[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! 

[Ewshot]

Hi I'm trying to make a donation to a charity by SMS and it keeps failing with Error 38. Can anyone help sort this error issue?

[Rebekah_150]

Hey Ewshot

we unfortunately do not support short codes so you will not be able to donate this way 

[PaulWil_1431741]

Will this important feature be added soon?

[RonaMcg_1713124]

Just found this out trying to get sms updates/notifications for trains. Time consuming having to constantly check the app or online for updates. Not happy 

[Chalkychap]

Unfortunately, SMARTY don't currently support text messages to short-code numbers.
Perhaps you can make your donation online @RonaMcg_1713124.

[KironReid]

I was just trying to donate by text to the Vernon Kay Children in Need ultra marathon BBC Radio 2 appeal and it wasn't working. I thought I was doing something wrong. I don't normally donate by text message but thought it would be convenient this time. I'll donate on the web instead. Thanks for asking the question and for the answers.

[SimonPi_2719314]

Still does not allow, very poor. come on Smarty, otherwise an excellent service.  

[SimonPi_2719314]

This is still not an option, come on Smarty this is poor, otherwise an excellent service. 

[MSF]

@SimonPi_2719314 That's because it relies on the short code sms system and they don't support that.

Loads of threads on this from way back.

[SimonPi_2719314]

yes I realise that! I was adding a comment to one of those threads  having read it. It’s been quite a while and it’s still an issue for people and there’s no reason Smarty can’t use short codes. 

[MSF]

@SimonPi_2719314  Well there obviously must be some reason, it's just that we don't know what that is because they have never explained.

[LauraFis_317418]

I have received a text message from my midwife/health visitor service to opt in for an app. I have to reply yes - and the text message wont send. I have attempted to buy on add on as I know I cant text into competitions etc.

The reply to the opt in is a free text that does charge and is registered with uk regulator? This is for my medical care?

[MSF]

Unfortunately, Smarty currently does not support messages to short code numbers (I suspect this is what you are trying to send).

They say that they are looking into it. It may be worthwhile you having a web chat with the Support Team to log your problem - the more they get, then perhaps action will be quicker?

Is it possible that you can download the app if your head;th professional sends you a link? Hope it works out for you.

[Victoria]

SMARTY, please unblock texting FREE short numbers.
I'm not able to reply to my bank's authentication requests because of short number texting is blocked to ALL numbers - the one I need is FREE. This is very inconvenient.

[MSF]

@Victoria Unfortunately, this has been discussed at length and quite frequently but it does not seem that Smarty intend introducing it soon from what we see here. The only numbers that do work are for getting PAC etc.

[stagger]

I also got the same problem and Smarty really can't help on this! I don't know why even the 'out of plan add on' cannot be help in this case! Now it is a right moment to think switching my bank accounts or switching my number to another telephone company. Can anyone know which telephone company could provide this service, even if it is chargeable.

[MSF]

@stagger  There are a number of networks that do support short code texts - including 3 themselves. You would need to check with each one.

[BobbyRe_2178318]

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]

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

[MSF]

@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.

[AEA]

I’d like to enter for a prize . How can I if Smarty won’t let me? 

[MSF]

@AEA It seems that you cannot do it using a short code text.

Look to see if you can enter via a website entry maybe?

[HaroldC_1452060]

Well that's not a helpful reply? Is that it; try a website?

[SmartyTrousers]

Sure it is. @AEA asked how they can enter a competition when Smarty doesn't support SMS short codes, and @MSF give a possible way to enter such competitions.

Were you somehow expecting @MSF  to be able to give advice that makes something that's not currently possible on Smarty, possible?

[MSF]

@SmartyTrousers I am working on the impossible, but it may just take a little longer ! You can’t help some people…and I am thinking about not even bothering any more.

[HayleyH_1492606]

SMARTY can you please let us know if / when you plan on opening up our network so we can enter completions via text?! Considering going elsewhere for the service and looking at previous comments it looks as if others would like this service too.

[MSF]

@HayleyH_1492606 This subject crops up very frequently. Over at least the last year, we have only ever had the answer "We're looking at it".

I'm assuming that there is some cost involved (for Smarty) in moving over to supporting short code texts and therefore they are holding off.

[Chalkychap]

Oddly, the SMARTY network already supports some short-code text messaging - for example 65075, 75075 and 85075 are all supported, for compliance with OFCOM mobile number portability regulations. 

You'd like to think it wouldn't be too difficult to support additional short-codes, but perhaps there's a commercial interest here, which might be to minimise the numbers of customers switching from Three UK to SMARTY Mobile. 
🤔

[MSF]

@Chalkychap I arrive at the conclusion that there is a cost implication purely based upon the fact that surely Smarty wouldn't deliberately decide to irritate a load of customers.

A good point about some short codes being accessible though.

[Chalkychap]

Fair enough, although perhaps if SMARTY customers are mainly interested in value for money, then not be able to spend £1.50 etcetera on competition entries via a short-code probably isn't a huge concern.

[MSF]

@Chalkychap Another very good point there - and one I have used in replies to people who are threatening to leave over this problem.

For many of us, it really isn't a problem. I do accept that people have struggled to reply to banks, hospitals etc and can see this as a sticking point - not so much with competition entries!

[Chalkychap]

Indeed @MSF - I'm guessing many banks and health care providers probably provide multiple ways to communicate with customers, so an SMS short-code shouldn't be a sticking point.

[Gasgas2_1119700]

Hi, Had an issue with my BT broadband, i have no network coverage at my house, so use Wifi calling, which works perfectly for voice calls and texts to mobiles BUT if it try texting BT on 61998, i get message fail, i can receive texts from this number.....  if i'm on a normal 3/4G network ie not on wifi calling, text goes through fine.

I tried another handset, still doesn't work.

any ideas?

[MSF]

@Gasgas2_1119700 Unless I am mistaken, that is what is known as a 'short-code number'. Currently Smarty does not support sending messages to them (except a few rare cases)

[Gasgas2_1119700]

Yes this is what i ve read but i had a fault with BT last October, drove to get signal and texted them.... i'm going to try that again to be 100% sure.

[Chalkychap]

WiFi Calling wouldn't prevent sending to a short-code, @Gasgas2_1119700. You can easily test this yourself by sending "INFO" to the short-code 85075, while using WiFi Calling.

The issue with SMARTY is that currently they don't generally support short-codes for sending an SMS to a recipient. 

Unfortunately, this is an instance of LESS SMARTY, MORE malarkey.   

[nicksnuts]

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]

Smarty do not currently support SMS short codes, unfortunately.

[LauraWe_1311036]

How do I enter competition with having bought extra credit to do so and message not sending?? Help please 

[Chalkychap]

SMARTY don't currently support short-codes on their network, so you'd need to enter online. Most competitions usually have an online entry form @LauraWe_1311036. 

🍀