Why Might SMS Payment Links Not Be Clickable?
Carrier or Messaging Platform Formatting:
Some mobile carriers or SMS platforms may strip the hyperlink formatting from text messages, particularly when the message is flagged as transactional or contains a URL unfamiliar to their algorithms. This often occurs as a protective measure against spam or phishing attempts.iPhone-Specific Behaviour:
iPhones occasionally fail to render URLs as clickable links if the SMS is perceived as non-standard. This might occur if the message does not have proper spacing around the link or if the SMS comes from a sender not saved in the recipient's contacts.Shortened or Branded Links:
Links that are shortened or branded (e.g., custom URLs) may not always be recognised as hyperlinks by certain devices or messaging apps. iOS devices in particular can be cautious with lesser-known or customised links.Software Settings or Outdated OS:
If the recipient's phone is running outdated software or has strict security settings enabled, it may not automatically detect links in SMS messages as clickable.
How to Resolve This Issue
For Your Customers
Add the Business as a Contact:
Save the business phone number used to send the SMS as a contact in your phone. This simple step often resolves the issue, especially on iPhones.Copy the Entire Message:
Copy the entire SMS (not just the link) and paste it into a note or a new text message. Sending this to yourself can sometimes reformat the link as clickable.Wait for Security Checks to Complete:
On rare occasions, clickable links may take 3–5 minutes to appear as the phone’s operating software completes security checks on the message.Manually Copy and Paste the Link:
If the link is not clickable, press and hold the link in the SMS to copy it, then paste it into your browser.Switch to Email:
If SMS links continue to cause issues, request the payment link via email, where hyperlinks are less likely to be affected.
For Pebl Users (Merchants)
Test Links Before Sending:
If you're customising SMS content, test the message on both Android and iOS devices to confirm the link works as intended.Notify Customers About Potential Issues:
Send them a short text, such as:
"If the link is not clickable, try adding this number to your contacts or copy and paste the link into your browser."Utilise Email or Other Channels:
If a customer consistently has issues with SMS links, you can resend the payment link via email or a messaging app for better reliability.
Pebl's Commitment to Your Business
We continually work to ensure that Pebl's payment links are compatible across all devices and platforms. If you or your customers experience persistent issues, please contact Pebl's support team at [email protected] or via our in-app/website support chat. We're here to help you troubleshoot and resolve any problems quickly.
By following these tips, you can ensure your customers have a smooth and seamless payment experience, even in rare cases where SMS formatting causes issues.