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

[YulianK]

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! 

[Rozblackburn1]

I totally agree should be able to use premium numbers it's ridiculous 

[SaraWill_801332]

Just adding my frustration with this too! 3 support short codes (I was with them for a while) so even if you have to prepay for premium texts it shouldn't be so hard.

[AmandaBa_558622]

This is a very simple service that should be available as standard, more and more vital services require the use of these short code messages. Smarty maybe a cheap service to use but if it doesn't have everything you need.....you've wasted the amount you spent anyway.

It's like getting a bargain on something that's broken!

There is a clear ongoing demand for this service, a good business/provider knows when to 'up its game' and stay competitive with it's rivals, weather it be a change to cost or service. 

[JohannF]

Well this wasnt what I was hoping for on Smarty. I guess its truly a low-cost "no frills" service if they dont even offer short code texts. To think they could easily resolve this and probably not lose customers over it? Or maybe they are not bothered since they are part of a much larger 3 network? Who knows!    I was going to put 3 other family members on Smarty but definitely rethinking that one now. Might look at Voxi since they do allow short code messages I believe.... 

[Swarming1095]

Unacceptable that this ‘feature’ has not yet been implemented.

[MSF]

@Swarming1095  The good thing about being a Smarty customer is that you are not 'trapped' in a long contract but can leave easily at the end of any plan.

For those who find that they cannot do without a certain feature, they are free to move to a network that offers it. As I have mentioned previously (in other posts), there are a large number of customers (me included) for whom these features do not represent a deal breaker.

Obviously, if I suddenly found myself needing to be able to send texts to short code numbers, I would have to think again.

[The_Button_King]

I am adding to the chain hoping this basic feature will be added soon. I cannot authenticate some payments with my bank because of this shortcoming! Now I have to go out of my way to call the bank tomorrow morning and see if it can be resolved. Incredibly disappointed at this as Smarty has been great otherwise.

[MSF]

@The_Button_King  Much as I understand the general levels of frustration, I don't think that further postings are going to make much difference to when (& if) Smarty add this feature.

It will depend, I think, upon a simple equation:

Cost of installing the service - loos of income from customers leaving as a result

[BrianMcBriany]

Is this fixed yet?

I just want to be able to respond to texts from my doctors surgery and my bank. They’re not premium numbers, free to reply.

Please update ASAP

[MSF]

@BrianMcBriany  This is a long-standing issue. If you are wanting to text to a short-code number, Smarty does not support that currently - I don't know exactly why.

It is not an issue of whether they are premium numbers.

[BrianMcBriany]

@MSF 

Thanks for the reply. Yes I understand the why, I’m just looking for an update.

This should be considered a high priority fault/outage as being able to respond to banks or doctors through SMS is increasingly common and essential.

[NigelJo]

Smarty’s out of plan add-ins are not a solution. Texting premium or short text numbers now requires urgent action from Smarty as this has become an indispensable feature which no network should rightly omit from its service.

[AleksandrP]

I've just got a text from NHS asking to rate my A&E experience by replying to a short code message (free). I couldn't reply initially, but after specifying my own number in SMS app, I was able to send a reply. But then, surprisingly, I just can't send another reply to provide details.

So looks like sometimes it can work, but not always?

[smeeghead]

So can this be used to TEXT short code numbers i.e. Radio competition numbers where you have to REPLY to the short code with a text

[Meerkat]

It looks like the latest add on will allow calls and texts to premium rate numbers.

I think this add on originally only said call. I think text has been recently added.

 

[Gasgas2_1119700]

Great! BT use text messaging for internet or phone faults... which i found out about yesterday when i lost internet and had to report to BT....  i also realised how rubbish your 3/4g network is too, after a 3 mile drive, i eventually had internet.

[LeeByron_731217]

This is an absolutely ridiculous feature missing from Smarty.

If banks do a fraud check on your card and temporarily block it to check transactions, you often get a simple reply Y or N if this was you. I’ve just been left in a situation, unable to pay using my only card because I can’t reply Y to a text. Will be leaving Smarty before my first month is up.

[TimMcDo_1328875]

Just had exactly the same happen yesterday!!!

[paul]

Just wanted to add that my GP surgery has started using "Florence" that works by replying by SMS to a free shortcode number. 

Can free numbers at least be allowed? 

https://help.florence.uk.net/is-shortcode-barring-the-reason-my-patient-cant-reply-to-flo/

[MSF]

@paul Unfortunately, I don't see Smarty making an exception for free calls ahead of full roll-out. In fact, they might be more likely to get it working if calls were chargeable!

[Pauline_1130616]

Very disappointed that this isn’t available 

[Belinda_1095493]

Hello.  I want to add money to my phone so that I can enter online radio competitions but can't see how I do this

[Wardysays]

It’s already been said but want to double confirm. Add it via the dashboard, that’s what I do 🙂 

[JS]

Smarty needs to sort the lack of support for short codes, it's really not good enough in 2022. 

[DavidWil_502931]

Hi,

You can add money under the Dashboard heading at the bottom of the app, when you sign in. Unfortunately you cannot, currently, use Smarty to send premium texts or short codes e.g. To radio stations.

Type Premium into the help section to confirm.

Hope this reply answers your question.

[Ajg79]

Hi all,  I am having an issue when sending a premium text (a short text to give money to charity I.e text Donate to 79430) contain toy fails. Anyone know what o can do? I have topped up with plenty of money as both add on and money on account. Any advice greatfully received. 

[leedorney]

I'm having this now a ppi claim in the past and the same company is contacting me for the fact you can claim the tax and I'm trying to stop the text even topped up credit and still didn't work 😡

[archy_bold]

Wow, that’s really bad. I’ve had no issues with SMARTY but this seems like a really basic feature to be missing.

[andrewh_1609796]

I have also been wanting the short code feature, come on Smarty please sort it out every other provider does.

[Smally]

This feature I’ve been wanting for awhile it is not yet available on smarty mobile something they are looking to introduce in the future. 

[Richard_1562851]

Have you had a reply to this. I can’t text bbc radio 5 on 85058

[Lilys_Dad]

This has been a long-time gripe for me. Smarty refuse to implement filters that would block chargeable / scam short codes, leaving some of us unable to contact 5Live or our GP surgeries, or British Transport Police.
A workaround for BBC 5 Live is to use their WhatsApp number of 08085 909 693

[JS]

I have the same issue which is stopping me contacting my bank. I contacted customer services and was told Smarty doesn't (or has chosen not to) support short codes but that they plan to in the future. They were unwilling to provide date. It's pretty poor to be honest and will likely lead to me leaving at some point.

[Jake1951]

Can I send messages to premium rate numbers that charge a fee plus usual message cost?

[Richard_1528747]

Just buy a txt add on, it never runs out, works fine for me and if reqd can be used towards monthly bill.

[Rebekah_150]

Currently, you're not able to call or text any premium numbers

[PaulMar_1609360]

Why can’t I text cash register after buying £10 add on

[sonyaBa_1023341]

This needs to be sorted, Smarty. I haven’t been able to enter a competition or reply to confirm a booking today. Why is it difficult? 

[MSF]

Here is an article from Smarty:  https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/952515-are-all-texts-free-with-smarty-plans

They don't give a date when it will become available unfortunately.

[MSF]

If these are 'premium numbers', then Smarty does not allow users to send a text to them.