How to Use AIM to Send Text Messages to Cell Phones
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is widely used as a platform for computer users to message each other from one system to another. Many devices like cell phones and smart phones also include AIM capabilities, but in order to send and receive AIM messages, the proper application must be running on the device. However, AIM can also send text messages directly to a cell phone number from within the program. As long as you have AIM version 5.2 or newer, you can send text messages to text-capable cell phones and smart phones.
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Instructions
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Launch AIM. Open the AIM software and log in to your account.
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Click IM from the buddy list window or the People menu. Clicking IM opens a new instant message window, just as if you are sending an IM to another computer user.
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Enter the cell phone number you want to text. In to To field, type a phone number rather than the AIM user name. You must include the country code ahead of the phone number.
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Type your message. Type your message in the IM window. Remember, text messages over 160 characters are split into multiple messages.
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Send your message. Once you enter the message in full, press Send to transmit the text message.
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Save your contact to the buddy list. AIM also allows you to save mobile numbers to your buddy list, making it easy to send subsequent text messages. Click Setup, followed by Add Mobile to place a cell phone number on your buddy list.
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Tips & Warnings
Some carriers allow cell phone users to respond to texts received via AIM. In this case, you will receive the response via AIM. In other cases, the cell phone user will be required to respond by sending a text message to your cell phone rather than your AIM account.
References
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