Settings reference
Every setting in ClearSMS. Open Settings with the gear icon at the top right of the Messages screen.
Settings
| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Default SMS app | Shows whether ClearSMS is the default. Tap to make it the default. | |
| FOCUSED TAB | Personal, Transactions, OTP | The categories shown on the Focused tab. |
| Auto-delete old promotions | On | Deletes received promotions older than the period below. Never touches saved contacts. |
| Keep promotions for | 2 wks | 1 wk, 2 wks, 1 mo or 3 mo. Shown only while auto-delete is on. |
| Need RCS for a moment? | Opens Android's default apps screen. |
The rest of the screen explains how messages are organised and is for information only.
Categories
| Category | Tab | Description in the app |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Personal | Messages from people and saved contacts |
| OTP | OTP | Verification codes and one-time passwords |
| Transactions | Transactions | Bank alerts, bills, deliveries and services |
| Promotions | Promos | Offers and marketing, silenced by default |
Notification channels
Change these in Android Settings > Apps > ClearSMS > Notifications.
| Channel | Default importance |
|---|---|
| Personal messages | High |
| OTP & verification codes | High |
| Transactions & alerts | Default |
| Promotions (silent) | Low (silent) |
Permissions
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| SMS (read, send, receive) | To show, send and receive your texts. |
| Contacts | To show names, and to keep contacts in Personal and out of promotion clean-up. |
| Notifications | To alert you about new messages (Android 13 and later). |
| Vibrate | For notification vibration. |
ClearSMS has no internet permission.