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Quick Links
- iMessage (iOS, Mac)
- Google Voice (Web)
- Android Messages
- Pushbullet
- Pulse SMS
- MightyText
- AirDroid
- Your Phone (Windows 10)
- Email to SMS Extension (Google Chrome)
- Screen Mirroring (All)
- Now You Can Text From Your PC Easily
Despite the convenience of instant messaging, SMS still plays an important role for automated alerts and messaging people with older phones. If you use SMS often, you might want to check your text messages online so you can respond faster with your computer keyboard.
As it turns out, there are many ways you can view and send text messages from the comfort of your computer. Here are the best apps for checking your SMS messages on a computer. Note that all of these solutions are for Android only, unless otherwise specified.
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1. iMessage (iOS, Mac)
iPhone users only have one real option for viewing texts on a computer. Apple doesn't allow alternative SMS clients, so you have to use the built-in Messages app. While there are a few downsides to it, the default messaging and SMS app does come with plenty of great features. One of those is cloud sync, which allows you to read or reply to SMS messages using your Mac's native Messages app.
If you're already using the Messages app but are unable to view the conversations from a Mac, you'll have to enable iCloud Sync on your phone. To do that, go into Settings > [Your name] > iCloud and turn on Messages.
Sadly, Windows users with an iPhone don't have any official option for checking their iOS texts. We'll look at a workaround option below.
2. Google Voice (Web)
Google Voice users can view their messages through the official web app. You can compose new messages, and it even supports media previews. On the same page, you also have access to your Google Voice phone logs, voicemail, and more.
To use it, all you need to do is head over to the Google Voice website on your computer, sign in with your account, and you're all set. If you don't use Google Voice yet, you can get a number for free.
Unlike most other solutions on the list, Google Voice's web app doesn't require a constant phone connection, since all your conversations are stored on Google's servers. Unfortunately, Google Voice is limited to the US for now.
Visit: Google Voice (Free)
3. Android Messages
Google's default SMS app on stock Android, Android Messages, has a web client as well. It features a Material Design theme and a familiar two-column layout, with support for individual and group conversations.
In addition, you can enable dark mode from its settings. There's an option for receiving notifications in your browser too.
To get started, open the Android Messages website. Once there, fire up the Messages app on your phone and under the three-dot menu, tap Messages for web. Follow the steps to scan the code and you should be online in a few seconds.
In case you'd like to install Android Messages and don't have a compatible Android phone, try sideloading the latest APK file.
Download: Android Messages | Android Messages APK (Free)
4. Pushbullet
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Apart from letting you quickly share files and mirror notifications from your phone to a PC, Pushbullet also has a dedicated SMS tab. You'll find all your existing conversations there, and can view or reply with both text and media. It also supports starting new conversations.
If you didn't enable SMS mirroring during Pushbullet's setup process, launch the app on your phone. Then, swipe out from the left edge to reveal the navigation drawer and choose SMS. Enable SMS sync and you'll be asked to grant the necessary permissions. Once that's over, you should all set.
On your computer, there are multiple ways you can view your messages. You can download the desktop apps or browser extensions, or sign in at the Pushbullet website. Note that you're limited to 100 messages per month unless you pay for Pushbullet's Pro plan.
Download: Pushbullet for Android | Desktop (Free, subscription available)
5. Pulse SMS
Pulse is a third-party SMS client that offers lots of advanced features. This includes a wide range of themes to choose from, password protection, message scheduling, previews for web links, a ton of nifty shortcuts, and of course, the ability to get your texts on your computer. The Pulse web app functions a lot like Android Messages and comes with a modern, clean aesthetic.
However, these supplementary features are not free. For syncing your SMS conversations across devices, Pulse charges a monthly fee of $1, or $6 for a year. Alternatively, you can pay a one-time fee of $11 for lifetime access.
Download: Pulse SMS for Android | Web (Free, subscription available)
6. MightyText
If you're looking for a comprehensive platform to use SMS on your computer, particularly for business purposes, try MightyText. Along with letting you text from your PC, MightyText has several extra utilities like an SMS scheduler, a multi-window mode where you can attend to numerous chats at once, and more.
