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MessageBird Message Length Exceeded

The message exceeds the maximum allowed length.

Understanding MessageBird SMS API

MessageBird is a cloud communications platform that provides a robust API for sending and receiving SMS messages globally. It is widely used by developers to integrate SMS capabilities into their applications, enabling seamless communication with users.

Identifying the Symptom: Message Length Exceeded

When using the MessageBird SMS API, you might encounter an error indicating that the message length has been exceeded. This typically manifests as an error response from the API when attempting to send a message that is too long.

Common Error Message

The error message you might see could look something like this: "Error: Message Length Exceeded". This indicates that the message you are trying to send surpasses the maximum character limit allowed by the API.

Exploring the Issue: Why Does This Happen?

The MessageBird API has a character limit for SMS messages, which is typically 160 characters for a single SMS. If your message exceeds this limit, it may be split into multiple messages or rejected altogether, depending on the configuration and the receiving carrier's capabilities.

Character Encoding Considerations

It's important to note that different character encodings can affect the message length. For example, using Unicode characters may reduce the number of characters allowed in a single message.

Steps to Fix the Message Length Exceeded Issue

To resolve this issue, you need to ensure that your message fits within the allowed character limit. Here are some actionable steps to achieve this:

1. Shorten Your Message

Review the content of your message and remove any unnecessary words or characters. Aim to convey your message succinctly while staying within the 160-character limit.

2. Use Concatenated SMS

If your message is too long to fit into a single SMS, consider using concatenated SMS, which allows longer messages to be split into multiple parts and reassembled by the recipient's device. Check the MessageBird documentation for guidance on implementing concatenated SMS.

3. Optimize Character Encoding

Ensure that you are using the most efficient character encoding for your message. If possible, avoid using special characters that require more bytes. Refer to the GSM 03.38 character set for a list of characters that are more efficiently encoded.

Conclusion

By understanding the limitations and requirements of the MessageBird SMS API, you can effectively manage message lengths and avoid the "Message Length Exceeded" error. For more detailed information, visit the MessageBird Developer Portal.

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