Can I send messages to buyers using API?

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

Main issue: Whether buyers can be messaged through the Shopify API.

Current status: A responder asked if the goal is SMS or email. For SMS, the Shopify Messaging API exists but is in a closed beta (limited access, not generally available), so no public API is available at this time.

Guidance provided: Use a custom app integrated with an external SMS provider to send messages. The app should subscribe to Shopify events (e.g., via webhooks or available APIs) and trigger SMS sends through the SMS provider based on those events.

Notes: Official documentation links were shared for Shopify SMS notifications and the Messaging API reference, but access remains restricted. Email-specific API options were not detailed.

Outcome: No direct, generally available API for sending buyer messages via SMS. Workaround via an app and third-party SMS integration is recommended. Discussion remains open pending clarification on message type and access to the beta.

Summarized with AI on February 1. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hello All,

I’d like to send messages to buyers via the Shopify API. Is this possible?

Thanks in advance.

Lou

2

Hello LouGibson,

Are you planning to send Text messages or emails.

Assuming text messages, please check following two links :

  1. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/orders/notifications/sms-notifications

  2. https://shopify.dev/docs/api/messaging/reference

Looking at present I dont think any APIs are available(

Beta

The Shopify Messaging API is in closed Beta and not available to all Partners yet ).

Way should be use an APP and send SMS form your app by integrating your app to some SMS provider.

Your APP shall register some hooks or use some APIs to get some data/event from Shopify and based on that your APPs SMS integration shall result in SMS being sent.

Thanks!!