Setting Up a Business Name Sender ID (Instead of Phone Number) for SMS on Apple and Android Devices

📝 Purpose:
To help clients enhance message recognition and brand presence by encouraging Apple and Google devices to display the business name (e.g., "ABC XYZ Pty Ltd") instead of a generic phone number when sending SMS.

📌 Note:
This method relies on heuristics and contact suggestions by Apple and Google platforms. It is not a guaranteed result and may take time and user interaction to activate.

1. Create a Branded Apple ID and Google Account

   • Register a new Apple ID and Google Account using your business name.

   • Use your dedicated SIM phone number as the phone number linked to these accounts.

   • Example:

     • Apple ID name: ABC XYZ Pty Ltd

     • Google Account name: ABC XYZ Pty Ltd

2. Populate the Accounts with Business Branding

   • Add your business logo, email signature, contact details and other branding where applicable.

   • This helps reinforce the business identity across Apple and Google services (e.g., iCloud, Contacts sync, Gmail profile).

3. Get the Number Saved in Multiple Devices

   • Ask 5–10 friends, staff, or clients to save the business number in their contacts using the full business name (e.g., “ABC XYZ Pty Ltd”).

   • Encourage them to:

     • Send and receive a few SMS messages from this number.

     • Possibly send iMessages (if Apple device).

     • Add additional contact information (email, address) to improve trust signals.

4. Send SMS Messages Consistently

   • Begin sending normal SMS messages to recipients.

   • Over time, Apple and Google devices may begin suggesting the saved business name (e.g., “Maybe: ABC XYZ Pty Ltd”) instead of the raw number.

• This method is not instant. It can take several days or even weeks before the name suggestion appears on recipient devices.

• It may not work 100% of the time and is based on user interaction and contact heuristics used by Apple and Google.

• This is not an official "Sender ID" registration process – it’s a workaround to improve brand visibility via SMS.

To increase the likelihood that your name is displayed as “Maybe: [Your Name]” when calling someone who hasn't saved your number in their contacts.

1. Use Your Real Name in Email Accounts

   • Ensure your email address (especially work or personal) is associated with your actual name.

   • When emailing others (especially new contacts), double-check your name appears correctly in the “From” field.

2. Text Before You Call (if possible)

   • Sending a text message before a phone call helps the iPhone associate your name with your number.

   • Use your full name in the message the first time you reach out (e.g., “Hi, this is John Smith…”).

3. Use a Professional Email Signature

   • Add your full name and phone number to your email signature.

   • This allows iPhones to link the phone number to your name when scanning past emails.

4. Be Consistent Across Communications

   • Always use the same name format (e.g., “Jonathan Smith” vs “Jon Smith”) in emails, texts, and digital profiles.

5. Engage Through iMessage or WhatsApp (if available)

   • If you’ve previously messaged a person through iMessage or WhatsApp and your name was visible, this can help iPhone associate it when you call.

Note:
The iPhone uses Siri intelligence and local device data (like email/message history) to make these “Maybe” suggestions — it's not always guaranteed, but following these steps improves the odds.