Effective date: October 27, 2026 · Program version: 2026-10-27
Tarca Text to task, operated by Isbell Group, LLC, lets you send a short text to your private Backlog. It is an optional account feature, available where enabled. A Tarca account is required. You do not need to link a phone or receive SMS to create an account, buy a plan or use the rest of Tarca.
How you connect
Setup takes place in your signed-in account under Settings → Connections → Text to task. This page explains that process; it does not collect a number or enroll you.
- Enter a US or Canadian mobile number you control, including +1. Choose the task destination if Tarca needs you to select one.
- Before you connect, the screen displays: “By connecting, you allow texts from this phone to create private tasks. No automatic replies from Tarca; carrier STOP/HELP messages may still arrive. Message and data rates may apply.” It links the Privacy Notice, Terms and these Text to task details.
- Choose Connect phone. Send the displayed LINK code from that same phone to the Tarca number shown. The code expires after ten minutes. Open Messages only prepares the message; you choose whether to send it.
- Wait for the connection to be confirmed in Tarca, or choose Refresh. You can then save the number to your phone and text a task whenever you want.
Choosing Connect phone authorizes incoming task capture; it is not permission to send you task-confirmation or marketing texts. The connection activates only after you send its valid linking code from the phone you control. Providing your number elsewhere, signing up for Tarca, or agreeing to the account Terms does not link a phone. We do not enroll other people from a contact list or send invitations to their phones. Never share your linking code or connect a number you do not control.
No automatic replies
Tarca does not send automatic SMS confirmations for linking, accepted tasks or rejected messages. Check the connection in Settings → Connections and find accepted tasks in My work → Backlog. If a task does not appear, check that your phone is connected and your message follows the limits below before sending it again.
Twilio or participating carriers may still send standard control responses when you text STOP, START or HELP. These are provider-managed responses to your commands, not task confirmations or marketing. Message and data rates may apply, including messages that cannot become tasks. Message delivery and availability depend on your carrier and the service; carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
What to text
Send a direct, plain-text SMS of up to 160 characters, with no emoji, attachments or group messages. The limit is one standard GSM-7 SMS segment; some symbols count as two characters. Unsupported characters, including smart quotation marks, long messages and media are rejected rather than silently shortened or rewritten.
Each accepted message creates one private task in My work → Backlog, in the destination saved when you connected. The first line becomes the title; the full text is kept in the description. Text capture does not automatically assign projects, contacts or dates. You can add those details in Tarca. Do not use this feature for emergencies or send sensitive information you are not authorized to store.
Stop, reconnect or get help
- Reply STOP to stop the SMS program. The carrier may send a final opt-out confirmation. New texts will not create tasks while the connection is paused.
- You can also disconnect under Settings → Connections → Text to task → More options. Existing tasks remain in your account.
- To resume after STOP, send START to restore carrier delivery, then return to Connections and link your phone again. START alone does not reactivate task creation.
- Reply HELP for assistance, or email support@tarca.app. If a recycled number is linked to an old account, contact support rather than trying to move it yourself.
Privacy and account terms
Twilio and participating carriers handle phone numbers, incoming message content and delivery or opt-out information to operate this feature. Tarca saves accepted texts as tasks and keeps limited phone-linking authorization, delivery and ownership records to protect accounts, honor opt-outs and prevent duplicate tasks. Disconnecting does not erase existing tasks or the retained phone-ownership association.
We do not sell or share mobile numbers or text-message opt-in information and consent with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Necessary providers process information to deliver and protect this service; they do not receive permission to use your Tarca consent for their own marketing.
Read the Privacy Notice, Service Providers and existing Terms of Service. These program details supplement those terms and do not change your subscription or authorize a charge. Support and company contact details are available at Legal & contact.