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United Kingdom (+44)

Your handy guide for sending to the UK

Updated over a month ago

You can send One-Way and Two-Way SMS in the UK.

However, you can't send MMS messages.


Available Sender IDs

You can choose from a few Sender ID options when sending to the UK.

Registration and fees may apply.

Not sure which one to choose?

See ourSender ID guide orcontact support — we're happy to help.

Shared numbers

Shared numbers are free, ready to use, and don’t need registration. Messages will be sent from our pool of local Sender IDs, so the number might be different each time.

Shared numbers are recommended for one-way messaging only.

Dedicated numbers

Send from a trusted, local number. Your messages will always come from a consistent Sender ID, which is perfect for establishing trust and recognition.

Purchase a dedicated number via our dashboard by going to:

Sender IDs ➔ Buy a Number

Alpha tags

Alpha tags allow you to use your brand name as your Sender ID instead of a number. Recipients cannot reply to messages sent using an alpha tag.

Register an alpha tag via our dashboard by going to:

Sender IDs ➔ Manage Senders

Your alpha tag must be specific to your brand. Alpha tags containing special characters or generic terms will be blocked.

Own numbers

Send messages using your own number. Replies will go straight to your phone.

Register your own number via our dashboard by going to:

Sender IDs ➔ Manage Senders

You cannot send from a number registered with Lyca mobile. These usually begin with 74402.


Rules and best practices

Marketing messages

Marketing messages must state that they are free by including ‘free message’ or ‘freemsg’ in the message body.

Opt-in

You must be able to demonstrate proof of customer opt-in, in the event of an operator audit or a user complaint.

Opt-out

Your message must include the ability to opt-out of future messages. You are responsible for removing users from your database once they have opted-out.

Example opt-out message:

To unsubscribe, reply STOP to XXXXX.


Content guidelines

Before you start sending, carefully review our sending guidelines to understand the types of messages you can't send. Additionally, you must adhere to the specific local regulations outlined below:

  • No cryptocurrency

  • No gambling or betting

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