Before you can text US fans, your number has to be registered with the carriers. Here's what that means and how to keep messages landing.
US carriers require every business texting number to be registered through The Campaign Registry (10DLC). They verify who you are (your brand) and why you're texting (your campaign). Unregistered texts get blocked.
Claim a number in Settings → SMS (Custom Phone Number). Registration usually takes 3–5 business days, and up to ~10 when carrier queues are busy. Need it faster? A $100 one-time fee pushes you to the front (often ~24 hours).
You can't send texts or collect US phone numbers until you're approved. In the meantime: collect emails only, or use Instagram DMs to keep capturing fans.