{% extends "withoutnav_template.html" %} {% from "components/sub-navigation.html" import sub_navigation %} {% block per_page_title %} Using Notify {% endblock %} {% block maincolumn_content %}
When you create a GOV.UK Notify account, you’ll start in trial mode. This lets you try out the service, but has some restrictions in place.
You can remove these restrictions by {% if current_service and current_service.trial_mode %} requesting to go live. {% else %} going live. {% endif %}
In trial mode, you can:
When you send a message, it moves through different states in Notify.
This means that we’ve sent the message to our providers and are waiting for delivery information.
You’ll see this when Notify has successfully delivered a message to user’s email inbox or phone.
Notify won’t tell you if a user has opened or read a message.
You’ll see this when Notify sends a text message to an international number, but mobile networks in that country don’t provide delivery receipts.
You’ll see this when Notify couldn’t deliver a message because the email address or phone number was wrong.
You should remove these email addresses or phone numbers from your database.
You’ll still be charged for text messages to numbers that don’t exist.
You’ll see this if Notify can’t deliver an email or text message after trying for 72 hours.
This might happen for a number of reasons. For example, the user’s inbox might be full, or their phone might be turned off.
You can try sending the message again if you want.
You’ll still be charged for text messages to phones that aren’t accepting messages.
A technical failure means there’s a problem between Notify and our delivery providers.
You’ll have to try sending your messages again.
You won’t be charged for text messages that are affected by a technical failure.
You can choose an email address you want replies to go to.
You can contact us if you want to be able to receive text messages.
When you’ve done this, users will be able to reply to text messages you send them. They’ll also be able to start an interaction by sending you a text message.
You’ll be able to see and reply to text messages you receive. You can also create automated processes to manage replies.
You’ll still need to have a manual process in place for any messages that can’t be dealt with automatically.
If your organisation offers multiple services, you can have a different Notify account for each of them.
Each service:
Letters can be up to 10 pages long (5 sides of paper, double-sided).
Notify sends letters in C5 size envelopes, with a window.