> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.globalalerting.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.globalalerting.com/monitoring-and-response/working-with-devices/message-broadcast.md).

# Message Broadcast

{% hint style="info" icon="user-lock" %}
This feature requires the **Broadcast** permission.
{% endhint %}

Using the GAP Portal, you can broadcast a text message or a check-in request to one or more devices based on various criteria:

* Location (country, geofence, arbitrary geometry)
* Device tags
* Group membership

You can also broadcast a message to a GAP Distribution List.

{% hint style="warning" icon="triangle-exclamation" %}
Not all device types support text messaging or check-ins.

In order for devices to receive broadcast messages they must be on and have cellular / Wi-Fi / satellite coverage.

Messages may be truncated according to the capabilities of the receiving device.
{% endhint %}

When sending a text message, GAP selects the most appropriate channel for each device. For example, for a SHOUT Nano, the text message is sent via the Iridium network. For apps, a push notification is used. Some devices (such as apps) allow you to select a different channel (i.e. SMS).

## Broadcasting Text Messages

### Broadcast By Country

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Text Message" under "Broadcast".
3. Select a country from the "Send to all devices in the selected country" drop-down list.
4. Type your message in the box provided.
5. For text messages, if you want to default to SMS (for devices that support it), select the "Use SMS (where supported)" check box.
6. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Custom Circle / Polygon

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Text Message" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Custom Circle or Polygon" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select either "Circle" or "Polygon" depending on the geometry you wish to use to select devices.
5. Click on the map and draw the shape in question.
6. Type your message in the box provided.
7. For text messages, if you want to default to SMS (for devices that support it), select the "Use SMS (where supported)" check box.
8. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Device Tag

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Text Message" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Devices with tag" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select a tag name from the next drop-down list.
5. Select either "equals" (to perform a text match) or "is not empty" (to match all devices with the specified tag).
6. If you have selected "equals", select a value from the next drop-down list.
7. Type your message in the box provided.
8. For text messages, if you want to default to SMS (for devices that support it), select the "Use SMS (where supported)" check box.
9. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by User Tag

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Text Message" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Devices assigned to users with tag" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select a tag name from the next drop-down list.
5. Select either "equals" (to perform a text match) or "is not empty" (to match all users with the specified tag).
6. If you have selected "equals", select a value from the next drop-down list.
7. Type your message in the box provided.
8. For text messages, if you want to default to SMS (for devices that support it), select the "Use SMS (where supported)" check box.
9. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Geofence

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Text Message" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Geofence" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select a geofence name from the "Send to all devices in selected geofence" drop-down list.
5. Type your message in the box provided.
6. For text messages, if you want to default to SMS (for devices that support it), select the "Use SMS (where supported)" check box.
7. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Group

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Text Message" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Group" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select the group names from the "Send to all devices in selected groups" list.
5. Type your message in the box provided.
6. For text messages, if you want to default to SMS (for devices that support it), select the "Use SMS (where supported)" check box.
7. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Distribution List

{% hint style="info" %}
Sending a message to a distribution list will send the message to all recipients (using all contact methods) specified in that distribution list.
{% endhint %}

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Distribution List" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select the distribution list names from the "Send to all Contact Details in selected Distribution Lists" list.
5. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
6. Click the "Send" button.

## Broadcasting Check-In Requests

### Broadcast By Country

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select a country from the "Send to all devices in the selected country" drop-down list.
4. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
5. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Custom Circle / Polygon

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Custom Circle or Polygon" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select either "Circle" or "Polygon" depending on the geometry you wish to use to select devices.
5. Click on the map and draw the shape in question.
6. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
7. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Device Tag

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Devices with tag" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select a tag name from the next drop-down list.
5. Select either "equals" (to perform a text match) or "is not empty" (to match all devices with the specified tag).
6. If you have selected "equals", select a value from the next drop-down list.
7. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
8. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by User Tag

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Devices assigned to users with tag" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select a tag name from the next drop-down list.
5. Select either "equals" (to perform a text match) or "is not empty" (to match all users with the specified tag).
6. If you have selected "equals", select a value from the next drop-down list.
7. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
8. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Geofence

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Geofence" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select a geofence name from the "Send to all devices in selected geofence" drop-down list.
5. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
6. Click the "Send" button.

### Broadcast by Group

1. From the GAP Portal Dashboard screen, click "Home".
2. Click "Send Check-In Request" under "Broadcast".
3. Select "Group" from the "Delivery Type" drop-down list.
4. Select the group names from the "Send to all devices in selected groups" list.
5. Select how long before the device will be marked overdue using the "Check-In Period" drop-down list.
6. Click the "Send" button.