UK SMS Short Codes — who texted me from a short number?
Had a text from a 3–8 digit number like 7726, 65075 or 85258? These are SMS short codes — service numbers used by mobile networks, banks, charities and public bodies to send texts to UK mobiles. Find the code below to see who uses it, whether replies cost anything, and how to deal with messages you weren't expecting.
Advertisement
Ofcom switching service
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 65075 | All UK mobile networks | PAC code request (keep your number when switching) |
| 75075 | All UK mobile networks | STAC code request (switch without keeping your number) |
| 85075 | All UK mobile networks | Switching information request |
Network service
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | EE / Vodafone (customer services) | Customer services sender (calls and service texts) |
| 191 | Vodafone (customer services) | Vodafone customer service number |
| 2020 | O2 (customer services) | O2 customer service texts |
| 333 | Three (customer services) | Three customer service texts |
| 7726 | All UK mobile networks | Spam text reporting service |
Government / HMRC
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 60300 | HMRC | HMRC official text messages (some campaigns) |
Crisis support
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 85258 | Shout (Mental Health Innovations) | Shout 24/7 crisis text support line |
Charity donations
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 70085 | Donr (charity donations platform) | Charity text-donation platform |
Legacy / discontinued
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 70070 | JustTextGiving (Vodafone) — closed | Charity text donations (service closed 2019) |
| 86444 | Vodafone (historical) | Historic picture-message / media alert notifications |
Unconfirmed sender
| Code | Used by | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 60011 | Unconfirmed | Frequently searched; organisation not publicly confirmed |
Text came from a full-length number instead?
If the message came from an ordinary 11-digit UK number (07…, 01…, 02…, 03…), look it up with our free UK Phone Number Checker — it shows the number type, Ofcom range holder, risk level and any community reports of scam texts from that number.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SMS short code?
A short code is a 3-8 digit number (like 7726 or 65075) used to send and receive text messages in the UK. Banks, mobile networks, charities and public bodies use them for alerts, donations and service messages. They cannot be dialled like an ordinary phone number.
Who texted me from a 5-digit number?
Look the code up in the directory on this page. If it is not listed, treat the message with care: contact the organisation the text claims to be from using contact details you find independently, and never tap links or share security details from an unexpected text.
How do I report a scam text in the UK?
Forward the message to 7726 — it is free on all UK networks and reports the sender to your mobile provider. If you lost money, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Do not reply to the message, even with STOP.
Do texts to short codes cost money?
It depends on the service. Reporting to 7726 and the Ofcom switching codes (65075, 75075, 85075) are free. Charity donation codes charge the donation amount. Premium text services must state their costs clearly before you are charged.
