Help Cannot text to non-phone numbers?

[RASelkirk]

Hi all,

I have several apps that either send me info via text and expect replies, or expect me to originate a text to these oddball numbers. . These "problems" are from "non-phone" type numbers, usually 5 or 6 digit number sequences. When I attempt to reply to them the message always fails to send. Phone is an LG-6 on T-Mobile, not rooted, with latest updates. Is this a setting I'm overlooking? A function of the LG messaging app? Or just another impossibility?

Thanks!

Russ

 

[MoodyBlues]

Or just another impossibility?

Definitely not an impossibility! The local station I watch the most is always running free tickets for Disneyland or something, and they say 'text such-and-such to 515151'--and I've done it, and it worked. So it can be done.

You're putting the non-phone number, like 515151 above, in the phone number field, right? And then what happens when you send it? Is there an error message?

 

[mikedt]

They're SMS short-codes, and depending on the service and country you're in, can be billed at premium rates. Check with your carrier, maybe they're blocking them?

 

[RASelkirk]

Doesn't matter if I "reply to" or type the number on a new message, It's always:

This is just an example of what happens when I "reply to"...

Russ

 

[mikedt]

I know what's supposed to happen. Something like this. I text "101" to the SMS short-code 10010, and I get my carrier account balance

Why it's not working for you, no idea. Suggest you do check with your carrier customer service about it.

 

[RASelkirk]

Ok, got this one solved. T-Mobile, in their infinite wisdom, has disabled the ability to text to "short code" numbers by default and there's not a readily obvious method to toggle it. There are a few vids on how to, but my LG does not have the "message service" under system apps. One must click on the gear on the top menu bar, locate "Apps & Notifications", then "Special Access", then "Premium SMS Access". Now you can set your Message App to "Ask | Never Allow | Always Allow".

HTH,

Russ

 

[MoodyBlues]

I'm glad you got it figured out, @RASelkirk, and posting its solution was very thoughtful. It will likely help someone else who comes along later with a similar problem.