Get started with short codes

Complete, step-by-step guidance for provisioning and launching a short code in the USA or Canada with Infobip.

Short code setup overview

The short code process has three key stages.

Stage 1: Get a short code

A short code is a 5-6 digit number (for example, 41411) dedicated exclusively to your messaging program.

To request a short code:

1. Log in to your Infobip account
2. Go to Channels and Numbers > Numbers
3. Select Buy Number
4. Select destination country: United States or Canada (+1)
5. Select the Capabilities you require (SMS, MMS, Voice, and similar options)
6. In the list of number types, select Short code

Step 7: Choose provisioning option

When purchasing a short code, you can choose between two provisioning options:

• If selecting Vanity numbers, choose your memorable number sequence
• If selecting Random numbers, the system automatically assigns one

Step 8: Enter details and complete form

Step 9: Review payment summary

Select Next to proceed to the payment summary where you can:

• Set quantity: Choose how many short codes to purchase (if ordering multiple)
• Review fees:
  • One-time fee (per number)
  • Monthly fee (per number)
  • Total due now (one-time fee × quantity)
  • Total monthly fee (ongoing cost)

Review all information and select Order Now to complete the purchase.

What happens next:

• Your short code purchase request is sent to the Infobip internal team
• Infobip completes the brand verification process (if new brand)
• Short code is provisioned to your account within 1 to 3 weeks
• You will receive an email notification confirming the order completion
• Check status anytime in My Requests section

What you get: A dedicated 5-6 digit short code number (for example, 41411) associated with your brand and ready for campaign registration.

Importing an existing short code:

If you already have a short code from another provider, see Migrating USA short codes or Migrating Canada short codes for complete migration procedures.

Stage 2: Create and register campaigns

Campaigns describe your messaging programs and are submitted to each carrier separately for approval.

To create a short code campaign:

1. Log in to your Infobip account
2. Go to Channels and Numbers > Tools & Compliance > US Sender Registration > Campaigns
3. Select Create campaign
4. Select your short code number
5. Select your vetted brand
6. Enter campaign details:

Step 7: Select Submit campaign. Infobip reviews the campaign within 2 to 3 business days, then submits it to each selected carrier within 3 to 5 additional business days per carrier.

Campaign statuses:

Carrier-specific timelines:

• AT&T: 3 to 5 business days
• T-Mobile: 5 to 7 business days
• Verizon: 5 to 10 business days

Total timeline: 4 to 12 weeks depending on carriers and revision cycles

Stage 3: Configure keywords and routing

Once campaigns are approved, configure keyword handlers and message routing.

Mandatory keywords:

• STOP: Opt the user out of all future messages
• HELP: Send help/support information to user
• INFO: Send campaign information to user

All short codes must respond to STOP and HELP immediately.

To configure keywords:

1. In Numbers > Campaigns > Select your campaign
2. Go to Keywords tab
3. Configure each keyword:
   • STOP response: "You have been unsubscribed. You will no longer receive messages from [Company]."
   • HELP response: "For assistance, visit [URL] or call [phone]."
   • Custom keywords: Optional (INFO, PROMO, and similar keywords)
4. Set up inbound message routing:
   • Where STOP requests go (database, CRM, compliance system)
   • Where HELP requests go (customer service)
   • Where customer replies go (two-way messaging)
5. Save and test

Testing before launch:

1. Send test messages to the short code from different carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
2. Verify STOP and HELP responses arrive correctly
3. Verify keyword routing works
4. Test two-way messaging (MO messages)

Stage 4: Start sending messages

Once campaigns are approved and keywords configured, you can launch messaging.

Launch best practices:

• Start with a test batch to verify delivery and routing
• Enforce strict opt-in processes (consent records)
• Honor STOP requests immediately and remove opted-out numbers from all active lists
• Monitor inbound message volume and content
• Review USA SMS compliance requirements regularly

Canada short codes

Short codes in Canada follow a different provisioning and approval process than in the USA. The key differences are the regulatory body, the carriers, and the compliance framework.

Canada short code setup overview [#canada-short-code-setup-overview-canada-short-codes]

The Canada short code process follows the CTA approval workflow.

Canada compliance requirements [#canada-compliance-requirements-canada-short-codes]

Canadian short codes must comply with CWTA guidelines and CASL:

• Bilingual keywords: All short codes must respond to both English and French opt-out and help keywords: STOP and ARRET (opt-out), HELP and AIDE (help), INFO
• Character limits: 320 characters for standard messages; 160 characters for keyword responses
• Opt-in records: Document all opt-ins; double opt-in handset verifier must be configured
• CASL compliance: Explicit consent required before sending any commercial messages
• Privacy policy: Must be included in your CSC application

See Canada SMS compliance requirements and Canada messaging content requirements for full details.

Managing short codes

Campaign amendments [#campaign-amendments-managing-short-codes]

If you need to change your messaging program (new keywords, message types, etc.), submit a campaign amendment:

1. In Campaigns, select your active campaign
2. Select Amend campaign
3. Make changes to messaging details
4. Resubmit to carriers
5. Carriers approve changes (3 to 5 days)

Campaign migrations [#campaign-migrations-managing-short-codes]

To migrate your short code from another provider to Infobip, see Migrating USA short codes for detailed migration guidance.

Compliance requirements

Short codes have stricter compliance requirements than 10DLC:

• TCPA compliance: Explicit consent, clear opt-out, and no messaging outside business hours
• Content restrictions: SHAFT categories (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) require robust age verification
• Keyword handling: Mandatory responses to STOP and HELP
• Opt-in records: Keep documentation of all opt-ins
• Monthly audits: Carriers conduct periodic compliance reviews
• Deactivation monitoring: Monitor deactivated and ported numbers to prevent FCC violations

See USA SMS compliance requirements for comprehensive guidance.

Troubleshooting

Learn more

Understanding short code. Short code concepts and when to use them.
Understanding brands. Brand registration guide.
Understanding campaigns. Campaign registration guide.
Migrating USA short codes. Migrate from another provider.
USA messaging content requirements. Message format and content rules.