Glossary
What is Short code?
A short code is a short phone number, usually five digits in the UK, that businesses use for text campaigns such as competitions and keyword sign-ups.
Short codes are easy to remember and fit neatly on a poster or a pack, which is why you see them in lines like 'Text WIN to' followed by five digits. The ICO's own example of a good opt-out in its PECR guidance uses one: 'To opt out text STOP to 12345'.
A drinks brand running an on-pack competition across the UK is the classic short code user. They also suit campaigns where the customer texts first, to enter a competition or ask for a brochure, because the code is the bit people remember. A local business sending reminders and offers to its own customers usually has no need for one.
CaptiFi Connect doesn't offer short codes. Texts go either from a UK mobile number, which people can reply to, or from an approved sender name, which shows your business name. Both are covered on our sender ID page.