Forum Discussion

YulianK's avatar
YulianK
SMARTY Community Manager
21-02-2025

[Announcement] BIG NEWS: You can now text shortcodes! 🎉

 

Yes, we heard you loud and clear—it’s been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over...SMARTY now supports shortcode messaging. 

So, what’s the big deal with shortcodes?  

They’re those snappy little numbers (3-6 digits, usually five) that let you: 

✔️ Enter epic competitions  
✔️ Vote for your favourite reality TV stars  
✔️ Confirm important appointments  
✔️ Donate to causes that matter  
...and much more. 

Heads up! Chargeable shortcodes aren’t included in your plan, so you’ll need an out-of-plan add-on to text them. 

If your shortcode is free, such as to confirm a doctor’s appointment, text away.    

Not sure how much a chargeable shortcode costs? No worries! We’ve built a super-handy shortcode checker so you can see the details upfront. 

For all the nitty-gritty, check out our help article 

And as always, thanks for keeping us on our toes with your awesome feedback—we’re here to make your life easier. 

Now go forth and text wisely! 

500 Replies

  • MartinK_2758420's avatar
    MartinK_2758420
    SMARTY Pioneer
    10-06-2024

    Does anyone know where short code messages go on the rare "Nothing 1" mobile phone??

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      10-06-2024

      MartinK_2758420  Smarty currently does not support short code messages, so they don't go anywhere I suppose.

  • SimonShe_367108's avatar
    SimonShe_367108
    SMARTY Pioneer
    19-07-2024

    What plan allows texts to 82122 ( radio competition number) 

    thanks

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      19-07-2024

      SimonShe_367108 That is known as a short code number and Smarty currently do not support that system at all, so you will not be able to send such a text.

    • Rebekah_150's avatar
      Rebekah_150
      Team SMARTY
      19-07-2024

      Hi  SimonShe_367108,

      Unfortunatly no plan that SMARTY offers currently supports shortcodes, your feedback is appreciated and I will pass tis on 

    • ReeceWe_3456771's avatar
      ReeceWe_3456771
      SMARTY Pioneer
      29-06-2025

      Have you ever heard of premium rate text bar they may caused issue 

      • MSF's avatar
        MSF
        SMARTY Guru
        30-06-2025

        ReeceWe_3456771 No plans have all short code texts included. You need credit to pay for them - with one or two exceptions.

  • nicksnuts's avatar
    nicksnuts
    SMARTY Rookie
    20-10-2024

    Hi. I'm trying to send an SMS to 61998 (BT's tech support) but it won't send. I have paid for an "out of plan add-on" thinking that would help but no. Any ideas why this is happening?

    • SmartyTrousers's avatar
      SmartyTrousers
      SMARTY Centurion
      21-10-2024

      Smarty do not currently support SMS short codes, unfortunately.

  • IanDola_3007572's avatar
    IanDola_3007572
    SMARTY Rookie
    29-10-2024

    How can you enter competitions to a premium number 

  • BobbyRe_2178318's avatar
    BobbyRe_2178318
    SMARTY Pioneer
    17-11-2024

    Can I send text to competitions yet?

    The posts that come up are a year or older saying smarty is working on it!

    Is it time to jump to another firm.

    • SmartyTrousers's avatar
      SmartyTrousers
      SMARTY Centurion
      17-11-2024

      I believe the situation with SMS short codes has not changed.

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      17-11-2024

      BobbyRe_2178318  Nothing has changed in that time and Smarty have not given any reason.

      If it is an important feature for you there unfortunately you would need to move to a network that supports it.

  • AlanCla2686242's avatar
    AlanCla2686242
    SMARTY Pioneer
    13-12-2024

    Can I enter competitions with 5digit texts

    • SmartyTrousers's avatar
      SmartyTrousers
      SMARTY Centurion
      13-12-2024

      No, unfortunately Smarty don't currently support SMS shortcodes.

      • PaulAtk_3043787's avatar
        PaulAtk_3043787
        SMARTY Maverick
        18-12-2024

        Got to be careful of short codes the tv ones they charge you but make sure text back stop or no to another 5 digit short code or you will be charged all the time they send you messages and take your credit 

    • Chalkychap's avatar
      Chalkychap
      SMARTY Trendsetter
      15-12-2024

      Alas, not currently AlanCla2686242

      SMARTY only support a limited number of shortcodes, e.g. 65075, 75075, 85075.  

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      18-12-2024

      RonGrif_1693239 Sorry - you have not explained what you mean here.

    • Goddess_Bastet's avatar
      Goddess_Bastet
      SMARTY Teamster
      19-12-2024

      If you’re asking whether you can donate via the short phone/text number which is usually shown on ads then it’s not possible. 

    • Decembersangel's avatar
      Decembersangel
      SMARTY Motivator
      21-12-2024

      Hi RonGrif_1693239 

      SMARTY does not support short codes.
      This includes donations, competitions, replies etc... So if the number you are trying to donate to uses a short code then it won't work.
      x x x 

  • Bainesey's avatar
    Bainesey
    SMARTY Pioneer
    22-01-2025

    Think I may go back to sim only contract as I'm trying to reply to the NHS texts and Smarty cannot even do that as a basic feature of any other service. 

    Shocking something so basic not available and been with them now for near 3 years. Hey ho, I got texts to send.

    Good luck anyone searching the forums as Smarty say "Oh yeah we will let you know when we will be able to"... Well they have been saying that for a few years on the forums.......

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      23-01-2025

      Bainesey  This has been an ongoing issue for over two years now and is well documented in many threads.

      I think the only thing for people who really do need short code texts is to move to one of the networks that do support that system. Smarty don't show signs of doing that at the minute.

  • DavidB-3335558's avatar
    DavidB-3335558
    SMARTY Commentator
    20-04-2025

    I thought people were advised not to click on links in texts, in case they are a scam.

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      20-04-2025

      DavidB-3335558 Can you elaborate on that please? Who suggested it?