MightyText can do a lot of what Pushbullet offers, including notification mirroring. Because the free version has a monthly cap for how many SMS messages you can send, you have to purchase the subscription for unlimited access. It's available as a web app and an extension for nearly all browsers.
Download: MightyText for Android | Desktop (Free, subscription available)
7. AirDroid
We've looked at AirDroid before, as it's one of the best ways to access your Android phone from a computer. In addition to checking and sending texts, you can access photos, videos, and music, move files, and much more.
To get started with AirDroid, install the app on your Android device. Once it's ready, go to web.airdroid.com on your computer and you'll see a QR code. Tap the Scan icon at the top of the screen on your phone and scan the QR code to connect the two.
From there, just click the Messages icon in AirDroid to start managing your text messages. The free version has some limitations, but it's fine for basic use. And while AirDroid offers an iOS version, it doesn't let you access text messages.
Download: AirDroid for Android | AirDroid Web (Free, subscription available)
8. Your Phone (Windows 10)
Microsoft has updated Windows 10 to include a feature called Your Phone. This makes it easy to manage certain aspects of your device right from your computer, including text messages.
To set up Your Phone, first install the app on your Android device. Open it, then you'll need to sign in with your Microsoft account and give it permissions to manage content. On your computer, go to Settings > Phone. Click Add a phone to open the Your Phone app and walk through the steps of signing in on your PC.
As long as you're signed in on both devices and have them on the same network, you can use Your Phone to send messages, view photos, and even make calls. Unlike other offerings, it doesn't have any limitations or a paid subscription. And like AirDroid, Your Phone also works on iOS, but it can't sync text messages on that platform.
Download: Your Phone Companion for Android | Your Phone for Windows 10 (Free)
9. Email to SMS Extension (Google Chrome)
We've looked at all sorts of solutions for accessing your own text messages on your computer. For something a little different, check out a Chrome extension called Send Your Email to SMS.
This extension adds a simple Mobile button when you're composing a new message in Gmail. Click it, then enter the phone numbers you want to send the email to. This will send the recipient(s) a copy of your email via text message.
It's useful if you're contacting someone who rarely checks their email, or if you work in Gmail all day and don't want to open a separate app to send SMS reminders.
Note that this extension only works for numbers in the US and Canada.
Download: Send Your Email to SMS for Chrome (Free)
10. Screen Mirroring (All)
If none of the above work for your needs, you can always try the somewhat-clumsy solution of screen mirroring. This allows you to replicate your phone's entire display on your computer and interact with it just like you were using it. Of course, this means you can view your texts on your computer by opening your SMS app.
There are many screen mirroring apps available, depending on what platforms you use. Some are free with limitations, while others are paid. To get started, see how to mirror your Android screen to a computer or how to mirror your iPhone or iPad on a Windows PC.
Now You Can Text From Your PC Easily
The majority of the apps we discussed are for Android users, since Apple doesn't allow third-party SMS clients on iOS. But no matter whether you use SMS all the time or only once in a while, there's an app here that lets you access your texts on your PC.
If this wasn't quite what you were looking for, check out some free web services that let you send texts from another number. And see how you can put SMS to better use with these cool services.
FAQs
How to Text From Your Computer: 10 Apps to View and Send Text Messages? ›
You can use your computer or Android tablet to chat with your friends through Messages for web, which shows what's on your Messages mobile app. Messages for web sends SMS messages using a connection from your computer to your phone, so carrier fees will apply, just like on the mobile app.
Can I view my text messages on my computer? ›You can use your computer or Android tablet to chat with your friends through Messages for web, which shows what's on your Messages mobile app. Messages for web sends SMS messages using a connection from your computer to your phone, so carrier fees will apply, just like on the mobile app.
What is the best way to text from computer? ›The best way to text from a computer is with a business text messaging service. Web apps like iMessage, Messages by Google, and Google voice all allow you to text from laptops and desktops. But business texting software gives you more ways to automate and schedule SMS text messages.
Is there a way to send text messages from my computer? ›- On your computer, go to voice.google.com.
- Open the tab for Messages .
- At the top, click Send a message.
