID, also called an alphanumeric sender ID. It is the first thing people read, and often how they decide whether to trust the rest.
How to choose a good one
- Use the name people call you, not always your full legal name.
- Stay within 11 characters. Letters, digits, spaces and . - & are allowed.
- Keep one name for everything. People learn it, and a surprise new name looks like a scam.
- Avoid general words like INFO or ALERT, which say nothing about who you are.
Shortening a long name
| Organisation | Sender ID | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mzuzu Primary Academy | MZUZUPRIMRY | Too long, so shorten it and keep the sound of the name |
| St Peters Parish | ST PETERS | Spaces are allowed, and it is easy to read |
| Blantyre Traders Ltd | BT TRADERS | Drop Ltd and use an abbreviation people already say |
These organisations are made-up examples.
How to request one on SMS YANU
- Create your account and open Sender IDs in the dashboard.
- Enter the name and say how you will use it. A clear reason helps the review.
- Wait for the review. Your request shows as pending until it is decided.
- Once it is approved, pick it when you send, or pass it as
sender_idin the API.
A sender ID can only be used once it is approved on your account. A request with an unapproved name is refused, and nothing is charged.
Do Malawi networks treat sender IDs differently?
They can. Mobile networks set their own rules on sender names, and those rules can change, including which names are accepted and how they are displayed. Published guides on this for Malawi often disagree with each other, so do not rely on a rule you read once. Before a big campaign, send a test to one Airtel number and one TNM number, and look at what appears on the phones.
Protecting your name
Fraudsters copy trusted names, so tell people which name you text from and what you will never ask for. Use the same name across login codes, alerts and bulk messages, so anything different stands out.
Questions
How long can a sender ID be?
Up to 11 characters. On SMS YANU you can use letters, digits, spaces and the characters . - and &.
How long does approval take?
Every request is reviewed by a person. Request yours as soon as you open an account, and contact support if you have a deadline.
Can people reply to a sender ID?
No. A name is one-way, so replies do not reach you. Give a phone number in the message if you want people to respond.
Can I use another company's name?
No. Only use a name you have the right to use. A request can be refused if it looks like another organisation or if the name is reserved.
What sender is used if I do not have one?
Messages use the default platform sender until your own name is approved.
Keep reading
Request your sender ID
Sign up, open Sender IDs in the dashboard and tell us how you plan to use the name.