Help Center

SMS follow

Want to get updates from @Twitter but don’t want to create a Twitter account? No problem! Use SMS follow to receive Twitter updates without having to sign up or add your phone to a Twitter account.

Note: Message and data rates may apply.

To get started:

SMS follow allows you to get great content, directly from people you choose to follow, straight to your phone.

  • Send Follow [username] to your Twitter shortcode, and you will start receiving Tweets from that user on your device.
  • Example: sending follow Twitter to 40404 on a US-based AT&T phone would mean I'd start getting SMS updates whenever @Twitter posts a Tweet.

Some notes on SMS following:

  • As a SMS follow user, you will only be able to receive updates from accounts you follow. 
  • SMS follow users have a limit to how many updates they can receive daily. If you have hit your limit, you will receive the message “You've reached your daily limit for Tweet notifications.” If you would like to receive more updates just reply with your full name and follow the instructions to create a full Twitter account.
  • As a SMS follow user, your phone number (or any other personal information) will not be included in the follower list of users you choose to follow.
  • If you have a Twitter account with a username and profile (not an SMS follow account), any SMS follow user who chooses to follow you will be reflected in your overall follower count. 

Have a SMS follow account but want to experience all Twitter has to offer? Learn how to create a Twitter username and profile here:

More instructions can be found here. Remember, even if you don't have a profile, your use is subjected to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Fast follow mobile commands:

Below you’ll see all of the SMS commands you can use as a fast follower. All other SMS commands, including those for registered users, can be found here.

  • Follow [username] - allows you to receive updates from that user.
  • OFF or STOP or LEAVE - turns off receiving updates from the users you are following.
  • ON - will turn on device updates and you will start receiving tweets again.
  • WHOIS [username] - retrieves the profile information of the user.
  • STATS - returns the number of people that you are following.
  • GET [username] - retrieves the latest update that user has posted.

To remove your phone and SMS follower list from Twitter:

  • Sending STOP twice in succession to your shortcode will delete your follower list and remove your phone number from Twitter. You will no longer receive updates from us.
  • You can send Follow [username] anytime and start receiving updates again!

Need help? Contact Support.