SMS Updates: how opt-in works

Vuel is a personal AI assistant app for iPhone, operated by Vuel LLC. Vuel's SMS Updates program sends recurring, non-marketing SMS/MMS text messages — the recipes, reminders, and alerts a user explicitly sets up — from Vuel to that user's own verified phone number, via our messaging provider (Twilio). This page documents the complete consent experience, because opt-in happens inside the Vuel iOS app behind a sign-in and can't otherwise be viewed publicly.

This program is separate from the Vuel assistant feature that drafts text messages for you to send from your own Messages app — those drafts go out from your number to your contacts, and involve no Vuel-originated SMS. It is also separate from Vuel Invites, the one-time friend-invitation text sent from a dedicated number. SMS Updates is the only recurring program in which Vuel itself texts you.

Who can opt in

Only Vuel account holders. Every account verifies ownership of its mobile number during signup by entering a one-time passcode sent to that number. That verification is authentication only — it does not enroll anyone in SMS Updates. Vuel never purchases, rents, or uploads recipient lists; within SMS Updates, the only number Vuel can text is the verified number on the user's own account, and only after the separate consent below. Users can create and use a Vuel account fully without turning SMS Updates on.

The consent flow

There are two entry points, and both lead to the same dedicated consent screen — no text is ever sent before it is completed:

  1. App Settings. The user opens App Settings → Notifications → SMS Updates.
  2. Asking the assistant. The user asks their in-app assistant to text them something recurring (for example, “text me a recipe every hour”). Before any SMS is enabled, the app opens the same consent screen.

The consent screen shows the full disclosure below, next to an agreement checkbox that is unchecked by default. The confirm button stays disabled until the user actively checks the box, then taps Turn On SMS Updates. Nothing is pre-selected, and consent is never a condition of using Vuel.

The disclosure, verbatim

This is the exact text displayed at the point of consent:

I agree to receive recurring automated SMS/MMS personal-assistant updates from Vuel, including recipes, reminders, and alerts I request. Message frequency varies based on what I configure. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out. Consent is optional and is not a condition of purchase or use of Vuel.

Directly beneath it, the screen links to our Terms (https://www.vuel.ai/terms.html) and Privacy Policy (https://www.vuel.ai/privacy.html).

Screenshots

Captured from the current Vuel iOS development build (the pre-release consent flow; the shipped flow matches these screens). No sign-in is required to view this page.

Vuel App Settings screen showing the Notifications section with the SMS Updates row set to Off
1. The entry point: App Settings → Notifications → SMS Updates (Off by default).
Vuel SMS consent screen showing the full disclosure with the agreement checkbox unchecked and the confirm button disabled
2. The consent screen: full disclosure, checkbox unchecked by default, confirm button disabled.
Vuel SMS consent screen with the agreement checkbox checked and the Turn On SMS Updates button enabled
3. The user actively checks the box — only then does “Turn On SMS Updates” enable.
Vuel SMS Updates enabled confirmation showing the user's number and the option to turn it off
4. Confirmation: SMS Updates on for the user's verified number, with turn-off control.

Opting out and getting help

Message frequency varies with what the user configures and may recur (for example, hourly or daily). Message and data rates may apply. Mobile numbers and opt-in data are never shared with or sold to third parties for their marketing; see the Privacy Policy and Terms §16 (SMS and text messaging program).