A clear, step-by-step guide for BT customers explaining how to send text-like messages from a BT landline, how messages are delivered, and how to retrieve missed voice-delivered messages.
This guide is written for BT customers who use the BT Text service on a compatible home phone. It explains how to send messages, how messages arrive (as written text or spoken voice), how to pick up missed messages and the key commands and numbers you might need.
What is BT Text
BT Text lets BT landline customers send and receive short messages using a compatible handset. Messages can appear as on-screen text when the recipient has a text-capable phone, or they can be read aloud by an electronic voice when a written display is not available.
Before you start
How to send a message from your BT landline
Sending a message uses your handset’s keypad. Exact steps and labels vary by manufacturer, but the basic process is:
Some handsets require a service centre number to be present for the send function to work; the service centre number used historically with BT Text may be pre-configured on many phones. If you need to enter it manually, check your phone manual or contact BT support.
How messages are delivered
BT Text delivers messages as either written text or as a spoken voice call:
Choose the voice for speech delivery
You can control whether the electronic voice is male or female when the message is delivered as speech by placing a short command at the start of the message:
Receiving messages on your BT line
When someone sends you a message via BT Text, your phone behaves differently depending on your equipment and settings:
Picking up missed messages
If a message was delivered as a voice call and you missed it, BT Text historically offered short-term storage so you can retrieve the message.
Useful BT Text commands and service codes
Some special short codes can change how messages are delivered. Put these commands at the beginning of your message text if your handset and the service support them:
Sending to mobiles and non-BT phones
You can send messages to UK mobiles and other landlines. If the recipient’s phone cannot show text, the message will be converted to a spoken call and read aloud. If an answering machine picks up, the spoken message may be recorded onto that machine.
Accessibility and alternatives
If you rely on BT Text for accessibility (for example hearing or speech support), BT and related services provide alternatives such as relay and text relay services to help voice/TTY communication. It’s a good idea to check current BT accessibility pages for supported options and any migration steps if BT changes the service offering.
Key numbers and quick reference
Below are commonly referenced numbers and short service codes that have been used with BT Text and related BT services. Confirm these with BT if you are unsure, as service numbers can change.
Frequently asked questions
Further help and official BT pages
For the latest information and any service changes, check BT’s official help pages and accessibility support. The two links below are examples of where BT has published guidance about landline messaging and accessibility services:
BT Help: Set up and use BT Text
Relay UK (BT accessibility relay service)
If you rely on BT Text, keep a note of any handset-specific setup instructions and confirm current service numbers with BT. Consider setting up voicemail (for example BT Answer 1571) or a mobile alternative if you need guaranteed long-term message storage.