Q&A for How to Send Text Messages

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  • Question
    How can I text without a cell phone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could use one of many free texting apps. Also, if you know the recipient's provider, you could send an email to their phone number as a text.
  • Question
    How do I text a 5-digit number?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    To text a 5-digit number, you should type your message (a word or phrase) and then send it to the 5-digit number entered in the 'To' field.
  • Question
    Is texting using an email address different from standard texting, especially when I want to send a picture?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Yes, each email-to-text company operates differently regarding what it accepts and how it operates. While basic text messages usually work, sending other media like pictures can be more challenging or may require additional subscriptions and costs. You should confirm the specific capabilities and requirements of your service provider before attempting to send a picture.
  • Question
    How do I apply a 'slam' effect to messages?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    On iMessages, which is part of iOS, hold down the blue Send message button and select "Slam." These same effects aren’t available for via any other device/service.
  • Question
    How do I change my keyboard input from alphabet to numerals?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You can switch between alphabet and numeral input on your smartphone keyboard, as both iPhones and Androids have specific keys for this function. The exact appearance and location of this key can vary depending on your keyboard app, so you may need to explore your keyboard's interface to find the button that controls this switch.
  • Question
    Is a hashtag required when texting a 5-digit number?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    When you text a 5-digit number, a hashtag is not necessary. Although they may be used for visual clarity, they are not functionally required for the message to send.
  • Question
    Is it possible to send text messages from my iPad?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Connect your phone to your iPad, then text and send from either device. Syncronize the devices and pick up the same streams at the same time and stay in sync and know what was sent to who and when. Use this guide for some instructions on getting your iPad ready to text.
  • Question
    How do I receive a text message?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Your phone automatically manages the reception of text messages and replies. When someone sends you a message, you will typically see their response on your phone within a few seconds, experiencing only a momentary delay.
  • Question
    How do I send a text message to someone who is not in my contact list?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You can send a text message to someone not in your contact list by following the same procedure as you would for a contact. The steps for sending the message remain the same.
  • Question
    Why are letters skipping or not appearing on my screen when I try to type?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Your screen might be dirty, smudged, or have residue in the area where letters skip. While screen damage is a possibility, you should first try cleaning your screen with an ammonia-free glass cleaner or screen cleaner and a soft cloth or lens wipe. After cleaning, test to see if the issue persists.
  • Question
    How can I send the same text message to different people separately?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You can copy and paste your text message into individual conversations. Start by sending the message to the first person, then copy the text. Open a new conversation for the next person, paste the text, and send it. Repeat this process for each recipient. While this method can be tedious, there are also third-party, subscription-based services that offer features to make this task easier.
  • Question
    How do I add spaces between words in a text message?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You should find the space bar on your phone's keyboard. On older phones built before the smartphone era, the space character might be located under the 1, *, or # key, or the device may automatically add spaces for you.
  • Question
    How can I send bulk SMS messages using a company name as the sender?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Sending bulk SMS messages with a specific company name often requires an advanced procedure. A third-party messaging company can assist you with this, as manually copying and pasting messages repeatedly for bulk sending would be inefficient and tiresome.
  • Question
    What is the difference between green and blue text messages?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    On an iPhone, blue text messages indicate communication with other iOS/iPadOS users (iMessage), while green messages are standard SMS/MMS texts sent to non-Apple devices. You can send messages to both, but iMessage (blue) allows for more features and visual effects compared to standard texts (green).
  • Question
    How do I delete text that is ready to send?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You can delete text that is ready to send by backspacing it out before you send it.
  • Question
    Can I send messages on Facebook?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You can send messages using Facebook's Messenger app or WhatsApp for private messages. However, you cannot send traditional text messages (SMS) through these platforms.
  • Question
    How can I make payments using text messages?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You can often initiate payments, such as for your cell phone bill, by texting keywords like "pay" to a designated service number. Typically, the service will send you a link to complete the payment securely through a website or their dedicated app.
  • Question
    I don't see the "send" button on my phone. How can I get it there?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    The "send" function might appear as a label, a plus sign, or a right-pointing arrow, depending on your phone or messaging app.
  • Question
    How can I send a voice text?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Phones vary in how they send voice texts. Generally, you can activate this feature by holding down the Send message button and speaking your message without a constructed message inside your text box. You might need to enable this functionality in your phone's settings first. If you require further assistance, contact your phone's provider for precise instructions, as sending is usually completed by releasing your finger.
  • Question
    How do I attach a picture to a text message?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    First, capture the image using your phone's camera, then use the 'share' feature to select your messaging app. Alternatively, within your messaging app, open a conversation, tap the '+' button (or similar icon), and select the camera to take a new picture. After adding the picture, you can type your message and send it.
  • Question
    Is it possible for me to dictate text messages?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can. It is a setting within your device's settings app, and then activated it directly from the keyboard where it was first used.
  • Question
    How do I send a message when the instructions state “text statement to 123456"?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    You should send a message containing only the word "statement" to the number 123456.
  • Question
    How do I vote on DANCING WITH THE STARS by texting, specifically when the instruction is to "text [name] to 21253"?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    To vote, send a text message containing only the name of your chosen participant to the number 21253.
  • Question
    How do I turn off voice text messages?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    Check your phone's settings. The exact location and steps can vary significantly by device. You may need to consult your phone's user manual or contact your service provider for specific instructions.
  • Question
    Do I need to add a '1' before an out-of-state phone number when sending a text message?
    Christopher
    Christopher
    Top Answerer
    No, you do not need to add a '1' before an out-of-state phone number when sending a text message. Text messaging systems generally understand that messages may be sent to numbers outside your local area code. If you accidentally include a '1', the message will still be delivered.
  • Question
    Can I send text messages to send birthday wishes or ask to meet up or get together?
    Anderson Bridges
    Anderson Bridges
    Community Answer
    Sure you can! These are some great ideas of texts to send to people. It may well brighten their day!
  • Question
    How do I resend a text message?
    Anderson Bridges
    Anderson Bridges
    Community Answer
    If you "send" a text message but it doesn't send, then later there might be a choice to re-send it, so press the re-send button and it should send it again, and the other person should receive it.
  • Question
    What does it mean if my messages are not going through?
    Jayden Wu
    Jayden Wu
    Community Answer
    You may have no WiFi. Retry when you have WiFi. You also have forgotten to turn it back on.
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