- Enter a contact's name or phone number. To create a group text message, add up to 7 names or phone numbers. ...
- At the bottom, enter your message, and click Send .
- OpenPhone. First up is OpenPhone, a VoIP provider built for professionals and entrepreneurs. ...
- Google Voice. There are several ways to send a text from your computer, and one of them is through Google Voice. ...
- MightyText. Another popular option is MightyText. ...
- AirDroid. ...
- Join. ...
- Sideline. ...
- Grasshopper. ...
- Vonage.
Use TouchCopy to view SMS, MMS, iMessage and WhatsApp messages. You can also save and print your messages. Use iBackup Extractor to view your iPhone messages from an iPhone backup. This method is perfect if you don't have your iPhone, or if you are looking for messages which were deleted from your iPhone.
How do I open up my text messages? ›- Open Settings .
- Click Apps.
- In the list of apps, click Messages. SMS. Messages .
Yes, there are many ways to send a text message from the computer including through email, iMessage, Android Messages, using a wireless carrier's website, using a free SMS website, online texting platforms, Google Voice, and from a streamlined VoIP solution like OpenPhone.
Can I text from my email? ›Yes, you can. There are three ways to send a text from Gmail: the SMS gateway, a Third-Party Service, or a Chrome Extension.
How can I send bulk text messages from my computer for free? ›- MXT is our user-friendly online platform for sending bulk SMS marketing campaigns.
- MXT's SMS Conversation Window is the easiest way to view bulk SMS messages for individual contacts.
- Bulk SMS messages can also be sent via API integration that connects your internal software to our SMSGlobal SMS gateway.
How do I send a text message from my laptop? ›
- Open Phone Link and select the Messages tab.
- Click on New Message to start a new conversation with any of your contacts.
- Enter the name or phone number of your contact to look up someone in your list.
- Select the contacts you wish to message. A new thread will open.
Yes, it's definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages and it's certainly something you should be aware of – this is a potential way for a hacker to gain a lot of private information about you – including accessing PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity (such as online banking).
Can I view my text messages online? ›Read Android messages and text using the web (PC/Mac) Next, we have Google's answer to viewing text messages on a computer - Messages by Google. Messages by Google enables you to view your Android text messages through any device which uses an internet browser, and even send text messages using that device!
Does Microsoft have a texting app? ›Does Microsoft Teams offer instant messaging? Teams has an instant messaging platform with features such as instant chat, emojis, GIFs, rich-text editing, threaded conversations, plus the ability to share files.
How can I send and receive text messages online for free? ›- Textfree by pinger.
- OpenTestingOnline.
- Text'em.
- Send SMS Now.
- txtDrop.
- WiFiText.
- mySMS.
- FoxText.
- From a web browser, sign in to My Verizon.
- From the My Verizon Home screen, navigate: Account. More. Text online. .
- If presented, review the Terms and Conditions then click. Accept. to continue.
- Click the desired conversation (on the left) to view messages.
The Phone Link app allows iPhone users to connect their devices to a Windows laptop or PC and, with the update, will let iPhone users send and receive messages via iMessage, make and receive calls, and see their phone's notifications inside Windows 11.
How can I read my iMessages from my computer? ›In the Messages app on your Mac, choose Messages > Settings, then click iMessage. Click Settings, then select Enable Messages in iCloud. The messages from your other devices that use the same Apple ID appear on your Mac. Note: Depending on how many messages you have, it may take a while for all of them to appear.
What is the difference between a text message and a SMS message? ›The first and biggest thing to know about the difference between SMS and text messages is that there is no difference. SMS, or Short Message Service, is a form of text message that's sent from one device to another.
Where is my text messaging app? ›Open the App Drawer on your Android phone by swiping up on the home screen. It's the screen or the section that shows all your installed apps. 2. Find the Messages app icon.
How do I access my text messages on Gmail? ›
- Open the Gmail app .
- At the bottom, tap Chat or Spaces .
- At the top, tap Search in chat or Search in spaces.
- Enter your search terms.
- To open a result, tap it.
