How to Forward Text Messages to Your AI Agent
Quick Answer: To forward SMS to an AI agent, use Forward SMS with either a custom webhook (for direct API integration) or forward via WhatsApp/iMessage (for agents like clawdbot, moltbot, or openclaw). Set up a Shortcuts automation with a Message trigger to automatically route texts to your AI.
What is SMS to AI Agent Forwarding?
SMS to AI agent forwarding automatically routes your text messages to an AI assistant or bot that can process them. This enables AI agents to receive OTP/2FA verification codes for automated logins, monitor delivery notifications, track alerts, and respond to customer SMS. Forward SMS connects your iPhone to AI agents via custom webhooks or messaging platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage.
With the rise of AI agents that can browse the web, manage tasks, and automate workflows, SMS verification has become a bottleneck. Many services still require SMS-based 2FA, blocking AI agents from completing automated tasks. Forward SMS solves this by routing verification codes directly to your AI agent.
Why Forward SMS to AI Agents?
AI agents are increasingly capable of handling complex tasks autonomously, but they often get blocked by SMS verification. Here's why forwarding SMS to AI agents is valuable:
Automated Authentication
- OTP/2FA handling: AI agents can receive and use verification codes automatically, enabling hands-free logins to banking, social media, and SaaS platforms
- Multi-account management: Agents managing multiple accounts can receive all verification codes in one place
- Unattended automation: AI workflows can run 24/7 without waiting for human intervention to enter codes
Intelligent Monitoring
- Delivery tracking: AI agents can monitor shipping updates from carriers like DHL, USPS, FedEx and take action when packages arrive
- Payment alerts: Automated monitoring of transaction confirmations and bank notifications
- Appointment reminders: AI can reschedule or confirm appointments based on SMS notifications
Customer Service Automation
- SMS inquiry routing: AI agents can receive and respond to customer text messages
- Lead qualification: Automatically process and categorize incoming SMS leads
- Support escalation: AI can triage SMS support requests before involving humans
SMS to AI Agent: Integration Options
Forward SMS supports multiple ways to connect with AI agents:
| Method | Best For | Setup Complexity | |--------|----------|------------------| | Custom Webhook | Direct API integration | Medium | | WhatsApp | Agents like clawdbot, moltbot, openclaw | Easy | | iMessage | Apple ecosystem AI agents | Easy | | Slack/Discord | AI bots in team channels | Easy | | Email | AI agents with email parsing | Easy |
Option 1: Forward SMS via Custom Webhook
For AI agents with webhook endpoints, Forward SMS can send messages directly to your agent's API.
Step 1: Get Your AI Agent's Webhook URL
Your AI agent platform should provide a webhook URL endpoint. This is where Forward SMS will send incoming text messages. The URL typically looks like:
https://your-ai-agent.com/api/webhook/sms
Step 2: Install Forward SMS
Download Forward SMS from the App Store. This app will route your text messages to your AI agent.
Step 3: Add Webhook Destination
Open Forward SMS and create a new Webhook destination. Paste your AI agent's webhook URL and configure the payload format your agent expects.
Step 4: Set Up Shortcuts Automation
Create a Shortcuts automation with a Message trigger to forward incoming texts to your AI agent. See our complete setup guide for detailed steps.
Option 2: Forward SMS via WhatsApp or iMessage
Many AI agents like clawdbot, moltbot, and openclaw can receive messages through WhatsApp or iMessage. This is often the easiest integration method.
Step 1: Install Forward SMS
Download Forward SMS from the App Store.
Step 2: Set Up WhatsApp Forwarding
Follow our SMS to WhatsApp guide to configure forwarding to your AI agent's WhatsApp number.
Step 3: Configure Your AI Agent
In your AI agent platform (clawdbot, moltbot, openclaw, etc.), connect your WhatsApp or iMessage account so the agent can receive forwarded messages.
Step 4: Set Up Shortcuts Automation
Create a Message automation in Shortcuts to forward specific texts (like those containing "code" or "verification") to your AI agent.
Option 3: Forward SMS via Slack or Discord
If your AI agent operates in Slack or Discord, you can forward SMS directly to a channel where your bot can process them.
- Forward SMS to Slack - Great for AI bots with Slack integration
- Forward SMS to Discord - Ideal for Discord-based AI agents
Filtering Messages for AI Agents
Not every SMS needs to reach your AI agent. Use Shortcuts filters to forward only relevant messages:
Forward Only Verification Codes
Set the Message Contains filter to keywords like: - "code" - "verification" - "OTP" - "2FA" - "confirm"
Forward From Specific Senders
Use the Sender filter to forward only from: - Banks and financial institutions - Specific services your AI manages - Delivery carriers (DHL, USPS, FedEx)
Security Considerations
When forwarding SMS to AI agents, keep these security practices in mind:
- Use dedicated phone numbers: Consider using a separate SIM/number for AI-managed accounts
- Limit forwarding scope: Only forward messages the AI needs, not all SMS
- Monitor agent activity: Regularly review what your AI agent does with forwarded messages
- Secure webhook endpoints: Ensure your webhook URLs use HTTPS and authentication
Conclusion
Forwarding SMS to AI agents unlocks powerful automation capabilities. Whether you're using custom webhooks for direct API integration or messaging platforms like WhatsApp for agents like clawdbot, moltbot, or openclaw, Forward SMS makes it easy to bridge the gap between SMS-based verification and AI automation.
For other forwarding options, check out our guides:
FAQ
Can AI agents automatically use OTP codes they receive?
Yes, AI agents that receive forwarded SMS can extract OTP codes and enter them automatically. This enables fully automated logins to services that require SMS 2FA. The agent parses the message, identifies the code, and uses it in the authentication flow.
Which AI agent platforms work with Forward SMS?
Forward SMS works with any AI agent that can receive webhooks, WhatsApp, iMessage, Slack, Discord, or email. Popular platforms include clawdbot, moltbot, openclaw, and custom AI agents built with Claude, ChatGPT, or other LLMs.
Is it safe to forward verification codes to AI agents?
Forwarding to AI agents is as safe as sharing codes with any automated system. Use dedicated phone numbers for AI-managed accounts, limit forwarding to specific message types, and ensure your AI agent platform has strong security practices. Forward SMS itself never stores your messages.
Can I forward only specific messages to my AI agent?
Yes, use the Shortcuts Message trigger filters. Set "Message Contains" to keywords like "code" or "verification" to forward only relevant messages. You can also filter by sender to forward only from specific services.
Do AI agents work with Forward SMS when my phone is locked?
Yes, the Shortcuts automation runs in the background even when your iPhone is locked. As long as your phone has power and internet, messages will forward to your AI agent automatically.
Can my AI agent respond to forwarded SMS?
The AI agent can process and act on forwarded messages, but responding via SMS requires additional setup. For two-way communication, consider using WhatsApp or iMessage where the AI agent can reply directly through the same channel.
