[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! 

[SarahWa_1672845]

I have the same problem for competitions is it in our settings or something?

[WelshSian]

The solution is to switch to a network that offers the service required.

[MARKGAMBRILL]

@WagdiAb_1208337  can you share what the solution is?

[WagdiAb_1208337]

Hi 

I have the same problem. I am trying to fix it with smarty right now by emailing them and they are doing well. I will tell you the result. 🙂

[WagdiAb_1208337]

I have completely solved my problem. I contacted Smarty's technical support, and they showed great interest in solving my problem until it was resolved. I want to thank them because they were replying to my emails and not ignoring them until the problem was resolved. Thank you Abrar (the person who was communicating with me)

[MARKGAMBRILL]

Can you share what the solution is?

[MSF]

As I understand, those text numbers are premium numbers and Smarty does not support sending messages to them.

The other issue I can see is that you do not have a monthly bill where the cost of those messages can be charged to you - you pay a fixed monthly sum for your plan.

[Markvan_1575588]

I was also wanting to do this.

I do have a monthly bill.

If the answer above applies to me, I will look for a new service provider.

[MSF]

You don't have a monthly credit bill - Smarty users buy fixed plans and top-ups.

Currently the system does not support sending text messages to premium numbers.

[NeilAel_1900794]

What's the future plan for adding competition numbers please.

[Chalkychap]

SMARTY don't support messages to short-code numbers @NeilAel_1900794, nor do they appear to have any plans to do so.

Most competitions use a short-code number, so being with SMARTY excludes you entering them using your phone - most will have an online entry option, which is less convenient though.

I guess, if using your mobile to enter competitions is important, join a mobile network that supports use of short-code numbers. Good luck @NeilAel_1900794 🍀 

[PeterWh_1550878]

Well, that's a shame but surely a rather pathetic approach to something that every other network offers! 

I have not been able to enter competitions or confirm my identity with a few websites, etc etc. 

I think that I will be looking for another network - as no one seems to be interested in solving the problem! 

[NeilAel_1900794]

Thanks, not that bothered about competition entry so all good😎

[KarinTa_1491257]

I am unable to send texts for radio/tv competitions

[RobS_376754]

Any update?

I can not even send a text to check the balance on a gift card!!!

[YulianK]

@KarinTa_1491257 

SMARTY doesn't support texting to premium numbers at the moment.

As for the call, they are not free of charge, please see below.

"Chargeable calls with SMARTY

Calls to service numbers that start with 084 or 087 are chargeable and will require an out of plan add-on to be applied to your SMARTY account in advance."

[Chronicfathead]

Any news on this, as its very frustrating. My wife wants to leave Smarty as its causing her a problem.

[RobH_1981]

Hi, are there any plans to allow texting to premium rate numbers? Today I received a fraud check text from my bank and was unable to respond to it as ot was from a 5 digit number starting 85...

[JaneEll_1415350]

I hsve this problem too!

Can’t reply to any five digit number even when the sender says I can do it for free, like Barclays or Ocado. 

[MSF]

As these are what is known as short code numbers, they are currently not supported by Smarty unfortunately.

[Kathryn_1089216]

Why can't this be enabled for texts as well?

[Richard_1587184]

I have spotted in the app under the heading, add-ons where you can add credit to your account specifically for premium calls. I guess this is what you use for both calls or texts to competition lines, register votes for shows like Strictly Come Dancing, numbers like 0845 & 0870 plus other things. It also suggests this credit pretty much stays with you until you finish it up. You can add £5, £10 or £15 to your account.

Please could Smarty admin confirm that what I have said is correct?

[Kathryn_1089216]

I have added £5 on add-on but still can't text competitions, SMARTY you really do need to sort this out and not keep promising it's coming soon.........

[Rebekah_150]

Hey, if you have the out of plan add-on you will be able to call premium rate numbers not not text shot-codes. It is something we are aware  banks use so it is something we are looking into.

[cpw1978]

Almost one year on and no fix. I’ve been a customer for a few years now and have four family accounts, unless this situation is rectified in 6 weeks I’m sorry to say we’ll be all leaving Smarty. Banks, GPs, Utility companies etc all use short code texts, this is beyond a joke now. Why hasn’t it been done? A simple out of plan add on can pay for whenever someone needs to use it. 

[MSF]

@cpw1978  Not all GP's , banks etc use short codes - none of mine currently do.

If it really is a deal breaker, then it's true that you have no alternative but to move your accounts.

There doesn't seem to be any answer from the company as to why they have not introduced short code texts. From that, I assume that they do not see themselves losing too much business as a result.

[cpw1978]

This is almost one year later what’s happening? I’ve been a customer for 3 years now and it’s at a point where I’m going to have to leave unless this is rectified. 

[Chronicfathead]

Any news on this, as its very frustrating. My wife wants to leave Smarty as its causing her a problem. 

[George]

Hi @Chronicfathead we don't have a date for this just yet - our team are still working on this thanks to customer feedback.

[Cairdeas]

I think, given that we're 2 years on and still getting the same response, Smarty should be honest and say it's not going to happen. It's clearly an essential correspondence to some people, so they'll have to find another provider. It's actually terrible CS 

[MSF]

@Chronicfathead  - there's a help article on this subject - https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/952515-are-all-texts-free-with-smarty-plans

I would assume from the article that it could be a while until that feature is enabled.

[Jomac]

There is a setting in Android, assuming you use Android that turns premium messaging on or off. Something in the back of my mind tells me there could be a setting in Smarty so its worth investing there also.

[Catheri_1753712]

Why can I not respond by text (with a score between 1 and 10) to a text from British Gas asking about level of service?

[ChrisGi_1537052]

I'm guessing that the reply will be to  a premium rate eg chargeable text 

[KatieWi_1905420]

I too have just joined Smarty & topped up to use premium rate numbers & texts. Not allowing? Trying to enter a competition text to win?

[Chalkychap]

I'm not sure premium rate text messages are mentioned anywhere on the website, or app @KatieWi_1905420, in the top-up (add-on) pages.

Anyway, SMARTY Mobile don't support sending messages to short-code numbers @KatieWi_1905420, so this excludes you from many premium rate text message services.

Unfortunately, if you want to text premium rate short-codes, you'll need to switch to another service provider @KatieWi_1905420 🙁

[Michael_1932266]

Not just “premium” rate short codes, free short codes are also deliberately blocked. Since short codes are supported as a matter of course by other providers and Smarty allows out of plan add ons, blocking short codes must be deliberate 

[GordonPa_341067]

"Unfortunately, if you want to text premium rate short-codes, you'll need to switch to another service provider" is not really the right answer. Smarty have promised Short Codes for long enough now, surely it's time to implement this feature. Three are offering similar tariffs at the moment and include this feature. As you do sit on Three, is difficult to understand why it isn't implemented. Maybe time for an alternative after all.

[JJP2RidesAgain]

Then take it up with Smarty - This is the Smarty community forum, we are mere customers, we do not work for Smarty, so can’t influence policy.