Forum Discussion
[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
I have purchased an Out of plan add on for this purpose and shortcode texts are still not getting sent. So, is this up and running or not?
MELANIE_2528822 The system is up and running now.
Do you definitely have sufficient to pay for the message?
If you are sending a payment via short code text, you need to also add in the cost of sending the text e.g. £5 donation may cost £5.15 including text cost.
Got a notification on app saying shortcodes now send. Great move albeit late which will improve competition with voxi , just needs visual voicemail now
Riley_3191091 Information also available on main website: https://smarty.co.uk/shortcodes-checker
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.......You really need to sort out this long asked problem with short code texts ! This is most annoying. I can't reply or authorise my bank, my credit card, my dentist, my doctor or my hospital appointments. So pretty much everything!!!
Love smarty but if this not updated soon, we're off
SMARTY now support short code and premium messaging.
Actually, they don’t. They say they do, but only if you take responsibility for activating it. I have a “failed” to send text message and when I contacted SMARTY, they suggest a factory reset of my network settings - to see if that works (!?!). I’m unwilling to do a reset on the off chance that it will work and SMARTY don’t have any other suggestions (or, it seems, interest), for actually resolving the issue. Since when is the customer responsible for service problems?
Hi JAH71
The only option to this problem is to change network provider!
If you want a comparable (£) network that allows you to use shortcodes then iD Mobile is relatively good (but like all 'budget' providers they have their own issues).
The only difference between SMARTY and iD is that MMS texts with iD are charged for when sent whereas with SMARTY they are included in their packages.
iD Mobile DO charge for shortcode texts that are sent and some of the text based shortcode services may charge you for the receiving part of their service. You should make sure you understand what the total cost of the service is before you use it.
You can see the amount charged fr a shortcode message here...
https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/call-charges
To see what £ you will be charged to send a text to a shortcode number you can enter it under the heading 'Text or call shortcodes'.
There are other networks that may also fulfill your needs so please do your own research.
Also, make sure your handset is supported for VoLTE by the provider, if you are looking to change, and also that their signal coverage in your area is comparable.
SMARTY has been saying for many years now that they are working to support shortcodes BUT they have never moved forward to do so and are only paying lip service to their customers in saying this.
Good luck xHi JAH71
Thank you for reaching out to our SMARTY community forum!
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a specific date as to when shortcode SMS will be available. We understand how important this feature is to our customers so once it becomes available, we will notify our customers accordingly.
Thank you for providing your feedback!
- Jodie
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 xIf you’re asking whether you can donate via the short phone/text number which is usually shown on ads then it’s not possible.
RonGrif_1693239 Sorry - you have not explained what you mean here.
Can I enter competitions with 5digit texts
Alas, not currently AlanCla2686242.
SMARTY only support a limited number of shortcodes, e.g. 65075, 75075, 85075.
No, unfortunately Smarty don't currently support SMS shortcodes.
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
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.
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.
I believe the situation with SMS short codes has not changed.
How can you enter competitions to a premium number
IanDola_3007572 Unfortunately, you cannot do that with Smarty as they do not support the short-code sms system. Please see: https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/952515-are-all-texts-free-with-smarty-plans
That is ridiculous! I'm a new customer, won't be staying long then!
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?
Smarty do not currently support SMS short codes, unfortunately.
