Description
InstSMS SMS Gateway connects a WooCommerce store to the InstSMS messaging service.
Store managers can:
- Send customer SMS notifications for selected order status changes.
- Send customer-visible order notes by SMS.
- Alert one or more store administrators when an order starts processing.
- Customize messages with order placeholders.
- Test the configured InstSMS account connection.
- Review safe operational events in WooCommerce logs.
Nothing is sent until an administrator enters InstSMS credentials, chooses notification events, and enables SMS notifications.
External service
This plugin connects to the InstSMS service at https://api.inst.lk/sms only after an authorized administrator configures and enables it.
For enabled events, the plugin sends the information required to deliver the SMS:
- InstSMS User ID and API key for authentication.
- Configured sender ID.
- Recipient mobile number.
- Rendered SMS message, which may contain order information selected by the store administrator.
The service is provided by Inst Technologies (Pvt) Ltd.
- Service information: https://sms.inst.lk/
- Terms: https://sms.inst.lk/terms
- Privacy policy: https://sms.inst.lk/privacy
No tracking, telemetry, advertisements, public credits, remote scripts, or remote styles are included.
WooCommerce and its associated designs are trademarks of Automattic Inc. This plugin is an independent Inst Technologies product and is not endorsed by or affiliated with Automattic Inc.
Privacy
When SMS notifications are enabled, order-related information chosen in message templates and recipient phone numbers are sent to InstSMS for message processing. Store owners should describe this processing in their privacy notice and use SMS only where they have an appropriate lawful basis or recipient permission.
The plugin does not add public-facing credits, tracking, analytics, or advertising.
Installation
- Install and activate WooCommerce.
- Upload the plugin directory to
/wp-content/plugins/or install its ZIP file from Plugins > Add New. - Activate “InstSMS SMS Gateway”.
- Open WooCommerce > InstSMS.
- Enter the User ID, API key, and approved Sender ID from the InstSMS dashboard.
- Test the connection.
- Choose customer events, configure templates, and optionally enable customer-note or administrator alerts.
- Enable SMS notifications and save.
FAQ
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Do I need an InstSMS account?
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Yes. The plugin is a connector for the InstSMS service. An active account, API credentials, balance, and an available sender ID may be required.
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Are notifications enabled automatically?
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No. Sending is disabled by default. An authorized store administrator must configure and enable it.
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Where is the API key stored?
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The API key is stored in the WordPress options table. When the hosting environment provides the required encryption function, the stored value receives reversible protection derived from WordPress authentication salts. It is not displayed again in the settings page or written to plugin logs. Administrators should still protect their WordPress database, configuration, backups, and hosting account.
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Which phone formats are supported?
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The plugin normalizes common Sri Lankan mobile formats such as
0771234567,771234567, and94771234567. -
Where can I review plugin activity?
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Open WooCommerce > Status > Logs and select the
instsms-sms-gatewaysource. Logs exclude API keys, recipient numbers, and message content. -
Does the plugin support High-Performance Order Storage?
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Yes. The plugin uses WooCommerce order APIs and declares HPOS compatibility.
Reviews
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Contributors & Developers
“InstSMS SMS Gateway” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “InstSMS SMS Gateway” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.0.3
- Updated WordPress.org contributor metadata.
- Removed the translation loader that is no longer required for directory-hosted plugins.
- Added nonce verification to connection-test result notices.
1.0.2
- Prepared plugin metadata and packaging for the WordPress.org Plugin Directory.
- Removed external plugin download and update handling.
- Aligned the plugin text domain and package directory with the public plugin slug.
1.0.1
- Fixed connection testing for credentials entered before saving.
- Added clearer connection error messages.
- Simplified the settings screen and added the InstSMS logo.
1.0.0
- Initial release.