> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.messagesync.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Providers

> WhatsApp/iMessage/SMS provider plugs directly into CRM's  system, letting you send and receive messages through channels that CRM doesn't offer natively. Instead of being locked to a single SMS provider, you can now pick the right one for each conversation.

> **The big picture:** You're no longer limited to one channel. To send WhatsApp messages you use the **WhatsApp QR channel**, and to send iMessages you use the **iMessage channel**-all from the same Conversations inbox.

***

## Sending WhatsApp messages[​](#sending-whatsapp-messages "Direct link to Sending WhatsApp messages")

To send WhatsApp messages, use the **WhatsApp QR channel**.

We've built our **own dedicated channel called WhatsApp QR**. Instead of piggy-backing on the SMS provider, WhatsApp QR is a purpose-built conversation provider for WhatsApp.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/goghl-whitelable/d0UJrCwlyc8wzaxE/images/features/assets/images/custom-providers-whatsapp-qr-4dc46c8ceac0356cdfd0ed36bcefa035.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=d0UJrCwlyc8wzaxE&q=85&s=f78093e27193343fcef493138f54f9f6" alt="Selecting WhatsApp QR in the message composer" width="2880" height="1440" data-path="images/features/assets/images/custom-providers-whatsapp-qr-4dc46c8ceac0356cdfd0ed36bcefa035.png" />
</Frame>

***

## Sending iMessage messages[​](#sending-imessage-messages "Direct link to Sending iMessage messages")

To send iMessages, use the **iMessage** channel. By connecting an Apple device (a Mac running the iMessage Sync app), you can send and receive **iMessages directly from CRM Conversations**.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/goghl-whitelable/d0UJrCwlyc8wzaxE/images/features/assets/images/custom-providers-imessage-b054746f6d5cf343d0f4df6844b570c4.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=d0UJrCwlyc8wzaxE&q=85&s=acd91a941c6a052c486ab71768ece157" alt="Selecting iMessage in the message composer" width="2880" height="1440" data-path="images/features/assets/images/custom-providers-imessage-b054746f6d5cf343d0f4df6844b570c4.png" />
</Frame>

**Why iMessage matters:**

* Blue-bubble messages land natively in the recipient's Messages app
* Reach iPhone users on the channel they use most
* Two-way replies sync back into the Conversations inbox
* Automatic SMS fallback when the recipient isn't on iMessage

Setup, device requirements, and troubleshooting live in the [iMessage Documentation hub](/imessage/overview).

***

## Sending SMS Android messages[​](#sending-sms-android-messages "Direct link to Sending SMS Android messages")

To send standard SMS, use the **SMS Android** channel. By connecting an Android device, you can send and receive **SMS directly from CRM Conversations**.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/goghl-whitelable/PI9iR8ob8Hf9qksm/images/sms/assets/images/sms-send-test-message-52bbc7f1038f52ff76441816682446ed.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=PI9iR8ob8Hf9qksm&q=85&s=380418fbd3cca11c1914b4ed7065d907" alt="Sending an SMS Android test message in the message composer" width="2876" height="1552" data-path="images/sms/assets/images/sms-send-test-message-52bbc7f1038f52ff76441816682446ed.png" />
</Frame>

***

## Available providers[​](#available-providers "Direct link to Available providers")

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/goghl-whitelable/d0UJrCwlyc8wzaxE/images/features/assets/images/custom-providers-settings.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=d0UJrCwlyc8wzaxE&q=85&s=0de44d246533cd5060bf4e733d2eb16f" alt="Conversation Providers in CRM" width="3418" height="1434" data-path="images/features/assets/images/custom-providers-settings.png" />
</Frame>

| Provider        | What it does                                                                 |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **WhatsApp QR** | Send and receive WhatsApp messages via WhatsappQR Provider.                  |
| **iMessage**    | Send blue-bubble iMessages (and SMS fallback) from a connected Apple device. |
| **SMS Android** | Send standard SMS through a connected Android device.                        |

<Check>
  All custom providers register under the **SMS** message type in CRM. This is what lets them appear in the Conversations composer alongside native channels-it does **not** mean the messages are sent as carrier SMS.
</Check>

***

## FAQs[​](#faqs "Direct link to FAQs")

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Why do all the providers show 'Type: SMS'?">
    Custom conversation providers register under CRM's SMS message type so they appear in the Conversations composer. It does not mean messages are sent as carrier SMS-WhatsApp QR sends over WhatsApp and iMessage sends over iMessage.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I send iMessages from CRM?">
    Yes. By connecting an Apple device running the iMessage Sync app, iMessage becomes a custom provider you can select in the composer. See the iMessage Documentation hub for setup details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I switch channels for a single contact?">
    Open the conversation, click the channel dropdown in the message composer, and choose the provider you want (SMS, WhatsApp, WhatsApp QR, or iMessage). The selection is remembered for that conversation until you change it.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Support[​](#support "Direct link to Support")

If you need help with the setup or onboarding:

* Email: [**support@messagesync.ai**](mailto:support@messagesync.ai)