Can I send a text message from my computer?

[LarryC]

Hi there, I do not own a cell phone and I was wondering if I can send a text message to someone. This person that I would like to send a text message to, does not use an iPhone. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. If it matters, I am using a 13 inch MacBook Pro. The OS is OS X, version 10.12.6. My computer was built in early 2011, I think.

p.s. if I have posted this in the wrong forum, I do apologize.

 

[chevelleguy3]

I think your only option if you do not have an iPhone is to use something like Google Voice which you can log in via a web browser. You may have to have a phone number to register Google Voice with though, I'm not positive on that.

 

[willmtaylor]

Hi there, I do not own a cell phone and I was wondering if I can send a text message to someone. This person that I would like to send a text message to, does not use an iPhone. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. If it matters, I am using a 13 inch MacBook Pro. The OS is OS X, version 10.12.6. My computer was built in early 2011, I think.

p.s. if I have posted this in the wrong forum, I do apologize.

Not strictly a text message. You'd need an app/messaging platform that works on both Macs & iPhones. They'd need it installed and you'd need it installed. (Messages for Mac --> iMessage on iPhone) or Slack or Line, etc.

BTW, member since 2002? Wow!

 

[flowrider]

As mentioned, Google Voice works fine for this purpose. Though I don't use it much for Texts, I have used it a couple of times in the past.

But, WOW, I'm an old guy, but I don't think I know of anyone over the age of 12 that does not own a mobile phone. Though I don't own an iPhone, I use Android. And my phone is quite out of date, a Galaxy S4, wife has an S5. My 3 granddaughters are on my plan and all have iPhones. They text up a storm, I don't text very often. But for talking, eMails, Navigation and various apps, I couldn't get by without my phone.

Lou

 

[hallux]

You could use the "text gateway" and send it from your email. Example - send an email to xxxxxxxxxx@vtext.com and the recipient (on Verizon in this case) gets it as a text message but from your email address. I presume responding would work in the reverse.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I also recommend you get a Google Voice number. You'll have to jump through some hoops to get it set up (starting with a Gmail account).

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"I do not own a cell phone and I was wondering if I can send a text message to someone. This person that I would like to send a text message to, does not use an iPhone. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated"

Yes, you can -- without much trouble.

What follows is from my archives:
========================================
Sending a text message to a mobile phone from your computer is much easier and faster than doing it from the limited keypad and tiny screen of a mobile phone [source: Pogue].
In this article, we'll show you how to e-mail text 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 the To: box using the format number@teleflip.com, where "number" is the phone number of the cell phone to which you're sending the message. For example, to send a text message to cell phone 123-456-7890, enter 1234567890@teleflip.com.
3. Type a message of up to 160 characters in the message box and then click Send. Your message will shortly appear on the cell phone. You may want to test it on your own cell phone to make sure it works [source: Pogue].
Note: Many cell phone carriers allocate e-mail addresses to their customers' phone numbers to enable them receive e-mail text messages. If you know the carrier of the cell phone you want to send text messages to, you can use it instead of the teleflip.com domain name. Here are the domain names of some of the more popular carriers:
• Alltel: @message.alltel.com
• Nextel: @messaging.nextel.com
• Sprint: @messaging.sprintpcs.com
• SunCom: @tms.suncom.com
• T-mobile: @tmomail.net
• VoiceStream: @voicestream.net
• Verizon: @vtext.com (text only) or @vzwpix.com (photos and video) [source: Slipstick Systems].

 

[NotePage Support]

Unfortunately, our programs (NotePager Pro and PageGate) are Windows-only and can't run on a Mac but I noticed the thread and thought this might help.

For a list of SMTP to SMS addresses that we know of, have a look at our list of known providers here:
https://www.notepage.net/smtp.htm

Some providers have multiple listings and the first listing is the most current for that provider. The other hosts are 'legacy' hosts that used to be supported and may be required to message older phones.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Check with your landline provider to see if they support texting.