How to SMS Message Using Skype

Skype isn't just for calls. It can send texts too.

One of Skype's most straightforward ways to chat is via its own text chatting feature, with which you can chat with other Skype users for free. You can also call other Skype accounts for free. In addition to these, Skype offers paid features including the ability to place calls to cell phones and landlines as well as send text messages to cell phones. The fees for each SMS message depends on the country to which you are sending the message and ranges from around 5 cents to about 36 cents as of March, 2011.

Instructions

1. Open the Skype program and sign into your account.

2. Right-click on the contact to whom you wish to send an SMS message in Skype's left panel and then click "Send SMS Message." This works only if this contact includes an SMS-enabled number.

3. Type your desired SMS message into the field at the bottom of the main portion of Skype's screen. As you do this, notice the "characters remaining" counting down from 160. If this number reaches 0, the "1 SMS" section will change to "2 SMS" to reflect the fact that your message will arrive in two pieces.

4. Click "Send SMS" when you are done writing your message. This sends your SMS text to the number you selected.

Tips & Warnings

• You need Skype credit to send SMS messages. Purchase Skype credit by clicking "Skype" and "Buy Skype Credit" and following the prompts.

References

• Skype: Text SMS Text Messages at Great Low Rates
• Skype: How Do I Send an SMS From Skype?

Resources

• Skype: Need Help?