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Text Messaging

General Information

  1. What is a text message?

    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
    You can send and receive text messages to other wireless users and email addresses directly from your device while keeping your communication short and private. Text Messaging and VText.com are both automatically included with new activations on a pay as you go basis. Additional Text Messaging packages with allowances are available.

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  2. What is the difference between a text message and an alert?

    The difference between a text message and an alert is as follows:

    • An alert is a notification that appears on the device communicating that some type of information has been delivered. An alert can be any of the following:
      • A notification of a text message
      • A notification of a voice mail message
      • An Information Alert about today's weather, horoscopes, stocks, news, sports scores, etc.
    • A text message is a combination of words and numbers sent to a digital device, for example, a message originated by one person and sent to another digital device. This type of message can be originated from any of the following sources:
      • 2-way text messaging capable device
      • Email application (i.e. Outlook®, Hotmail®, etc.)
      • VText.com – Verizon Wireless' text messaging website
      • PC messaging software (TAP dial-up modem)
      • 2-way pager

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  3. How can I sign up for Text Messaging?

    Text Messaging and VText.com are both automatically included with new activations on a pay as you go basis. Additional Text Messaging packages with allowances are available.

    To manage your account and add text messaging features/bundles:

    1. Log in to My Verizon.
    2. Go to “My Services.”
    3. Select “My Plan.” 

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  4. Where is Text Messaging currently available?

    Please refer to the Verizon Wireless Coverage Locator for further information.

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  5. Is Text Messaging available to prepay subscribers?

    Yes, Text Messaging service is automatically included with every new digital price plan activation. Messaging rates vary according to your selected prepaid plan.

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  6. How many characters can I receive in my text messages?

    Verizon Wireless can support up to 160 characters in all Text Messaging markets. If you have an EMS (Enhanced Messaging Services) capable device, messages up to 1000 characters may be supported. Please consult your device’s User Guide for details.

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  7. 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.

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  8. How do I know if a text message has arrived on my device?

    Most devices have both audible and visual notifications when a message has been received. The appearance of an envelope icon on your screen signifies that a message has been received. Consult your device’s Users Guide for details on how to adjust the method of notification.

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  9. 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.

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  10. If my device's memory is full, will I still receive text messages?

    When the device's memory is full, you may not be able to send or receive messages. Memory capacity varies by make and model of the device. You will receive a warning that the memory is almost full or already full (message varies by device). When the memory is full, you will have to delete old messages before you can receive new incoming messages.

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  11. If I am on a call, will I still receive text messages?

    Verizon Wireless supports the ability to Talk and Text simultaneously, but this can vary on devices. If you are on a call, some devices will allow you to continue receiving messages while others will deliver messages after the call is completed.

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  12. Can I receive text messages outside the Verizon Wireless footprint?

    Yes, refer to the Verizon Wireless Coverage Locator to look up available SMS coverage areas.

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  13. 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).

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  14. To whom can I send text messages?

    You can send messages to most text messaging capable devices in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico by addressing the message to the recipient’s 10-digit mobile number. You can also send a message to any email address in the world. Text International is also available to Verizon Wireless subscribers. Refer to the International Messaging site for the list of International wireless carriers available.

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  15. How can I send a text message?

    A message can be sent from a 2-way text messaging capable digital device, any email system with an Internet connection, the Verizon Wireless website (VText), or through a PC using a paging/alarm/or text messaging software package. Messages to subscribers on other carriers' networks can be sent from Verizon Wireless 2-way text messaging capable devices but cannot be sent from VText.com.

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  16. How do I send a text message from a 2-way capable device?

    If you have subscribed to Verizon Wireless' Text Messaging service and have purchased a 2-way text messaging capable device, you will be able to send messages to another Verizon Wireless text messaging subscriber and to anyone who has an Internet email address. Using the keypad on your 2-way messaging capable device, simply enter the 10-digit mobile number of the Verizon Wireless text messaging subscriber or Internet email address of the recipient, compose the message and press “Send.” Your mobile number will be sent with the message.

    The 160-character limit includes the email address indicated by the sender, the message content, and if provided, the subject and callback number. Message length may vary depending on the system and equipment factors.

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  17. 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.

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  18. 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.

