Sending Phone Numbers

Short and long codes are the phone number from which you send messages to your users or customers. They can be 5 to 6-digit short codes, or 10-digit long codes. Each type of code offers specific benefits and all factors should be considered before choosing whether you want a short code, what type of short code you might want, in addition to the long code you will already be assigned.

Types of sending numbers

• short codes
• long codes
• vanity short code
• alphanumeric sender id
• toll-free number

Besides these differences, know that a brand will usually have one short code, but multiple, back-up long codes, depending on how many recipients they plan to send SMS.

How do I get a short code?

Going through the short code application process can be a long process. However, it can be a worthwhile one! If you’d like a short code, reach out to your onboarding manager or other Braze representative and let them know. After you do, they’ll apply for you—they’ll ask for some basic information that will help you qualify. Then, all there is to do is wait!

Short code application

While Braze is responsible for actually applying for the short code, there is some information that we need from you. We recommend reviewing these questions before you reach out to Braze.

Regulations require that there are responses to all opt-in, opt-out, and help/info keyword responses. You will need to let us know the specific message flows (the responses you want to send to users after they send a keyword) that you want for the following situations.

Flow Needed	Type	Example
Opt-In Double Opt-In	SMS	Welcome to our SMS system! Reply "YES" to receive updates from our company. Respond "STOP" to opt-out and "HELP" for more info.
Opt-In	Website	Hi there, would you like to sign up for SMS? Text "START" to "23456". Or, enter your number below.
Opt-Out	SMS	Sorry to see you go! If this was a mistake, text back "UNSTOP". Text "HELP" for more information.
Help	N/A	Our company is a company that does this and that. For more info on the company, let us know here. Or, you can contact support at 1-800-111-1111.

Depending on your situation, you may need to provide more or fewer flows like the ones listed in the preceding table. You’ll also have to let us know three general examples of messages you plan to send via SMS - feel free to ask your Braze representative for guidance.

You also must inform us, regardless of which number you use, of how many messages per month you plan to send.

Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Codes (A2P 10DLC)

A2P 10DLC refers to a system in the United States that allows businesses to send Application-to-Person (A2P) type messaging via a standard 10-digit long code (10DLC) phone number. 10-digit long codes have traditionally been designed for Person-to-Person (P2P) traffic, causing businesses to be constrained by limited throughput and heightened filtering. This service helps alleviate those issues, improving overall message deliverability, allowing brands to send messages at scale including links and calls to action, and helping further protect consumers from unwanted messages.

All customers who currently have and/or use US long codes to send to US customers are required to register their long codes for 10DLC. This application process takes 4-6 weeks. To read more about the specifics of 10DLC and why it’s required, visit our dedicated 10DLC article.