How to Text a Verizon Phone Using a Computer

Text messages can be sent without using a mobile phone. Verizon assigns an email address for text messages. You can use either Verizon's text message web page or send an email using your email application.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Send a Text Message Via E-mail

1. Launch your email application and compose a new message. Verizon assigns each mobile account an email address using the domain name "vtext.com."

2. Address your email to your recipient using her mobile phone number (with area code) and the vtext.com domain. Omit dashes and parentheses when addressing. For example, if the mobile number is [phone], the email address would be [e-mail].

3. Type your message and click the "Send" button. Remember that text messages contain a maximum of 160 characters, including subject line. If your message exceeds 180 characters, it may be truncated or split into two messages.

Send a Text Message From the Verizon Website

4. Launch your browser and open the page linked to in Resources. Verizon has a dedicated web page to easily send text messages.

5. Type the mobile number in the "Send To" field, including area code and omitting dashes and parentheses. For example, if the mobile number is [phone], enter "5551234567" in the field.

6. Type your name in the "From" field, your email address in the "Reply To-Address" field, and your telephone number (mobile or land line) in the "Callback Number" field.

7. Type your message in the "Your Message" field and notice that the number of characters is automatically counted.

8. Click the "Send" button.

Tips & Warnings

• You can change the delivery option under "Priority" by selecting the "Urgent" radio button. The Verizon messaging web page includes a function to translate your message to TXT, which uses common abbreviations. Since all field entries count toward the 160-character limit, keep your name, email address and callback numbers short (e.g., type your nickname or initials and omit dashes, spaces and parentheses in your callback number).
• The 160-character limit for your message includes recipient, sender, reply address, callback number and actual message.

Resources

• Verizon: Send Text Message Web Page
• Verizon Wireless: Text Messaging Support