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New Contributor
May 1, 2026
Question

I want to be able to enter competitions via short codes but unable to, why? I never had a problem with previous provider

  • May 1, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 258 views

I want to be able to enter competitions via short codes but I am unable to, never had this problem with previous provider 

    3 replies

    Gemma M
    iD Mobile Employee
    iD Mobile Employee
    May 1, 2026

    Hi ​@Tonale6,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch, and I’m sorry for the frustration this has caused.

     

    Short codes used for things like competitions are treated as out-of-plan charges on iD Mobile, so they aren’t included within standard allowances by default. Because of this, access to them can be restricted unless your bill cap allows out-of-plan spending.

     

    To enable this, you’ll need to increase your bill cap by following these steps:

    • Log in to the iD Mobile app or My Account online
    • Go to the ‘Bills’ section
    • Select ‘Manage bill cap’
    • Use the slider or enter a new amount
    • Tap ‘Save’ or ‘Confirm’ to apply the changes immediately

     

    Once updated, this should allow short code messages and similar services to go through where charges apply within your set limit.

     

    You can also find more information on out-of-plan charges here: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-support/call-charges

     

    If you still have any issues after adjusting your bill cap, let us know and we’ll be happy to take another look for you.

     

    Regards, 

     

    Gemma M

    The iD Mobile Social Media Team

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    Tonale6Author
    New Contributor
    May 1, 2026

    That still doesn't work. 

    Gemma M
    iD Mobile Employee
    iD Mobile Employee
    May 1, 2026

    Hi ​@Tonale6,

     

    I am so sorry to hear that you are still facing issues with sending shortcode texts, here are some steps to try on both iPhone and Android:

     

    iPhone checks

    • Go to Settings > Messages
    • Make sure Send as SMS is turned ON
    • Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts
    • Ensure no shortcode numbers are blocked
    • Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
    • Make sure premium or chargeable messaging isn’t restricted

    Reset network settings:

    • Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings

     

    Android checks

    (steps may vary slightly depending on device)

    • Go to Messages app > Settings
    • Ensure Premium SMS permissions are set to Allow
    • Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks
    • Make sure mobile services are active
    • Check Blocked numbers in Phone/Messages settings

    Reset network settings:

    • Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth

     

    General checks

    • Make sure you have signal
    • Turn Airplane mode on and off
    • Restart your phone
    • Try sending a standard SMS to confirm texting is working

     

    If it’s still not working after this, it’s best to contact the iD Mobile Live Chat team so they can check for any account restrictions: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

     

    They’ll be able to look into it further for you.

     

    Regards,

     

    Gemma M

    The iD Mobile Social Media Team

     

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.