Navigating the Shift from Free SMS Alerts: A Guide for Monnit Users

Effective June 17, 2025, Monnit has deprecated its free email-to-SMS text notification feature. This change is in response to a widespread industry shift by major cellular carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, who are discontinuing support for thier email-to-SMS gateways. This article will guide you through understanding this change and transitioning your alert settings to ensure you continue to receive critical notifications from your Monnit sensors.

Understanding the Change: Why Are Free SMS Alerts Going Away?

For years, Monnit users have been able to receive free text message alerts through a feature labeled "External Provider" in the iMonnit software. This service utilized cellular carriers' email-to-SMS gateways, which convert an email into a text message. However, due to rising issues with unsolicited messages and the availability of more secure and reliable methods, carriers are phasing out this functionality.

This industry-wide change is not a Monnit-specific decision but rather a move by the telecommunication companies to enhance security and service quality. As a result, any user notifications configured to use the "External Provider" for SMS will no longer be delivered.

Impact on Your Monnit Alerts

It is crucial to understand how this change affects your current notification setup.

• "External Provider" (Free SMS): If you have users set up to receive text messages via the "External Provider" option, these notifications have ceased to function. To ensure these users continue to receive alerts, you will need to switch them to an alternative notification method.
• "Direct Delivery" (Paid SMS): Notifications configured to use "Direct Delivery" are not affected by this change. This service utilizes a direct-to-carrier gateway, which is a more reliable method and operates on a per-message credit basis. These paid text message notifications will continue to be delivered without interruption.

Your Options for Continued and Enhanced Notifications

Monnit offers several robust and reliable alternatives to the deprecated free SMS feature. We encourage all users to review and update their notification settings to one of the following options:

1. Direct SMS (Recommended for Critical Text Alerts):

For users who require the immediacy and reliability of text message alerts, we strongly recommend transitioning to our "Direct Delivery" SMS service. This paid feature sends notifications directly through carrier networks, ensuring prompt and dependable delivery. To utilize this service, you will need to have a sufficient balance of notification credits in your iMonnit account.

2. Push Notifications (Free and Immediate):

A highly effective and free alternative is to enable push notifications through the iMonnit mobile app. These alerts are delivered directly to your smartphone or tablet, appearing on your lock screen or notification center, much like a text message.

To enable push notifications, follow these steps:

• Download the iMonnit app.
• Log in to your iMonnit account on the app.
• Ensure that you have push notifications enabled for the iMonnit app in your device's settings.
• In your iMonnit account, navigate to the user you wish to receive push notifications and enable this option in their notification details.

3. Email Notifications:

Email notifications remain a reliable and free method for receiving alerts. Users who were previously set up for free SMS via the "External Provider" will be automatically transitioned to receive email notifications. You can also configure new users for this option.

4. Voice Call Notifications:

For high-priority alerts, Monnit also offers a paid voice call notification service. This feature will call a designated phone number and read the notification aloud, ensuring that critical alerts are not missed. This service also operates on a notification credit basis.

How to Update Your Notification Settings

To adapt to these changes, you will need to review and edit your user notification details and the rules that trigger these alerts.

Editing a User's Notification Details:

1. Log in to your iMonnit online portal.
2. Click on "Users" in the main navigation menu.
3. Select the user you wish to edit.
4. In the user's notification details, you can add or modify their contact information and preferred notification methods, including email, "Direct Delivery" SMS, and push notifications.
5. Save your changes.

Adding a User as a Recipient of a Rule:

1. Log in to your iMonnit online portal.
2. Click on "Rules" in the main navigation menu.
3. Select the rule you wish to edit.
4. Under the "Tasks" tab for that rule, you can add or remove users who will be notified when the rule is triggered.
5. Ensure that the users you select are configured with your desired notification methods (Direct Delivery SMS, Push Notification, or Email).
6. Save your changes.

Purchasing Notification Credits

To use the "Direct Delivery" SMS or voice call notification services, you will need to purchase notification credits.

1. Log in to your iMonnit online portal.
2. In the main navigation menu, click on "Credits"
3. Follow the prompts to purchase the desired number of notification credits.

We understand that this transition may require some adjustments to your current setup. Our support team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us for guidance on updating your notification preferences. By taking a few moments to reconfigure your alerts, you can ensure the continued and reliable delivery of critical information from your Monnit monitoring solution.