Short code
Definition
A 5 or 6 digit number that businesses use to send high-volume texts such as verification codes and alerts.
Short code, explained
A short code is a special 5 or 6 digit number used to send high-volume business texts, including verification codes, alerts and marketing. In the US and Canada short codes are leased through industry registries and approved per carrier; UK short codes are usually five digits. Because they are provisioned on carrier networks, short code messages sometimes reach regular mobile numbers but not every VoIP line. Many services also send codes from ordinary long numbers, toll-free numbers or alphanumeric sender IDs. If you are waiting for a code that never arrives, the sending route can be one of several possible reasons.
Related terms
Sender ID
The name or number shown as the sender of a text message, such as a short code, a phone number or a brand name.
SMS verification
Confirming that you control a phone number by entering a code the service texts to it.
Carrier
A mobile network operator or provider that issues phone numbers and delivers calls and texts.
Where you'll meet this term
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