Sending Messages
Via Phone
AT&T
Q. Who can I send a text message to?
A. You can exchange text messages with almost any other wireless phone in the U.S. by addressing messages to their 10-digit wireless number. In addition, you can send text messages to international numbers in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Q. How do I create a message?
A. Generally, from your phone's main menu:
Select Messages, then Text Messages, and then Create/New Message.
Type a message using your phone's keypad (up to 160 characters).
Send your message to a 10-digit wireless number.
Review your phone's user guide for instructions specific to your phone.
Q. How do I know if I have a text message on my phone?
A. Most phones will beep and display an icon that looks like an envelope when you have a message in your inbox.
Q. How long can text messages be?
A. A text message can be up to 160 characters in length. Messages sent or received that are longer than 160 characters will be delivered in multiple segments. Each segment will be billed as a separate message
Verizon
- How do I know if a text message has arrived on my phone?
Most phones have both audible and visual notifications when a message has been received. The appearance of an envelope icon on your screen signifies that a message has been received. Consult your manufacturer's "Users Guide" for details on how to adjust the method of notification.
- If I have my phone turned off, will I still receive text messages?
Verizon Wireless will attempt to deliver the message when your phone is powered on and you are in the Verizon Wireless digital service area. If the phone is powered off or you have traveled outside of the Verizon Wireless digital service area, the network will store the message for later delivery. The network will attempt to deliver the message for 5 days (120 hours) from the date of Verizon Wireless' receipt of the message. Messages not delivered within 5 days will be automatically deleted.
- How do I send a text message from a 2-way capable phone?
If you have subscribed to Verizon Wireless' Text Messaging service and have purchased a 2-way text messaging capable phone, you will be able to send messages to another Verizon Wireless text messaging subscriber and to anyone who has an Internet email address. Using the keypad on your 2-way messaging capable phone, simply enter the 10-digit mobile number of the Verizon Wireless text messaging subscriber or Internet email address of the recipient, compose the message and press SEND. Your mobile number will be sent with the message.
The 160-character limit includes the email address indicated by the sender, the message content, and if provided, the subject and callback number. Message length may vary depending on the system and equipment factors.
- How do I send a text message from a 2-way capable phone to a non-Verizon Wireless Subscriber (Inter-Carrier Messaging-SMS)?
If you have subscribed to Verizon Wireless' Text Messaging service and have purchased a 2-way capable digital phone, you will be able to send messages to a text-messaging subscriber of most other wireless carriers in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Simply use the 10-digit mobile number to address your text message.
Note: Verizon Wireless makes every effort to deliver your message addressed to text messaging subscribers of other wireless carriers. However, once your message leaves our network we can make no guarantee that it will be properly delivered. Your account will only be billed once your message is delivered out of our network.
