[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! 

[ChrisM]

Just to add to this old thread...

I've just had a text from Barclaycard (from a 5 digit short code) for a security check asking me to reply with 'Y' if I recognised the last 3 transactions. I hadn't realised it wouldn't send and the transaction was then declined. Bit annoying.

[MSF]

@ChrisM  Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring theme with certain organisations that use short code.

[JJP2]

 

Hi @NicolaS_1506339 @MSF 

I am currently on vacation in Phoenix.

Have bought an iPhone 13 mini.

So, having to download and install apps.

I am successfully receiving short code messages with 2 Factor Authentication codes etc whilst installing apps etc. 

[MSF]

@JJP2  Could that be because your service is being supplied by a local network that does support short codes?

[SmartyTrousers]

Smarty has always supported incoming SMS from (non premium rate) short codes - it's sending to short codes that isn't supported (although there are a few exceptions, such as texting 65075 to request a PAC).

[MSF]

@SmartyTrousers @With respect, customers are more concerned (and have complained more vociferously) about exactly that!

[SmartyTrousers]

I know - the point I was making was that receiving a message from a short code, as @JJP2 had, has always been possible on Smarty, and was not necessarily just due to the fact that he or she was roaming.

[MSF]

@SmartyTrousers  Receiving, yes but sending, no.

[JJP2]

Ah, good point. 

My Smarty SIM is roaming on T-Mobile USA. Although for data, I am using a ‘US Mobile’ eSIM on the Verizon network. 

[MSF]

@JJP2 I'm obliged to my learned colleague for the explanation.....I rest my case M'lud!

[MSF]

@NicolaS_1506339 Not currently. From previous responses, it doesn't seem that they will change that in the very near future.

[JJP2]

At the current time, Smarty does not support short codes.

This article has more details : 

https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/952515-are-all-texts-free-with-smarty-plans 

[Michael_2067979]

I recently moved over to SMART

Y but didn't realise you cannot text to competition short text numbers. I even put £10 add on to my account thinking that would solve it but after reading this and other entries I find SMARTY is unable to support these type of transactions. I'll be going g elsewhere soon!!!

[Maureen_2585523]

I am trying to send a message to an Irish friend. Keep getting error 0

[MSF]

@Maureen_2585523 You are sending an International text and that is not included in your Smarty plan.

If you need to send a text, then you need to add credit to your account for out of plan usage - check the Price Guide for details of International calls and texts.

As @JJP2RidesAgain  correctly says, may be easier to use WhatsApp (over mobile data or wifi) if both you and the friend have it.

[JJP2RidesAgain]

That is classed as an international text, so you would need to add an out of plan add on

OR - if you and your friend in Ireland both have WhatsApp, send the text via WhatsApp as it will be free of charge. 

[SharonM_2434689]

Why can I not send a message to pay for messages and get an error 0 

[MSF]

@SharonM_2434689  Suspect that you are trying to send to a short code number. Smarty do not currently support that system.

Did you read other posts in this thread?

[SusanTh_2670326]

Hi, I'm a new Smarty customer. I text my BP twice daily to a service provided by my GP trust. Not being able to do this is a total pain, and I probably wouldn't have changed to Smarty if I'd known this was a thing! Not very impressive. Is it likely they will support the system soon?

[JJP2RidesAgain]

As this is a community forum, we are customers, just like you, we don’t work for Smarty, so wouldn’t know the answer, unfortunately.

Sad to say that as you need to text your blood pressure twice daily to your GP, then you probably have no option but to switch networks, unless your GP practice has an app which you can download for the same purpose. 

[RonaldM_1510441]

No it's a full phone number

[RonaldM_1510441]

No it's  full 11 digits, maybe I was given the wrong digits.

[MSF]

@RonaldM_1510441  It it is 11 digits and is a normal UK mobile number, then looks like you have indeed been given the wrong number.

[AngelaR_2083405]

It wa a 5 digit number. I was able to send it successfully last night. 

[MSF]

@AngelaR_2083405   😳 That's unusual ! They say that they don't support short codes.

[AngelaR_2083405]

I'm getting the same error message. Did you find a solution?

[MSF]

@AngelaR_2083405  If this is what I think it is, it was a problem with o2 network yesterday.

[AngelaR_2083405]

I only had the problem today and I'm still unable to repond to a text. 😞

[MSF]

@AngelaR_2083405 Those posting seemed to be trying to send text messages to people on the O2 network. Did that apply to you too?

[AngelaR_2083405]

I've no way if knowing. Was trying to respond to a text sent by an organisation. I'll try again tomorrow. Thank you for your help.

[MSF]

@AngelaR_2083405  You weren't by any chance trying to respond to a message that came from a 5-digit number? In that case, you cannot send a text as Smarty does not yet support that service.

This has been mentioned a number of times in forum posts. I had a customer service text asking me to rate the service - I could not do it as it was a 5 digit number.

[MureSmit_747055]

How do you reply then?

[MSF]

@MureSmit_747055 Basically, you cannot reply but need to find some other way. Short code texts are still not being supported by Smarty.

[MSF]

Hello @MrMclau_2084338 : Have you checked for local problems?; 

[MSF]

https://smarty.co.uk/network-status-checker

[ClaireW_2909464]

I am unable to enter competitions on short codes I could do this with 3 but I’m not getting access now  can this be unblocked 

[MSF]

@ClaireW_2909464  You cannot get it unblocked because Smarty do not support the short code system.

Please see:  https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/952515-are-all-texts-free-with-smarty-plans

[MartinK_2758420]

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

[MSF]

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