You asked we delivered - from March 2025, shortcodes are available on SMARTY 💃
What are shortcodes?
Shortcodes are a series of numbers, between 3 and 6 digits (mostly five digits long), which you can call or text to access services which aren't always covered by your normal allowances.
Shortcodes can be used to pay for certain types of services, like entering TV or radio competitions, donating to charity, paying for parking or voting on reality shows.
They can also be used to pay for subscriptions, such as shopping alerts.
How can I use shortcodes?
It's really easy. If your shortcode is free, text away.
To access chargeable shortcodes, you'll need an out-of-plan add-on.
Look up the cost of the shortcode using our handy checker below 👇
FAQs 💭
What's the difference between free and chargeable shortcodes? 🤔
What's the difference between free and chargeable shortcodes? 🤔
Free shortcodes: These are completely free to use and included in your plan. No add-on required.
Chargeable shortcodes: These come with a cost. You'll need to buy an out-of-plan add-on to use them.
How can I check the cost of a shortcode? 💰
How can I check the cost of a shortcode? 💰
We’ve made it simple.
Check the cost of the shortcode using our handy Shortcode checker 👇
Can I use shortcodes if I have a Data-Only plan? 💻
Can I use shortcodes if I have a Data-Only plan? 💻
With a Data-Only Plan, you will only have access to select free, regulatory shortcodes highlighted in our Price Guide.
You won't have access to other shortcodes on a data-only plan.
Can I use shortcodes when I'm roaming abroad? 🌴
Can I use shortcodes when I'm roaming abroad? 🌴
No, shortcodes aren’t available whilst you're roaming abroad.
You’ll only have access to select free, regulatory shortcodes highlighted in our Price Guide.
What's a subscription service? 📲
What's a subscription service? 📲
Shortcodes can be used to pay for subscription services, for example, shopping alerts or monthly horoscopes. 📅
These subscriptions usually charge a daily, weekly, or monthly fee, which is taken from any available out-of-plan balance until you unsubscribe.
You should have received a text receipt when you first subscribed with more details.
If you think the message is spam - report it to 7726. Find out more about spam messages here.
How do I unsubscribe from a subscription service?
How do I unsubscribe from a subscription service?
To unsubscribe, text/reply STOP or STOP ALL to the shortcode.
You may be charged to send this SMS. Alternatively, you can contact the merchant or the payment intermediary directly - you can find their details using our Shortcode checker 👇
Note: If you signed up to a subscription service on your mobile number in the past and haven't unsubscribed, you may be charged from 12th March 2025 onwards. As the account holder, you’re responsible for any texts sent to/received from shortcodes and their related charges.
Troubleshooting & support 🚀
My Shortcode usage/transaction isn't showing in my Usage history in my dashboard 🔍
My Shortcode usage/transaction isn't showing in my Usage history in my dashboard 🔍
There may be a 2-hour delay before your activity will show in your Usage history.
Reasons your Shortcode could fail 😭
Reasons your Shortcode could fail 😭
If your message to a shortcode fails, you’ll get an automated reply to explain why the message has failed to send.
This can happen if:
You don’t have an out of plan add-on available and are trying to message a chargeable shortcode
You are roaming
You’re on a data-only plan
You’ve reached the Spend Limits
You have your adult content filter enabled and are trying to access a short code with restricted content.
I don't recognise a shortcode charge or transaction 👀
I don't recognise a shortcode charge or transaction 👀
Found a shortcode charge in your usage history that you don’t recognise?
If you have been charged for any shortcode, it will show in the out-of-plan usage history section of your dashboard.
If you still don't recognise this charge or shortcode, you can find the merchant’s name and contact details using our Shortcode checker 👇
If you’d like to request a refund, you must contact the merchant or payment intermediary.
Please contact the merchant using the Email/Website/Telephone details provided. If the merchant is unable to help, the payment intermediary details are also available.
They have 10 days to respond to your query. If you’ve been waiting more than 10 days, please get in touch with us to escalate.
Age restricted shortcodes 🔞
Age restricted shortcodes 🔞
Some shortcodes will be for age-restricted content, such as gambling or adult-related services, so if your adult content filter is enabled, you won't be able to use the shortcode.
You'll need to verify your age to access these types of shortcodes.
If a shortcode is blocked but shouldn’t be, or is not blocked when it should be due to age-restricted content, let us know, and we’ll sort it.
Managing your spend - limits 🤝
Managing your spend - limits 🤝
Spend limits are an additional measure to prevent excessive spend on third-party services.
The shortcode Spend Limit is a legal requirement under the Payment Services Regulation. It can’t be removed or changed.
The limits are:
£40 per single transaction
£240 total charges per month calendar month (not renewal month)
We’ll send a text notification if you reach the monthly Spend Limit. Any transactions that exceed the Spend Limits will be blocked.