SMS Short Codes: What They Are & How To Stop Them

In this article:

Change your mind on receiving those text message burger discount codes sent to your phone? 

This post will help you understand what those messages are and how you can stop them.

So, what is an SMS short code?

An SMS short code is a 5-6 digit phone number that is used by a business to opt-in consumers to their promotional programs. They then will send text message coupons, offers, discounts, updates, etc. to those customers that had given permission through opting-in.

For example, a user interacts with an SMS short code by creating a new text message from their mobile device with the proper keyword, code or phrase, and addressing it to the 5-6 digit SMS short code, such as in the example below for a burger:

In fact, check out the Texting World Short Codes Directory to find business ownership information for over thousands of short codes.

When you select on an individual business from the website, you’ll learn exactly how that short code is being used, the date of activation, supported wireless providers, campaign details and more. It also includes photographs of how the code is being used within the stores, such as this Starbucks loyalty program:

There are two different types of SMS short codes used by businesses:

• Dedicated
• Shared

Dedicated SMS short codes are leased and used by one business. Pizza Hut gives you the option to order a pizza through your mobile phone from their dedicated short code of 694-88. For a list of 100 of the top dedicated SMS short codes, click here.

Shared SMS short codes are used by multiple businesses but the keyword will be different. For example, your local pizza joint may ask you to text the word “PIZZA” to 123-45 for a free slice. And, a mechanic may have you text the word “OILCHANGE” to 123-45 for a 10% discount. Same code, different word, different promotion.

NumberBarn doesn’t sell short codes, but we want you to be educated about them. There are many companies out there, such as Twilio and Tatango that can offer you dedicated or shared short codes for your business.

So, how do you stop receiving SMS short code messages?

If you find a certain short code on the TextingWorld site, you should see information on how to remove yourself from their list.

Please note, if you’re a NumberBarn customer, you cannot block short code SMS from the Call Blocking section within your account. We can only block full, 7-digit telephone numbers. If you’d like to stop receiving promotional messages from something you’ve subscribed to, please follow the instructions above.

NumberBarn’s numbers are classified as “wireline” or landline. Some short code verification messages will only be sent to wireless phone numbers (not landline numbers) as it is the policy of the sender. NumberBarn cannot change this classification to accept these messages.