Registering for BT Text
Before you can use BT Text, you'll need to register. Just send a text message from your home line and this automatically registers you. You can either send a text to a friend or type register and send to 00000. You can also text this number to test the line at any time.
The BT Text number
If you receive a call or message from 08456 021 111, this is the BT Text service letting you know you have a message waiting. Call 08456 021 111 to get your message.
Sending texts
Sending a BT Text message from a mobile to a landline is just like sending it between mobiles.
To send a text from a landline you'll need a text compatible phone.
To send a message
- Use your text enabled phone to write your text message. You can use up to 160 characters for each message
- Enter the number you want to send your text to, including the area code. This can be any landline or mobile number in the UK. (There are a small number of exceptions, explained in the small print section)
- Press send
- If you're not sure how to send a text message from your home phone, please check your phone's user guide >
What happens at the other end?
If the person you've sent the text to has a text enabled phone and BT's Caller Display service, then your message gets displayed as a written message, like it would on a mobile phone.
Otherwise, they'll get your text as a voice message.
However, if you want someone with a text enabled home phone to get your text as a voice message, then just put *tts# at the start of your message.
However, texts from landlines to mobiles and from mobile to mobile will always be delivered in the normal way, as written not spoken messages.
Choosing a voice to read your message
Normally, spoken messages are read out by a female voice. But you can choose a male voice by keying in *M# at the start of your text.
For example, *M# Missing you, wish you were here. Can't wait to get home xxxxx.
The voice of BT Text will even blow kisses! If you write 'xx' the voice will say "kiss kiss" and if you include four or more x's it will say "loads of kisses".
Requesting a delivery status report
Place *0# at the start of your message and you'll receive a delivery status report.
Making sure messages are sent and received as voice texts
If you want to make sure that someone receives a spoken message rather than a text message, place *3# at the start of the message.
If you want to be able to receive all your messages as Voice Texts, type *2# and send to 00000. To undo this, type #2# and send to 00000.
How do I pick up messages with BT Text?
It depends on whether you receive text or voice messages and if you have an answer machine or answer service.
If you receive text messages they will be sent to your text compatible phone for you to pick up and save if required.
If you receive spoken text messages and have an answer phone or answering service, you can pick them up and save them just like a normal text message.
If you receive spoken text messages but don't have an answer phone or answering service, just call Text store on 0845 602 1111 to pick up messages (calls cost 5p a minute, plus your BT access charge). Please note that messages are only saved here for 24 hours.
How will I know when I receive a text message via the BT Text service?
Your phone will alert you when a text message arrives. If you don't subscribe to BT's Caller Display service, this will be delivered as a voice message.
How can I pick up spoken messages saved in the Text Store?
Just dial Text store 0845 602 1111 to listen to the spoken text messages (calls cost 5p a minute, plus your BT access charge). Please remember that we can only save messages here for 24 hours.
If you want to be in complete control and save spoken text messages, it may be worth getting an answer phone or subscribing to our BT Answer 1571 service.
Can I send a text message to a friend who is not registered with BT Text?
If no phones in your friend's house are text compatible, the message will be delivered as a voice message. If your friend does not answer the call, the message will be left on any answer phone or answering service they have, such as BT Answer 1571.
How do I request a delivery status report?
Place *0# at the start of your message and you'll receive a delivery status report.
How do I switch the Voice Text feature with BT Text on or off?
If you don't want to receive Voice Texts type *1# and send to 00000. If you want to be able to receive Voice Texts type #1# and send to 00000.
How many times will you try to deliver a spoken text message to me?
If your line is busy, we will try and deliver the message for two hours. If there is no reply from you or any answering machine/ service, we will continue to try and deliver the message for the next 12 hours.
How can I stop BT Text calls?
You will receive text calls if you’ve been sent a text message and don't have a text enabled phone. An electronic voice will read the message out.
You can stop them or set curfews by calling 0800 587 5252 from the landline you're receiving them on.