[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! 

[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.

[SarahWa_1672845]

I just googled and saw a note from a week ago that smarty dont allow it at the moment but plan to soon. Hopefully that wont b long as I like to do the odd competition as well

[Kathryn_1089216]

 Same response for well over a year.... frustrating that they do this!

[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.