# Using Flash SMS

A Flash SMS is a type of text message that - without user action - appears directly and fullscreen on the mobile phone. In this article we'll talk about the following topics:

* [Common use cases for Flash SMS](#h_01F9KGR8J9TS64V9MNS3PVCB0Z)
* [Benefits of using Flash SMS](#h_01F9KGRC743P2YTV0FSWC65R2M)
* [How to send Flash SMS](#h_01F9KGRFS67YF02TVHSK1CHBE1)

#### Common use cases for Flash SMS <a href="#h_01f9kgr8j9ts64v9mns3pvcb0z" id="h_01f9kgr8j9ts64v9mns3pvcb0z"></a>

Some of the most common use cases for Flash SMS include the below. Flash SMS are usually suitable to use for time- or content-sensitive information such as:&#x20;

* Emergency notifications
* One-time passwords (OTP)
* Time-critical communication
* Any other type of highly important SMS messages

#### Benefits of using Flash SMS <a href="#h_01f9kgrc743p2ytv0fswc65r2m" id="h_01f9kgrc743p2ytv0fswc65r2m"></a>

Below we have listed a few reasons why you might consider using Flash SMS rather than regular SMS:&#x20;

* Users can't ignore your message because it appears fullscreen and needs to be closed actively
* It's safer than standard SMS because the message isn't stored in the inbox. Information can't get stolen along with the phone
* Users can receive Flash SMS even if they have no storage on their phone
* Users still have the option of saving Flash messages, with the appropriate sender ID, if they choose to do this

**Note** if Flash SMS isn't supported by an operator or mobile phone, the message is still sent as a standard SMS. In case of multiple Flash messages being sent, it’s important to keep in mind that your users will only be able to see the last message they receive.

#### How to send Flash SMS <a href="#h_01f9kgrfs67yf02tvhsk1chbe1" id="h_01f9kgrfs67yf02tvhsk1chbe1"></a>

Unfortunately it's not possible to send Flash SMS via the MessageBird Dashboard at the moment. You can send Flash SMS through our API by simply classifying the message as 'type: flash' in the API call, as shown below:

```
"type":"flash"
```

You can find more information on how to do so in the [SMS messaging](https://developers.messagebird.com/api/sms-messaging/) section on our website for developers.&#x20;

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