How to Send a Text Message Using Email

 

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you do not have cell service but do have access to wifi, you can send a text message to someone’s phone using wifi and email.  To do this:

1.       Turn on your wifi and connect to a local spot ( hint…libraries often offer free wifi )

2.       Open your email

3.       In the TO or RECIPIENT area type the person’s 10 digit phone number followed by their phone carrier’s extension.

Examples:

##########@vtext.com (for a Verizon number)

##########@txt.att.net (for an AT&T number)

 *Special note:  Several carriers offer this service besides Verizon and AT&T.  I only listed those two because I have used both of them.  You will need to find the correct extension for the phone carrier of the person you want to message. A quick web search on the subject will usually get you a list of the extensions.

4.       Type and send your message as a regular email

The recipient will receive your message as a regular text, not an email.  If they reply though, the reply will go to your email.

I’ve had to use this trick twice now. Once while traveling in New England and spent the night at a place that was not within range of cell service, but did have wifi. Another time I did not have my phone with me, but did have a tablet that had wifi but no data plan. 

There is one major drawback.  You have to know the phone carrier of the person you want to text in order to attach the correct extension to their number.