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🎯 Targeting Messages to Specific Devices

In multi-device setups, the ability to target specific devices is crucial for advanced SMS operations. This guide explains how to precisely route messages using device identifiers.

Historical Context

Before device targeting was introduced, users had to register multiple accounts (each with a single device) to achieve similar targeting precision. The current device targeting feature eliminates this complexity by allowing multiple devices under one account.

🆔 Obtaining Device IDs

First, retrieve your device IDs using the device listing API:

List all devices
curl -X GET \
  https://api.sms-gate.app/3rdparty/v1/devices \
  -u "${SMSGATE_USER}:${SMSGATE_PASS}"

Sample response:

[
  {
    "id": "yVULogr4Y1ksRfnos1Dsw",
    "name": "Samsung Galaxy S23",
    "lastSeen": "2025-07-20T08:30:45Z"
  },
  {
    "id": "GhYSOK_rNnjPUzDyV2E-u",
    "name": "Google Pixel 7",
    "lastSeen": "2025-07-20T07:15:22Z"
  }
]

Use the id value from the listing response as the deviceId field in subsequent requests.

✉️ Targeted Message Sending

Include the deviceId parameter in your send request:

Target specific device
curl -X POST https://api.sms-gate.app/3rdparty/v1/messages \
  -u "${SMSGATE_USER}:${SMSGATE_PASS}" \
  --json '{
    "textMessage": {"text": "Server alert: CPU overload"},
    "phoneNumbers": ["+19165551234"],
    "deviceId": "yVULogr4Y1ksRfnos1Dsw"
}'

🚨 Critical Considerations

Device Removal Impact

Deleting a device (DELETE /devices/{id}) will remove all its pending messages. Always confirm device status before removal.

Webhook Targeting

Combine device-specific messaging with targeted webhooks: 

{
  "url": "https://your-server.com/alerts",
  "event": "sms:sent",
  "deviceId": "yVULogr4Y1ksRfnos1Dsw"
}

✅ Best Practices

  1. Verify device status before sending critical messages
  2. Cache device IDs to reduce API calls
  3. Monitor device health using ping webhooks

Precise device targeting enables sophisticated SMS workflows while maintaining security and efficiency across your device fleet.

Explore Device Management API