Getting started with HelloCivic Text

Open the app

From your workspace dashboard, go to Apps → HelloCivic Text. The overview page shows your setup status at a glance:

• Assigned phone number(s)
• Twilio connection (platform-managed — you don't configure this)
• Webhook readiness
• Widget status

Get a phone number assigned

Each workspace needs at least one active assigned number before you can send or receive SMS. Number provisioning is handled by HelloCivic platform staff — you'll see your assigned number on the overview and Settings pages once it's ready.

If you don't have a number yet, contact sales or your account manager.

Configure workspace settings

Open HelloCivic Text → Settings to set:

• Agency display name — shown in the widget and some outbound messages.
• Quiet hours — optional window when automated sends (broadcasts, automations) are held.
• Default keywords — used by the widget's "Text us" button.

Twilio credentials and webhook URLs are configured platform-wide — workspace admins never enter them.

Smoke-test locally (developers)

In non-production environments, use Installation → Simulator to send fake inbound messages and status callbacks without a real phone.

Recommended setup order

1. Confirm your assigned number is ACTIVE.
2. Create alert topics.
3. Install the website widget.
4. Send a test broadcast to yourself.
5. Open the staff inbox and reply to a test message.