How to Send Messages to a Short Code Program

Short codes are usually five to six numbers long.

Short codes are numbers composed of five or six digits to which you can send messages, such as SMS or text messages. These codes can be specific to a single provider or common to all message service providers. Short codes are generally accompanied by specific text you need to enter in the body of your message. Sending messages to a short works the same as sending a standard text message.

Instructions

1. Open your cell phone to access the main screen, depending on the style of phone you have.

2. Open a new message. You can usually find this under "Messages" or "New Message."

3. Enter the short code number you want to send a message to when prompted. You may not be prompted to enter a recipient for your message until you have composed the message, depending on the make and model of your phone.

4. Compose your message with the provided word or phrase. When sending a message to a short code program, there is usually a word or phrase that you are supposed to send. For example, a short code program for election polls may direct you to enter the last name of a candidate.

5. Press the "Send" or "Answer" button on the phone.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are spelling the required word or phrase correctly or the short code program might not recognize it.

• Sending messages to short code programs might involve a charge even if your cell phone plan does not. Short code messages may or may not work when using other SMS or text messaging services, such as Skype, Yahoo or Google.

References

• Common Short Code Administration: Basics of CSCs