> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dialtu.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an SMS agent

> From zero to an SMS agent answering messages

## Before you start

<Check>A **phone number** with SMS capability. [Ask support](/en/getting-started/phone-numbers).</Check>
<Check>**SMS** write permissions.</Check>
<Check>**A2P 10DLC registration** under way. See [Compliance](/en/sms-agents/compliance) — it takes days to weeks, so start early.</Check>

<Note>
  **Default roles don't include SMS access.** Only Admin and Super Admin have it.
</Note>

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the editor and choose Lumina" icon="plus">
    **Chat → SMS → Agents**, then create an agent. You're asked to pick the **engine**: choose
    **Lumina**.

    <Warning>
      **The engine can't be changed later.** It's fixed when the agent is created.
    </Warning>

    <Info>
      **📷 Screenshot needed** — the SMS engine selection modal.

      Save to `/images/en/sms-agents/create-01-engine.png`
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name and description" icon="pen">
    In the top bar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Model and language" icon="microchip">
    **AI Model & Responses** group, the only one that starts open.

    * **LLM Model** — each option shows its cost **per message**. The default is a compact,
      inexpensive model.
    * **Language** — English, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) or Multilingual.

    <Note>
      The language selector shows helper text written for calls ("the language in which the
      agent will make calls"). On SMS it means the language of the messages.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Channel: number, type and routing" icon="comment-sms">
    **SMS Channel** group.

    * **Phone Number** — required for inbound agents.
    * **Agent Type** — **Inbound** or **Outbound**.
    * **Routing** — inbound only: a weekly schedule, or mark it as the number's default.

    <Warning>
      **Choose Inbound.** Lumina only handles inbound conversations for now. If you choose
      Outbound you'll see this notice, and the agent won't be able to start conversations:

      *"Lumina agents can only handle inbound conversations for now. An outbound Lumina agent
      can be saved, but it will not be able to start a conversation."*
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write the prompt" icon="pen-to-square">
    The centre column: **a single document** with context, conversation flow and rules.

    ```markdown theme={null}
    ## Context
    You are the assistant for [your business]. You reply over SMS, so be very brief.

    ## Conversation flow
    1. Greet them and identify what they need.
    2. Ask only for essential details, one at a time.
    3. Confirm before closing.

    ## Rules
    - Two sentences per message, maximum.
    - Never invent prices or delivery dates.
    - If they ask to stop receiving messages, confirm it and end.
    ```

    <Tip>
      SMS is billed per message and read on a small screen. Be shorter than you would on
      WhatsApp: one idea per message.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save" icon="circle-check">
    Press create. The agent is **live immediately** — there's no draft and no version history.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next step

<Card title="Configuration" icon="sliders" href="/en/sms-agents/configuration">
  Schedule, behaviour, memory and outcome tags.
</Card>