how do you use shorter number to text someone

Bulk SMS messaging services use a 6-digit number.

There are special 6-digit numbers called shortcodes that businesses and organizations can use to send text messages.

Here's how it works:

• Companies lease short codes: These numbers are typically 6 digits long and don't correspond to a regular phone line. They are leased from a central authority.
• Use for mass texting: Businesses use shortcodes to send text message blasts to large groups of people. This can be for things like marketing messages, appointment reminders, or two-factor authentication codes.
• Can't reply typically: In most cases, you can't reply to a text from a short code. This is because they are designed for one-way communication.

So, if you see a text from a 6-digit number, it's likely from a company and not directly from another person.