How to Send Text Messages Through Your Computer

By:Nathan Chandler|
older woman typing
It's helpful to know how to use your computer to send text messages for those times when a smartphone is not handy or just inconvenient.Steve Buissinne/CC0 Public Domain

Did you mean "coffee" instead of "covfefe"? We feel your pain. Smartphone keyboards are teensy, making it difficult to tap out long text messages — and that's just one reason you may want to send text messages from your computer instead. There are other benefits in texting by computer, too. It's a good way to skirt monthly message caps or to zip off texts in situations where you have no data signal on your phone.

There are a lot of ways to accomplish this task, from smartphone apps (such asMightyTextorJoin) to dedicated Web sites (likeAFreeSMSorSendSMSNow), to Google Voice, or even a menu option right on your phone carrier's Web site. Some of these methods are pricey or convoluted. The steps below, however, are quick and easy [source:Coppock and Martindale].

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With these three steps, you'll be able to e-mail 160-character SMS (short messaging service) messages directly to a mobile phone.

  1. Open your e-mail program and start a new e-mail message.
  2. Enter the cell phone number in theTo:box using the format number@cellphonecarrier.com, where "number" is the phone number of the cell phone to which you're sending the message, and "cellphonecarrier" is the domain name that allows recipients to receive e-mail text messages. For instance, to send a text message to cell phone 123-456-7890, enter 1234567890@cellphonecarrier.com
  3. Don't know the domain name of your friend's phone company? No problem. Go toCarrierLookuporTextMagicand enter the phone number to find out.
  4. Write your message and click Send.

Here are the domain names of some of the more popular carriers

  • AT&T:@txt.att.net
  • Metro PCS:@metropcs.sms.us
  • Nextel: @messaging.nextel.com
  • Sprint: @messaging.sprintpcs.com
  • T-mobile: @tmomail.net
  • U.S. Cellular: @email.uscc.net
  • Verizon: @vtext.com
  • Virgin Mobile:@vtext.com

Remember that these domains only work for text messages. If you want to send pictures, video, or audio, you'll need to skip the SMS address and use the MMS (multimedia messaging service) address instead. You can find a list of some commonMMS addresses here. You'll find more SMS addresses on this site, too. If you don't find your carrier listed there,Email Marketing Softwarehas an even more comprehensive list.

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Originally Published: Jul 13, 2011

Send Texts With Computer FAQ

Can I send a text message from my computer?
Sending a text message from your computer requires that you have an active mobile service. If your smartphone is switched on, you can easily send a text using your computer.
18新利最新登入我如何得到我的电话短信我的com吗puter?
You can sync your smartphone to your computer to extract messages and pictures. Simply go to the "Your phone" option on your PC and set it accordingly.
你能发送一个文本从一台电脑到细胞方e?
One of the easiest ways to send a message through your computer is via email. Follow the steps in this article to send your first email-to-text!
Can I send a text online for free?
If you have an Android phone, Google lets you send free text messages to anyone by using the Web desktop. If you have an iPhone, you can use Messages to send a text message from the application on a Mac desktop or laptop.
How can I send and receive text messages online for free?
Once installed, there are many apps through which you can send and receive messages for free. Examples include Google Voice, WhatsApp, SendSMSNow and AFreeSMS.

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • Coppock, Mark and Martindale, John. " How to send a text message from a computer." Digital Trends. March 12, 2018 (June 11, 2018) https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-send-free-text-messages-online/
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