SMS Short Codes Explained: Why Codes Come From 5-Digit Numbers

SMS short codes are 5 or 6 digit numbers businesses use for bulk texts, including codes. Seeing one is normal: judge the message, not the number.

Why companies use them

• They are approved for high-volume texts.
• They are easy to recognise and remember.
• Carriers vet them, which cuts spam.

Examples

In the US, Facebook uses 32665. Many retailers, delivery services and apps have their own. Short codes are country-specific: the same company uses different senders in different countries.

Replying to short codes

Why codes from short codes sometimes fail

Some prepaid plans and some countries block short code texts, and they may not arrive when roaming. If you never get codes from short codes, ask your carrier to enable them.

Opting out

Replying STOP ends marketing texts from that short code, but security texts may still come. If you rely on a service for codes, check that STOP will not also turn off sign-in messages.

FAQ

What is an SMS short code?

A 5 or 6 digit number businesses use for bulk texts.

Is a text from a short code safe?

Usually, but check what the message asks. Do not tap unexpected links.

Why do I not receive short code texts?

Your plan or carrier may block them, or you are roaming.

Related: texts from 32665 · long codes and toll-free · OTP texts.