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  19. Can I send Enhanced Text Messages (160+ characters) to a non-Verizon Wireless Subscriber (Inter-Carrier Messaging-EMS or International Carrier Messaging-EMS)?

    Yes, with some limitations. When you send Enhanced Text Messages to non-Verizon Wireless subscribers, delivery will be attempted, however, all inserted graphics, emoticons, sounds and text formatting will be deleted and the message will be converted into plain text. In addition, Enhanced Text Messages greater than 160 characters 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.

    Note: Intercarrier/International SMS does not support non-ASCI 7 bit characters so if International characters or symbols like ú and ñ are used, they may cause delivery to fail. 

    Some non-EMS devices may not properly convert an EMS message to an SMS message. The message received by the non-enhanced text messaging device will be unreadable. Both sender and recipient will be charged for unreadable messages.

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  20. How do I send text messages from the Verizon Wireless website?

    You can send a text message from our VText web site simply by typing in the 10-digit mobile number, SMS Nickname@vtext.com, or an email address and a message. The message will be delivered directly to the device. Message length is limited to 140 characters. Currently, Enhanced Text Messages cannot be sent from VTtext.com to a Verizon Wireless device.

    Guest users (non-registered) will see a screen displaying a series of letters in a distorted but legible image which will help prevent SPAM messages from being delivered. If you cannot read the image click the "Refresh" button in your internet browser and a new set of letters will be displayed.

    Enter the letters that are displayed in the "Enter Security Code" field. The letters are case-sensitive, enter them carefully. Click the "Verify Code" button.

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  21. How do I send a text message from any email system with an Internet connection?

    Anyone can send a text message from email simply by composing a message and sending it directly to a digital device. Your device's email address is your 10-digit mobile number or vtext nickname followed by @vtext.com. For example, 9495551212@vtext.com or Sam@vtext.com. Message length is limited to 140 characters, including the email address. Currently, Enhanced Text Messages cannot be sent from email to a Verizon Wireless device.

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  22. How do I send text messages from a PC using messaging software?

    Commercial Text Messaging Software can also be used with a modem to send text messages. However, Verizon Wireless does not sell, support or endorse any messaging software as a matter of policy. See the following Software and Modem Settings:

    Software and Modem Settings:

    Protocol: Standard TAP
    Toll-Free TAP Access Number: 1-866-823-0501
    Baud Rate Range: 300-19,200 bps
    Data Settings: 7 data bits, even parity 1 stop bit
    Message Length: 160 characters
    Wait to Connect: 60 seconds or longer

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  23. How many text messages can I store on my device at one time?

    Memory varies by device – refer to your device's User Guide for details. The number of messages that can be stored is determined by the capacity available on your device. Please note that once your inbox is full, you will not be able to receive new messages until you delete old messages to create additional space.

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  24. How long can I store my text messages after I have received them?

    There is no time limit for message storage so you may store them for as long as you wish.

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  25. How do I block unwanted text messages?

    To block unwanted text messages from Internet domains and emails:

    1. Log into My Verizon.
    2. Go to “My Services” and choose “Verizon Safeguards.”
    3.  Select “Spam Controls” and click on “Internet Spam Blocking.”
    4. Enter the offending Internet domain or email address, then click “Save.”

    To block unwanted messages from a cell device:

    1. Log into My Verizon.
    2. Go to “My Services” and choose “Verizon Safeguards.”
    3. Select “Spam Controls” and click on “Internet Spam Blocking.”
    4. Enter the offending Device Number, then click “Save.”

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  26. Can I send Text Messages from my Alltel device?

    Yes, you may send Text Messages directly from your device or visit our text messaging site.

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  27. Can I view and/or print my text messaging content?

    • Users who login to the Verizon Wireless text messaging website to send/receive text messages can view/print content and corresponding replies for 120 hours after the original message is sent.
    • Messages sent from or received on your device cannot be viewed in any other medium. You can, however, forward text messages to an email address, and then view/print them just like any other email.
    • Text messaging content is not available through My Verizon.

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  28. Am I able to include auto signature on text messages?

    Many devices support the ability to add auto signatures to your text messages. Note that the characters in your auto signature will be counted toward any message length limits (commonly 160 characters).

    If your device supports this functionality, the option to create an auto signature for text messages is typically found within the "Messaging Settings" menu on the device – please consult your device's User Guide for details.

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