Sending Text Messages via Email

If you find that you spend most of your time on the computer sending emails, but you communicate with friends, family or children who prefer to text message, there is no reason either party should give up their preferred method of communicating. It is possible to send emails (for free) to folks who prefer texting.

Here’s a scenario:

Little texting teenager loves to text the world. Mom and Dad (and Grandma and Grandpa) of little texting teenager, have an older model flip phone model that doesn’t have the cool keyboard as the modern phones do. They find it difficult to spend their time depressing the same key over and over again just to type the message “Call me.”

The fact that Mom and Dad of little texting teenager have the uncool habit of typing full sentences using capitals, periods and all of the appropriate punctuation, makes it even more difficult. There are two solutions to remedy the cumbersome texting scenario.

Solution 1:

Solution 2:

If you decide to use Solution 1, check out a few articles on this site to look for info that will help you to decide which phone to get. If you decide to use Solution 2, read on.

Sending Text Messages

To send a text message via e-mail you need to know two things: 1) the phone number of the person you’re texting, and 2) the name of the cell phone service provider.

Armed with that information all you need to do to send a text message via email is to insert the 10 digit phone number followed by “@” and the cell phone provider’s email address extension. Below are a few email address extensions for some of the more popular cell phone providers.

Note:With cell phone companies merging and changing names, it’s best to contact your cell phone service provider to find the correct email address.

The address format for sending text messages via email will look something like this:

5486981456@txt.att.net (fictional phone number using AT&T service).

Send Text Messages from a Website:

Ten years ago when I originally wrote this article, many of the cell phone carriers had a special page on their website for folks to send text messages from an online account. That's not the case today.

There were also several non-phone service related sites that offered the ability to send free texts, but most of them are gone. The only two that I've found still remaining are Textforfree or txt2day. My, how things have changed. I guess with Facebook and Facebook Messenger, the demand for sending online texts is all but gone.

Facebook Messenger

On a personal note, I have a a preference for Messenger. I can use it from any device, computer, laptop, tablet or phone. It doesn't care whether you're Android or iPhone. BTW, you don't need a Facebook account to use Messenger.

The great thing about technology is that you always have choices. You can either use the cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer to send text messages; it’s up to you.

Originally published 2 February 2009
Last Modified: 7 June 2021

Did you know?: If you meet the Lifeline and/or Affordable Connectivity Program criteria, you qualify to receive a free device (smartphone or tablet) along with discounted or free wireless service (plans vary by state).

About the Author: LaForey is a person who was fed up with contract phone plans and opted for something more practical.