The Basics

What is Sensis® Search?

Sensis® Search is a search engine for your mobile device that helps you find information while you are out and about. You can search Yellow™ or White Pages® directories to help you find businesses or people. Sensis® Search also helps you connect to websites so you can find things like games and wallpapers or search Wikipedia to find answers to millions of questions.

Which mobile operators does Sensis® Search support?

Sensis® Search currently works on all internet-enabled mobile phones across the following major operators in Australia - Telstra, Vodafone, Three, Hutchison, Virgin and Optus (but if your operator ceases to have arrangements in place with our service provider, you won't be able to access Sensis® Search).

Which mobile devices does Sensis® Search work on?

A large number of devices are known to support Sensis® Search. The primary requirement is that the mobile is internet-enabled. Please refer to your owner’s manual if you are not sure if you have a phone with an internet browser.

How do I get Sensis® Search on my mobile?

To get started with Sensis® Search click here to enter your mobile number online or you can SMS the word 'Sensis' to 0428 11 64 64.

You'll receive a return SMS which includes the Sensis® Search download URL. Simply click on the link and you're ready to search Sensis® Search.

Please note: standard network charges apply when sending text messages - you will not be charged for the return SMS.

You can also type http://mobile.sensis.com.au into the web browser of your mobile device.

How do I use Sensis® Search?

1. Enter the key word in the "I'm looking for" text box that best describes what you are trying to find.

* - Be specific, be exact and check your spelling.
* - If the word has more than one meaning clarify it by entering another word as well. e.g. if you are looking for free games for your mobile, enter "free games" instead of just games.

2. Select one of:
* - Mobile Web
* - Businesses
* - Residential

And hit search.

Can I use Sensis® Search when I’m overseas?

As long as your phone will roam overseas and is internet enabled, you can use Sensis® Search conveniently anywhere, anytime.

Does using the service use up precious call time of my mobile phone plan?

No, using Sensis® Search is considered "data retrieval" and is charged separately. Data retrieval charges do not apply for Telstra Next G or 3G customers browsing the Sensis® Search site however retrieval charges may apply for other users. Charges may also apply when accessing linked sites or advertiser content. Refer to your mobile phone plan or contact your service provider for further information. While we don't charge you for using Sensis® Search you will be charged for using the data by your carrier.

How can I use Sensis® Search?

What is the Mobile Web?

When you search using Sensis® Search you are actually searching the Mobile Web. This means you won't find all the sites out there, just the ones that are made for mobile phones (this includes WAP, imode or 3G sites depending on your service provider).

Why can’t I find ordinary websites?

Sensis® Search tries to return only sites that are made for mobile devices only. This helps us to ensure that you will be able to view and use the site on your mobile devices.

What can I find under ‘Mobile Web’?

To make things easy results are sorted into four categories:

a) Bigpond®: these are selected mobile sites that are sourced from the Bigpond® Mobile portal. This is a great place to find specific games, wallpapers and ringtones.
b) Mobile websites: websites specifically accessible via mobile phones.
c) Wikipedia: this is a version of wikipedia specially adapted so you can view it on your mobile device.
d) Images: A collection of images searchable on your mobile.

What can I find under ‘Businesses’?

When you search Businesses you can find just about any shop, business and service located nearby you or anywhere in Australia. For example if you are in Fitzroy, Melbourne and search for 'pizza' it will give you a list of pizza restaurants in and around that area.

It contains all the Yellow™ and White Pages® directories business information, so you can view results by name or type of business simultaneously and rely on it for up-to-date information.

What can I find under ‘Residential’?

Residential search an easy way to find friends or family. Simply enter the surname, initial, suburb and state of the person you are looking for in that order.

e.g. 'citizen j suburbville nsw'.

The service is powered by White Pages® directory residential listings giving you comprehensive access to listings Australia Wide.

How does Sensis® Search know my current location?

If you are a Telstra customer you will have an option to set your location preferences. If you have given us permission to access your location, Sensis® Search can locate your handset and use this information to find things nearby.

How can I search for things that aren’t around my currently location?

If you are a Telstra customer and you have permitted us to obtain your location, when you search 'Businesses' we will automatically look for things around your current location. If you want to look elsewhere just click on the 'Change Location' button at the top of the search results page.

Can I forward the results to a friend?

If you are a Telstra customer you can SMS a business listing to a friend. Just go to the detail page and click on send SMS, enter the phone number and click send.

I found the business listing I want. Can I get in touch with them directly using Sensis® Search?

Each business listing includes a number which you can click on and initiate a call directly to that business

Can I save my search results to access quickly at another time?

If you're a Telstra customer, you will find a 'My Queries' link in the navigation in page footer; this is where you'll find a list of your recent and saved search queries. You can edit these anytime.

Troubleshooting

Why can't I use the mobile internet on my phone?

Please check whether your mobile supports internet access by contacting your service provider. If you have any problems accessing mobile internet services on your internet-enabled phone please contact your mobile service provider.

How do I get help?

If you have a question we haven't answered here send us an email at mobilesearchfeedback@sensis.com.au. Feel free to also give us your feedback about your Sensis® Search experience.

I have sent a text message to receive Sensis® Search.
Why has nothing come back?

We respond to all requests, however sometimes there can be a delay across the mobile network. Please note that for security reasons only one request can be made per day.

Why do I keep getting error messages when using
Sensis® Search?

All error messages will contain details about the error. Errors may be caused by gaps in mobile reception, so it's always worth trying to use the service again at a later point.

If the problems continue, please let us know by emailing mobilesearchfeedback@sensis.com.au.