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How to Send a Microsoft Forms Survey by Text Message
Question details
The user wants to distribute a Microsoft Forms survey using SMS text messaging.
- Product
- Microsoft Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Distributing a survey to users via mobile text messages instead of traditional email invitations.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Forms lacks a built-in native SMS sending feature, requiring users to manually copy links or use third-party tools to share the survey.
Ensure your survey is fully finalized and that the sharing permissions are set to 'Anyone can respond' if you are sending it to people outside of your organization.
Share the Survey Link Manually via a Messaging App
Generate a shareable link in Microsoft Forms and paste it into your preferred text messaging application.
While Microsoft Forms does not send text messages directly, you can easily generate a web link for your survey and distribute it using your smartphone's default SMS app or any messaging service.
Log in to Microsoft Forms and open the specific survey you want to share.
Click the 'Collect responses' or 'Share' button located in the top right corner of the screen.
Select the 'Link' icon. It is highly recommended to check the 'Shorten URL' box, then click the 'Copy' button to save the link to your clipboard.
Open your preferred text messaging app (such as iMessage, Google Messages, or WhatsApp), paste the copied link into the message field, and send it to your contacts.
Use a Third-Party SMS Service for Bulk Sending
Connect Microsoft Forms to a third-party SMS automation platform to send survey links to large contact lists automatically.
Try WPS Office for Your Document and Form Needs
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- 1. Visit the official website: Go to the WPS Office official website to access the free download.
- 2. Download the software: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the installer for your operating system.
- 3. Install and launch: Run the installation file, follow the prompts, and launch WPS Office to start creating documents and forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sending a Microsoft Form link via SMS cost money?
Creating and generating the link in Microsoft Forms is completely free. However, standard text messaging rates from your mobile carrier will apply when you send the link via SMS. If you use a third-party bulk SMS service, their specific pricing plans will apply.
Can I track exactly who responds to the survey if I send it by text?
If you send an 'Anyone can respond' link via text message, the responses are anonymous by default. To track who responded, you must manually add a required 'Name' or 'Email' text question inside the survey itself.
Why is my Microsoft Forms link too long for a single text message?
Default URLs can be lengthy and take up too many SMS characters. In the 'Collect responses' pane, check the box for 'Shorten URL' before you copy the link. This will generate a much shorter web address ideal for texting.
Can I send a Microsoft Form using a QR code instead of a link?
Yes. In the 'Collect responses' menu, you can click the QR code icon instead of the link icon. You can download the generated QR code image and send it to your respondents via text, though they will need a second device to scan it, making links much more practical for SMS.
