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Importing phone numbers for SMS

Upload your contacts' phone numbers into Hive

Written by Mark

You can import a list of phone numbers into Hive using a CSV file. Once uploaded, you’ll be able to send SMS campaigns to your subscribers.

Before you start

  • Phone numbers must be formatted as +12345678910 or +1 123-456-7890

  • If no country code is included, Hive assumes a North American number

  • SMS sending is currently supported only for North American contacts (you can still upload other country codes, but they can’t receive SMS)

  • You must have explicit consent to send SMS messages (per TCPA regulations)

Note on SMS Compliance

It’s critical to only send SMS/MMS messages to contacts who have provided a fully compliant opt-in.

  • In Canada, under the Canadian Anti‑Spam Legislation (CASL), you must obtain express consent before sending commercial texts.

  • In the U.S., the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and related guidelines require express written consent for promotional SMS and clear opt-out instructions.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines, damage to your sender reputation, and lower engagement from your audience. Following opt-in rules helps ensure your messages land in the inbox—not the spam folder—and protects your brand.

Step 1: Upload your CSV file

  1. In Hive, go to Contacts → CSV Import → + Upload New CSV File.

  2. Drag and drop your CSV into the field, or click to select from your computer.

  3. (Optional) Rename the Import Title for easier reference later.

  4. Click Continue.

Step 2: Map your columns

  1. Choose whether your first row contains headers.

  2. Match each column to the correct field in Hive (e.g., phone number, email).

    • Tip: Include email addresses when possible — this helps Hive attribute SMS revenue back to your subscribers.

  3. Click Continue.

Step 3: Add contacts to segments (optional)

  • Add contacts to an existing segment by typing the segment name.

  • Or create a new segment by entering a name and clicking Create new segment.

  • You can add contacts to multiple segments at once.

  • Click Continue.

Step 4: Confirm and import

On the final page, review your import details. Then:

  • Toggle to confirm all users should be opted in for SMS

  • Check the box confirming you have explicit SMS consent

  • Confirm you’ve removed invalid emails (lists should contain fewer than 4% invalid addresses)

When ready, click Continue to start the import.

After import

CSV imports can take up to 15 minutes to sync. During this process:

  • Email addresses are validated (if included in your import)

  • Duplicate subscriber profiles are merged

  • Public data (e.g., name, gender, location, age) is added to profiles where available

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