Texting a Verizon Customer From Gmail
By Alan Sembera
If you want to get a quick message to a friend who uses Verizon Wireless, but you don't necessarily want to talk to him, you can always send a text message to his cell phone using a program such as Gmail. It works just like sending a regular text, as long as you stick to the 160-character limit for text messaging. Your friend can even send a reply to your Gmail account.
Step 1
Log into your Gmail account and click the "Compose" button to begin a new message.
Step 2
Address the email to the person's 10-digit number, without hyphens, followed by "@vtext.com." For example, if your friend's number is 888-555-7777, address the email to 888555777@vtext.com.
Step 3
Enter the subject of your message, optionally. Anything you put in the subject line will count toward the 160-character limit.
Step 4
Enter your message in the body of the email, keeping it to 160 characters. Both the subject line and your own email address will count against the character limit, so you'll have to keep it brief if you want everything to fit into one message. Send the email.
Tips
- You can also send a picture from Gmail to a Verizon cell phone. Attach an image file to your email message, and then send the message to "number@vzwpix.com" instead of "number@vtext.com."
- If your friend creates a free account at Verizon's VText website, he can choose a nickname for use in receiving emailed text messages. For example, if he registers the nickname Jsmith, you will be able to send him emailed text messages at "jsmith@vtext.com."
Warnings
- Sending text messages from Gmail is free for you, but your friend may get charged for receiving the messages, depending on her mobile plan.
Writer Bio
Alan Sembera began writing for local newspapers in Texas and Louisiana. His professional career includes stints as a computer tech, information editor and income tax preparer. Sembera now writes full time about business and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas A&M University.