Articles on: Getting Started

How 10DLC Phone Numbers Work in LeadTruffle

📝 Learn what a 10DLC number is, why it matters, and how to apply for one and set up call forwarding.



Table of contents




What is a 10DLC number?


A 10DLC (10-digit long code) is a dedicated local phone number registered specifically to your business for SMS communication. Unlike a shared toll-free number, a 10DLC belongs only to you — it's the number your customers will see on every text LeadTruffle sends on your behalf, across every channel.


Once active, your 10DLC is used for all outbound SMS from LeadTruffle — missed call text-back, website leads, Angi, and any other texting channel you have set up.



What does a 10DLC unlock in LeadTruffle?


A dedicated 10DLC is available on the Growth plan and above. See LeadTruffle pricing for a full breakdown.


Outbound SMS on most channels


LeadTruffle's shared toll-free number handles outbound texts for two channels: the website widget and missed call text-back. Every other SMS channel — Angi, Thumbtack, Yelp, lead aggregators, AI Voice follow-ups, and more — requires a 10DLC to send outbound texts.


Human takeover on SMS


Human takeover — the ability to manually take over a text conversation from the AI — requires a 10DLC on every channel, including website widget and missed call text-back.


Additional features unlocked:


  • SMS follow-ups — send multiple automated follow-ups across SMS-based channels
  • Advanced SMS automations — access the full suite of SMS automation features
  • Dedicated local number — a consistent local number on every text, which improves trust and reply rates


Without a 10DLC, outbound texting is limited to the website widget and missed call text-back channels only, and human takeover is unavailable on all channels.



How to apply for a 10DLC number


  1. Go to Phone & Messaging Settings
  2. Click Apply for Phone Number in the upper right corner
  3. Fill out your business information — legal business name, address, EIN, website, and use case description



Having the LeadTruffle website widget live on your website before you apply helps speed up approval. Carriers use your web presence as part of the verification process. How to Install LeadTruffle's Website Widgets.


Approval typically takes 5-7 business days after submission. Apply as early as possible — the sooner it's submitted, the sooner you can unlock the features above.


Once approved, your number will appear under Your Numbers → CUSTOM_10DLC in Phone Settings with an Active status.



How to set up call forwarding on your 10DLC


Since your 10DLC becomes the number customers see on every text, some will call it back directly. You can forward those calls to whatever number makes sense — your main business line, a cell phone, or any other destination.


  1. Go to Phone & Messaging Settings
  2. Under Your Numbers, find your CUSTOM_10DLC entry
  3. Click Manage Forwarding
  4. Enter the phone number you want inbound calls forwarded to
  5. Save




Most businesses forward to their main business line so call-backs reach the right person.


Need help? Contact us at support@leadtruffle.com or message the team via the chat on this article or in-app.

Updated on: 08/06/2026

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