What's an SMS Short Code?
Activation, authentication, or marketing texts from services such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Banks, Social Media platforms, etc. may come from a five or six digit phone number, which is considered a short-code or Premium Rate SMS. These types of messages can also come from regular 10-digit phone numbers.
Many companies use a combination of both types of numbers to contact you.
Do I Need an Add-on to Receive These Types of Texts?
Yes, with a Fongo Plus or Texting add-on (or when you transfer in your existing phone number), you can receive verification texts.
If the Fongo account does not meet the above criteria and a short-code message is sent to them, they will receive this message:
- "Your Fongo number has received a verification code message from: [NUMBER] - To receive verification code messages, please subscribe to an Unlimited Texting package or Fongo Plus, available for purchase in the add-ons section of this app."
Not All Short-Codes Are Supported
We cannot guarantee that you are able to receive all short-code SMS with Fongo Mobile or Fongo World Edition, as this is currently beyond our control. Some services actively block VOIP services like Fongo from receiving these messages.
If you're not able to receive your service's verification code:
- Try the "Call Me" option if available
- Try the "Email Verification" option if available
- Use an Authenticator App such as Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator
- Contact your service's support team asking if your VOIP number can be used for verification
Learn More About Add-ons that unlock SMS Short Codes:
We do not make any guarantee that you will receive activation codes if you have subscribed to a Texting or Fongo Plus add-on, as this is beyond our control.