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Hyperlinks or Email Addresses in a Text Message

Clayton Porter avatar
Written by Clayton Porter
Updated this week

Adding URLs in SMS Messages

You can include a URL in an SMS, but you cannot create a true "hyperlink" like you would in HTML (e.g., <a href="...">). SMS is a plain text protocol and does not support formatting, markup, or embedded buttons.

That said, modern smartphones automatically detect valid URLs and make them clickable. For example:

Check out our new offers: https://whippy.ai/deals

On both iOS and Android devices, that link will appear as a tappable link for the recipient.

Best Practices for Including Links

  • Use full HTTPS URLs: Always start your links with https:// to ensure they are recognized as clickable.

  • Shorten long URLs: Use a branded link shortener like https://whpy.ai/sale1 to conserve character count and make messages easier to read (If enabled Whippy does this automatically).

  • Limit to one link per message: Including multiple links in one SMS can make it look spammy and may hurt deliverability rates.


What Happens When You Include an Email Address in a Text?

When you include a valid email address (e.g., support@yourcompany.com) in a text message, smartphones typically recognize it and enable basic actions.

On iPhone (SMS or iMessage):

Tapping the email address will open a native menu with options such as:

  • Send Email – Opens the default Mail app with the email pre-filled in the "To" field.

  • Add to Contacts – Lets the user save the address to their contacts.

  • Copy – Copies the email address to the clipboard.

On Android:

Behavior is similar:

  • Tapping the address usually opens the default email app (like Gmail) with a new message addressed to that email.

  • Additional options like “Copy” or “Add to Contacts” may be available, depending on the device and app.

These actions are handled by the device’s operating system and are consistent across most modern smartphones.

Note: Including an email address in a message does not allow the recipient to reply to it via SMS or message the email directly. The email must be used through their mail app.

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