Text Messaging
Description
The name for Verizon Wireless' 1 and 2-way text messaging services. Text Messaging provides a fast, fun and economical alternative to phone calls.
1-way Messaginglet you receive:You can send and receive text messages to other wireless users and email addresses directly from your phone while keeping your communication short and/or private.2-way Messaging lets you send text messages to multiple wireless users and email addresses directly from a 2-way capable phone. It's perfect for short messages when you can't talk, or need to keep your conversation private.
- Email alerts from any Internet email
- News, sports, weather, horoscopes
- Messages from others via the Internet
- Messages from 2-way wireless phones.
How to Get It
Text Messaging and vtext.com is automatically included with new activations on a pay-as-you-go basis.* Additional Messaging packages with allowances are available and can be added through My Verizon. If you wish to confirm you have this text messaging, login to My Verizon and select My Plan and then Add/change features.
How to Use It
Instructions for use vary by phone. You should consult your phone's equipment guide or VText for more information.
Support Links
Top Questions
What is a text message (SMS)?
A text message is a combination of words and numbers sent to a digital device, for example:
- Wireless content or Internet news feed, set up by the user (e.g. stock quote or horoscope)
- A message originated by one person and sent to a digital device. This type of message can be originated from any of the following sources:
- Email application (e.g. Outlook®, Hotmail®, Yahoo!® Mail, etc.)
- Text messaging site on the Internet (e.g. VText)
- PC with messaging software
- 2-way text messaging capable device
What is included in the 160-character limit of a text message?
The 160 character limit includes the sender's email address (if applicable), the composed message and, if provided, the subject and callback number.
If I have my device turned off, will I still receive text messages?
Verizon Wireless will attempt to deliver the message when your device is powered on and you are in the Verizon Wireless digital service area. If the device is powered off or you have traveled outside of the Verizon Wireless digital service area, the network will store the message for later delivery. The network will attempt to deliver the message for 5 days (120 hours) from the date of Verizon Wireless' receipt of the message. Messages not delivered within 5 days will be automatically deleted.
Can Verizon Wireless subscribers receive text messages from non-subscribers?
Yes, Verizon Wireless subscribers can receive messages from other carriers' subscribers addressed to their 10-digit mobile number. Registered vtext.com users can also tell their friends to send messages to their nickname@vtext.com. (i.e. 5552223333@vtext.com or Sam@vtext.com).
How do I send a text message from a 2-way capable device to a non-Verizon Wireless Subscriber (Inter-Carrier Messaging-SMS)?
If you have subscribed to Verizon Wireless' Text Messaging service and have purchased a 2-way capable digital device, you will be able to send messages to a text-messaging subscriber of most other wireless carriers in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Simply use the 10-digit mobile number to address your text message.
Note: Verizon Wireless makes every effort to deliver your message addressed to text messaging subscribers of other wireless carriers. However, once your message leaves our network we can make no guarantee that it will be properly delivered. Your account will only be billed once your message is delivered out of our network.
Can I send Enhanced Text Messages to a Verizon Wireless Subscriber who has a non-EMS capable device?
The text will be sent to the non-EMS capable device, however EMS features (such as graphics, formatting, or sounds) will be removed. If the message exceeds 160 characters, it will be delivered as multiple segments (each up to 160 characters). The EMS-capable handset sending the message will be billed for a single message sent.
All FAQs