Short Code vs Long Code: Choosing the Best SMS Solution

Q: How to enable short code sms on iPhone?

To enable short code sms on iPhone, go to Settings> Messages and turn on the “send as SMS” option. If you still can not receive the message, then contact your carrier’s support to activate the short code SMS for your account.

Samuel Brown

Published 25 April 2025

Short Code vs Long Code SMS: Key Differences

Table of contents

With an open rate of up to 98%, SMS has become a popular and direct approach to connect with customers. And, when it comes to sending SMS, businesses typically rely on two types of numbers, known as short codes and long codes SMS. While both serve the purpose of sending text messages, they have unique features that make them suitable for different needs.

So, what are the short code SMS and long code SMS, and how do they differ? Well, Short code SMS numbers are typically used for high-volume messaging, while long code SMS numbers are often used for individual texting.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between SMS long codes and SMS short codes in detail, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

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Key Highlights:

Short codes are 4-5 digit codes businesses use for mass marketing and alert notifications.
Long codes are 10-digit codes businesses use for personalized customer support and one-to-one communication.
Short codes tend to be more expensive due to setup fees, monthly rentals, and carrier charges.
Long codes are harder to remember compared to short codes, but they provide a more personal touch.

Understanding Short Code SMS

SMS short code is a 4 - 5 digit phone number that businesses generally use for SMS marketing. They are generally unique numbers used for fast, reliable messaging.

SMS short codes are an excellent choice for sending bulk SMS messages, but they’re typically expensive due to high setup fees, carrier fees, and monthly rental costs.

Types of Short Codes:

Vanity Short Codes: Vanity short codes are custom 4-5 digit numbers using letters, designed for easy brand recall.
Random Short Codes: Randomly assigned to businesses, often budget-friendly, but can be difficult to remember.
Dedicated Short Codes: Specially assigned to one business only, offering higher security and privacy.
Shared Short Codes: The same SMS codes are used by multiple businesses for sending texts.

When to Use Short Code SMS?

Short codes can be used for sending notifications, bulk marketing campaigns, and conducting text surveys where speedy and high-volume communication is required. These codes are designed to handle high volume, up to 40 to 400 message segments per second.

Pros

Send over 400 messages per second.
Easy to remember
Dedicated and vanity short SMS codes for personalized messages.
Faster delivery of messages

Cons

A mobile carrier may sometimes mark it as spam
No voice communication
Long approval time from the relevant authorities

Understanding Long Code SMS

A Long code SMS is a 10-digit number that businesses use to send and receive SMS as well as to make and receive voice calls. Unlike short codes, which businesses use for mass marketing and campaigns, Long codes are used by companies for personal communication and customer support.

Types of Long Codes:

10DLC: Standard 10-digit phone numbers that include a local area code. For example, A long code in the USA would be +1-415-555-1212.
Toll-free numbers: Ten-digit phone numbers, starting with the specific prefix: 800, 888, 877, or 855.

When to use Long Code SMS?

Long codes are suitable for personalized customer interactions, transactional messaging, and customer support. These codes are designed to handle low volume, up to 35 to 70 message segments per second.

Pros

Best for handling and managing customer inquiries and support.
Increases trustworthiness.
Generally less expensive than short codes.
Can also be used for voice communication.

Cons

Messages over 160 characters are seen as two separate messages.
Allows for only one message per second.
Difficult to recall and prone to error.

Short code vs Long code: Key Differences

Short code SMS numbers are generally shorter and designed for bulk messaging, while long code SMS numbers are comparatively lengthy and more suitable for one-to-one messaging.

Explore the major differences between short SMS codes and Long SMS codes in the table below:

Factors	Short Code	Long Code
Length	Available in 5-6 digits.	Available up to 10 digits.
Cost Model	Usually charged on a monthly subscription basis.	Basically, charged per message
BandWidth	Short codes have an impressive 400 messages per second speed.	Long codes can send 30-75 messages per second.
Setup and approval time	Short SMS code requires almost 12 to 13 weeks for approval.	It requires 2 to 3 weeks. Long code SMS service is often activated within 2 to 3 weeks.
Audio capability	It doesn’t support voice calls.	It supports voice calls.
Purpose	Primarily used for sending bulk messages, marketing offers, and alerts/notifications.	Mostly used for personalized one-to-one communication with customers and customer service.
Recallability	Easy	Hard
Regulations	Requires compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act(TCPA) and Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association(CTIA).	Must comply with A2P 10DLC regulations.
Example	“123”, “1234”, “12345”.	“800-946-9999”, +1-415-555-1212

Conclusion

Short code messages are comparatively expensive, but they offer higher efficiency and security in messaging. So, if you’re launching a new program and have a large customer base, then short codes are the best option for you.

On the other hand, long codes are cost-effective, but they have a lower capacity for sending messages quickly. So, if you’re a new entrepreneur with a lower customer base, select long code SMS numbers.

Both SMS short codes and SMS long codes are viable options depending on your business needs. However, what's important is selecting the right partner that can offer fast delivery and secure messaging services.

At Calilio, we offer long code numbers for SMS with advanced networking capabilities, ensuring your messages reach your customers on time, every time. We also provide the option to display your long code as a short code, after the necessary A2P (Application-to-Person) DLC verification. Get a virtual phone number for SMS codes on Calilio today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to enable short code sms on iPhone?

To enable short code sms on iPhone, go to Settings> Messages and turn on the “send as SMS” option. If you still can not receive the message, then contact your carrier’s support to activate the short code SMS for your account.