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Premium Messaging FAQs

General Information

  1. What is Premium Messaging?

    Premium Messaging is an option to purchase or subscribe to messaging programs, provided by third party content providers, for premium charges (e.g., charges that are in addition to standard messaging charges). The premium charges for subscriptions recur monthly, while the premium charges for purchases occur only once. Many programs offer both one-time purchases and recurring subscriptions. These programs are initiated through special numbers, which are four, five or six-digit numbers, known as Short Codes.

    Examples of Premium Messaging programs are:

    • Interactive voting during TV shows
    • Purchases of content, such as ringtones, wallpaper or screensavers
    • Weather alerts, sports score alerts, daily jokes, horoscopes, etc.
    • Trivia subscriptions
    • Subscriptions that enable the download of a certain amount of content each month, such as the ability to download 10 ringtones or wallpapers per month

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  2. What are the charges for Premium Messaging?

    The charges for Premium Messaging programs can range from less than $1.00 to $9.99 and can be one-time or recurring. The charges are billed to your mobile phone account or deducted from your pre-paid credit.

    In addition, standard messaging charges, which will vary based on your calling plan or messaging feature, will apply to all messages that originate from or terminate to your handset.

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  3. How do I opt-in to a Premium Messaging program?

    There are three general methods for opting in to Premium Messaging programs:

      • Directly from your handset:
        Send a text message from your handset to the Short Code for the program. You will receive a text message response via the Short Code that shows the premium charge for the program, with instructions for how to opt-in to the program. You must follow the instructions, usually by replying to the text message with a particular “keyword”, to consent to the premium charge. Your opt-in will then be processed and, depending on the type of program, you will receive the content offered through the program and/or a message thanking you for participating. This “double opt-in” process reduces the risk of unintended purchases or subscriptions.

        Note: If your handset is not capable of receiving the content offered through the program, you will receive the message: “Your device is not capable to receive the selected content.”

      • From a website to your handset:
        This method is similar to opting in via a handset, but the initial step in the opt-in process begins online. This may occur through a third party’s website, through an advertisement or through a search request that presents an option to participate in a Premium Messaging program. To begin the opt-in process, input your mobile telephone number at a website. You will receive a text message from a Short Code with instructions for how to opt-in to the program. Follow those instructions to complete the opt-in process.

    • Via an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system:
      Initiate a call to a designated abbreviated dialing code, often a 4-digit number beginning with “#.” You will receive a text message from a Short Code with instructions on how to opt-in to the program. Follow those instructions to complete the opt-in process.

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  4. How do I opt-out of a Premium Messaging program?

    To opt-out of a Premium Messaging program that is approved for use on the Verizon Wireless network, send a text message to the program’s Short Code from the handset that is opted in to the program. Text one of the five keywords listed below in the body of the message from the handset.

    • QUIT
    • STOP
    • END
    • CANCEL
    • UNSUBSCRIBE
    If you are unable to opt-out using the keyword, make sure the auto signature feature on your handset is turned off when sending the text message. If auto signature is turned on, you will need to remove the signature from the message body and resend the text message.

    A confirmation of the cancellation will be sent as a text message to the handset. If confirmation is not received and the auto signature feature was OFF, you will need to contact Customer Service at (800) 922-0204 to opt-out.

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  5. How do I prevent phone numbers on my account from using Premium Messaging?

    Account Owners and Account Managers can block Premium Messaging in My Verizon.

    1. Go to the Manage Service Blocks page in My Verizon.

    2. A list of available Service Blocks will display.

    3. Check the box next to Block Premium SMS.

    Note: This needs to be done for each device on the account that you want to prevent from using Premium Messaging. This will prevent anyone from using those devices to subscribe to new Premium Messaging programs or from incurring premium charges.


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  6. How will the Premium Messaging charges show on my bill?

    The Summary Page(s) of your bill will always reflect a summary of Usage Charges for each line on the account, with any Premium Messaging charges listed under Data. The detailed charges for Premium Messaging are available to account holders in My Verizon under Data Usage. Each transaction will show the date of the charge, the applicable Short Code along with the name of the Premium Messaging program and the amount of the charge.

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  7. I cancelled my Premium Messaging subscription, so why am I still getting billed for it?

    The Premium Messaging subscription could appear on your bill due to the following factors:

    • Your monthly subscription begins the day you subscribe, which is most likely different than the bill cycle of your wireless service.
    • Charges for Premium Messaging subscriptions, even if cancelled mid-subscription, do not prorate.
    Therefore, if your cancellation occurs after your Premium Messaging subscription cycle begins, but before your wireless bill cycle ends, you will still have one final subscription charge on your next bill.

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  8. What is a Keyword?

    Keywords are valid commands used to opt-in or opt-out of a Premium Messaging program. Keywords are sent within the message body and addressed to a particular Short Code. Examples are as follows:

    • Opt-In: JOKE
    • Opt-Out: STOP
    • More Info: HELP

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  9. Why do I get a "device not supported" error when I subscribe for certain Premium Messaging content?

    To use or subscribe to Premium Messaging, you must have an EVDO capable device that is provisioned to use data services. A "device not supported” error means that your device does not meet those requirements.

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