TL;DR: Twilio is a cloud platform that provides phone numbers for calls and texts, but it's built for developers. Mango is the free iOS app that makes Twilio usable for everyone—no coding required. Get a Twilio number, connect it to Mango, and start calling and texting in minutes. Free for one phone number.
If you've heard about Twilio but aren't quite sure what it is or how it works, you're not alone. Twilio is incredibly powerful, but it's designed for developers—not everyday users. That's where Mango comes in.
In this guide, we'll break down what Twilio is, what you can do with it, and why Mango is the key to actually using your Twilio phone numbers without writing a single line of code.
What Is Twilio?
Twilio is a cloud communications platform that lets businesses add phone calls, text messages, video, and more to their applications. Think of it as the invisible technology behind many of the calls and texts you receive from companies every day.
When a company sends you:
- A verification code via text
- An appointment reminder call
- A delivery notification
- A two-factor authentication message
There's a good chance Twilio is powering that communication.
Twilio in Simple Terms
Imagine you want a phone number for your business, but you don't want a physical phone line or a traditional phone company contract. Twilio lets you:
- Buy phone numbers from almost any country
- Make and receive calls through the internet
- Send and receive text messages programmatically
- Connect messaging apps like WhatsApp to your business
The catch? Twilio is built for developers. It's designed to be integrated into apps and websites through code—not used directly by people.
The Problem: Twilio Isn't User-Friendly
Here's the reality: Twilio is a developer platform, not a phone app.
When you sign up for Twilio and buy a phone number, you get:
- An API (Application Programming Interface)
- A web console with technical dashboards
- Documentation written for programmers
- No way to actually make a call or send a text from your phone
You can't just dial a number. You'd need to build an application, write code, set up servers, and connect everything together. For most people, that's not realistic.
This is the gap between having a Twilio phone number and actually using it.
Why You Need Mango
Mango bridges this gap.
Mango is an iOS app that connects directly to your Twilio account and turns your phone numbers into a fully functional calling and messaging system—no coding required.
| Without Mango | With Mango |
|---|---|
| Phone numbers sit unused | Phone numbers work like a regular phone |
| Need to code to make calls | Tap to call, just like your native phone app |
| SMS requires API integration | Send texts from a familiar messaging interface |
| No notifications for incoming calls | Get real-time push notifications |
| Technical dashboards only | Beautiful, intuitive mobile app |
What Mango Does for You
When you connect Mango to your Twilio account:
- Your phone numbers sync automatically — All your Twilio numbers appear in the app
- You can make and receive calls — Just like your regular phone
- You can send and receive texts — SMS, RCS, and even WhatsApp
- You get voicemail — With custom greetings and transcriptions
- You set business hours — Route calls differently based on time of day
- Everything happens on your iPhone — No computers, servers, or code needed
Who Should Use Twilio + Mango?
This combination is perfect for:
Small Business Owners
You want a dedicated business line without the complexity of traditional phone systems. Buy a local number on Twilio, connect it to Mango, and you have a professional business phone that runs on your iPhone or iPad.
Freelancers and Consultants
Keep your personal number private. Use a separate Twilio number for client calls through Mango.
Entrepreneurs
Starting a new venture? Get a phone number in minutes and start taking calls immediately—no contracts, no hardware.
Remote Teams
Share phone numbers across team members. Everyone with Mango can access the same business lines.
International Businesses
Need local numbers in different countries? Twilio offers numbers from 100+ countries. Mango lets you manage them all from one app.
Retail and Restaurants
Replace your old landline with a smarter solution. Mango's iPad app even supports multitasking, so you can run it alongside your POS system.
How Much Does It Cost?
There are two parts to the cost:
Twilio Costs
Twilio charges for:
- Phone numbers: Typically $1-2/month per number (varies by country)
- Calls: Around $0.014/minute for outbound US calls
- SMS: Around $0.0079 per message
These are pay-as-you-go rates with no contracts. You only pay for what you use.
Mango Cost
Great news: Mango is completely free for one phone number!
You get unlimited calls and SMS on your first Twilio number at no cost—you only pay Twilio's usage fees. If you want to add more phone numbers or access premium features, Mango offers affordable subscription plans.
Important: Mango doesn't mark up Twilio's rates. You pay Twilio directly for usage.
Getting Started: The Simple Path
Here's how easy it is to go from zero to making calls:
Step 1: Create a Twilio Account
Go to twilio.com and sign up. You'll need to upgrade from the free trial to a paid account (Mango doesn't work with trial accounts).
Step 2: Buy a Phone Number
In the Twilio Console, purchase a phone number. Pick a local number, toll-free number, or even an international number.
Step 3: Download Mango
Get Mango from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 4: Connect Your Account
In Mango, enter your Twilio Account SID and Auth Token. These are found on your Twilio Console dashboard.
Step 5: Start Calling and Texting
That's it. Your phone numbers appear in Mango, and you can immediately start making calls and sending messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code?
No. That's the whole point of Mango. It handles all the technical integration with Twilio so you don't have to.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
If you already have a phone number you want to use, you may be able to port it to Twilio. Check Twilio's porting guidelines for your country.
Does Mango work with Twilio's free trial?
No. Mango requires a paid Twilio account. Free trial accounts have restrictions that prevent third-party apps from working properly.
Can multiple people use the same Twilio number?
Yes! If multiple team members have Mango installed and connected to the same Twilio account, they can all access the same phone numbers.
What happens to my calls if I don't have internet?
Calls and messages require an internet connection. However, you can set up voicemail through Mango so callers can leave messages when you're unavailable.
The Bottom Line
Twilio is the powerful engine that provides phone numbers and handles communications.
Mango is the steering wheel that lets you actually drive.
Without Mango (or a custom-built application), your Twilio phone numbers are essentially useless for day-to-day calling and texting. With Mango, they become a complete mobile phone system.
If you've been curious about using Twilio but felt intimidated by the technical requirements, Mango is your answer. Download it today and turn your Twilio account into a fully functional business phone—no coding required.
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