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!

Hi I gather from a few other posts that these are not possible at the moment! I found this in some information blurb from SMARTY - " At some point you'll be able to send other kinds of messages which will be chargeable. This will include premium-rate texts and short-codes, which are used for entering competitions, buying ringtones and voting on reality TV shows, and paying for parking." As other people say they don't indicate when this will be available! I agree with the others that it should be no problem with a decent quality service! I too, like some other people may well be switching to another provider which doesn't have this problem!

THIS DOES NOT WORK. The App just takes you to the phone dialler and Smarty won’t connect the call. Very annoying.

Any news on this, George ? Since I joined Smarty on June 2nd this year (2023) it’s been great, I hope I have been a decent contributor to this forum, but I may have to sadly switch to another network simply because Smarty does not allow its users to use short codes. In the little over three months since I have been with Smarty, I have received, and been expected to reply to, short codes from my water company, doctors surgery and now my bank. All of which of course I cannot currently reply to using Smarty. I emailed my water company, but as you can imagine, ringing my GP surgery and bank was a massive user of time, “You are number 19 in the queue” etc when a simple 5 second text message would have got the job done….Do I want to leave Smarty ? Heck no, I don’t, but Smarty really needs to get its backside in gear re short code texts, which seem to be increasing in their use by various organisations. If Smarty doesn’t rectify this issue very quickly, they will be responsible for eroding their own customer base, which would be a crazy state of affairs.

I have - they have to link it to my mobile number and that's the only way currently to access my medical text service. Will need to look at another provider as this happens with my regular blood bookings also. This is a free text service with no charges so frustrating that these are blocked.

Very disappointed as I'm unable to vote! "Sorry, you have not been give access to this service"The app just redirects you to the same number!SMARTY, you let me down 😞

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

500 Replies

BlueManc
SMARTY Pioneer
29-05-2025
If I send Spam texts to 7726 is any action actually taken to stop them coming through?
- jpdfive
  SMARTY Enquirer
  10-07-2025
  Those numbers are looked into 100%, O2 just cant necessarily get back to you. Problem is, anyone using these numbers to spam you with texts and calls, buys them up for literal pennies, and theyll just get another, so whilst it hinders them, another will find you, especially as your number has been sold around to scammers everywhere already.
KevinBa_1585598
SMARTY Pioneer
16-05-2025
But we still can't vote in Eurovision? Tried last night and failed. You can't text vote in the UK so you either dial a shortcode or a long number. I topped up especially and neither worked. Is this ever gonna change?
KevinBa_1585598
SMARTY Pioneer
16-05-2025
Why can't we call Eurovision to vote again this year! I was really disappointed last night when I couldn't. I even added credit to my account so that I could
FredKim_2811528
SMARTY Enquirer
16-05-2025
I have an add-on and tried to vote in the Eurovision semi final yesterday via 62252 and then the song number, but it wouldn’t let me. I’ve typed in the short code in the app and it says it isn’t recognised. Why isn’t this working?
BryanMa_1391222
SMARTY Maverick
15-05-2025
Very disappointed we couldn't vote at Eurovision. We've added money but no success. We tried both numbers and just got a message to say we couldn't get access. Very disappointed.
sam_vasu
SMARTY Maverick
15-05-2025
Still can’t vote in Eurovision 2025… I have out of plan credit. Trying to vote by phone call as the UK doesn’t allow text votes…
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
  SMARTY Guru
  20-04-2025
  DavidB-3335558 Can you elaborate on that please? Who suggested it?
DavidKee_273605
SMARTY Maverick
01-04-2025
How do I get get short code to work? I have enough funds and adult filter is off,but when I txt nothing happens, very frustrating
- Linsey
  SMARTY Moderator
  03-04-2025
  Hi David,
  
  Please refer to the following article for guidance:
  
  Let’s clear up SMS shortcodes – here’s what you ne... - SMARTY Community
  
  A quick guide to shortcodes | SMARTY Help Centre
  
  This should address your concerns!
  - Michael_1932266
    SMARTY Commentator
    28-04-2025
    Been through everything SMARTY have said, still can’t use shortcodes. Even tried resetting the text service, but, guess what, it doesn’t work. None of the articles, none of the specific help “helps”. It was bad enough when SMARTY didn’t seem able to- or willing - to activate shortcodes for so long, but it’s worse having big announcements that SMARTY has finally provided a basic service that customers still can’t use
- MSF
  SMARTY Guru
  02-04-2025
  DavidKee_273605 Please see reply on your other post.
DavidKee_273605
SMARTY Maverick
01-04-2025
I tried to use a short code but just does not work, I have adult content on, I have enough funds in add ons but I still do not get a reply when I send the message
- Linsey
  SMARTY Moderator
  03-04-2025
  Hi David,
  
  Please refer to the following article for guidance:
  
  Let’s clear up SMS shortcodes – here’s what you ne... - SMARTY Community
  
  A quick guide to shortcodes | SMARTY Help Centre
  
  This should address your concerns!
LB_683461
SMARTY Pioneer
25-03-2025
Does this mean we can finally vote in Eurovision?
- MSF
  SMARTY Guru
  26-03-2025
  LB_683461 Yes, if you have sufficient add on credit to pay for it.
  Use the checker tool to find out the cost of the text.