Tip: You can send texts over Wi-Fi even if you don't have cell service. Just use Messages as you normally would. If you're not connected to Wi-Fi, make sure cellular data is turned on: On your Android device, open the Settings app.
How can I receive text messages without service? ›Using a VoIP service is another way to receive SMS messages without a service. VoIP services are available for both Android and iOS devices and allow users to send and receive messages without having to pay for a service plan.
Can you text 911? ›The answer is: yes. You don't have to call during an emergency, but you can text 911 instead. Police services across the United States began implementing a program in 2014 that makes it possible for you to text 911 in many areas, and since then, over 1,000 911 call centers have integrated this ability.
What is the difference between SMS and MMS? ›A text message of up to 160 characters without an attached file is known as an SMS, while a text that includes a file—like a picture, video, emoji, or a website link—becomes an MMS.
Is there a difference between a text and an email? ›Texting works on cellular data whereas email works on an internet connection. Texts are a less reliable form of communication than emails. Texting is a more interactive and conversational communication channel in comparison to emails.
How to send 100 texts at once to one person? ›So, to do what you're describing, I would copy the entire original message. Then start a text to the other person with “text from ___:” then paste the original message, then send.
What is bulk SMS software? ›Bulk SMS messaging is a legacy description for application-to-person SMS messaging services. It refers specifically to the sending of large number of SMS messages to the mobile phones of a predetermined group of recipients.
How can I send SMS through WiFi? ›Open “Settings” on your Android device and select “Wireless & Networks” to activate WiFi texting. Toggle the option next to “Text Messages (SMS)” to “On” after tapping on the WiFi network you wish to use.
How can I send bulk text messages? ›Once you have a database of opted-in contacts, you can upload it to a bulk text messaging software provider, like EZ Texting. This service will hold your contacts and allow you to send a bulk text messages. Within seconds, your contacts will receive your message on their mobile device.
How to send text to multiple contacts without group message? ›
- Open your phone's default text messaging app.
- Tap on 'new message' or '+' according to your phone's design.
- In the recipient box, add all the contacts you wish to send the message to.
- Add the message.
- Hit Send.
- Open the Messages app .
- Tap Compose .
- In "To," enter the names, phone numbers, or email addresses that you'd like to message. You can also pick from your top contacts or your whole contact list.
Generally, texts and emails are private. Thus, you don't have a right to look at them without your spouse's consent. Doing so is viewed as an invasion of privacy. It doesn't matter whether you are married, separated or divorced.
Can someone tap into your text messages? ›By hacking into or otherwise gaining access to the SS7 system, an attacker can track a person's location based on mobile phone mast triangulation, read their sent and received text messages, and log, record and listen into their phone calls, simply by using their phone number as an identifier.
How is my wife reading my texts iPhone? ›That's because the texts are being sent to an ID that is listed as an iMessage receive ID on both devices. See Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > You can be reached by iMessage at: Correct this so each device has a unique ID.
Can you access text messages on iCloud? ›You can use iCloud with Messages on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. For an overview of what you can do with iCloud, see Keep your messages up to date with iCloud. Note: Make sure you're signed in with the same Apple ID on each device.
What is Windows 10 messaging app? ›Messaging (also known as Microsoft Messaging, and as of recently, Windows Operator Messages) is an instant messaging Universal Windows Platform app for Windows 8.0, Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. The mobile version allows SMS, MMS and RCS messaging.
What is instant messaging app? ›Instant messaging, often shortened to IM or IM'ing, is the exchange of near-real-time messages through a standalone application or embedded software.
Does Windows have a text reader? ›Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter together to start Narrator. Press these keys again to stop Narrator.
Does * 67 work for texting? ›Any number you call while using *67 or the local version will not be able to redial your number. But keep in mind that this only works for phone calls, not text messages.
What is WiFi texting? ›
VoIP texting enables you to use WiFi to send text messages. You'll need to subscribe to an SMS service provider, such as Messente, to use VoIP. Your service provider connects with relevant mobile network carriers to ensure your texts are delivered to your recipients.
Can text messages be sent without internet? ›Check your network connection. To send a message as iMessage or MMS, you need a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. To send an SMS message, you need cellular network connection. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you can send SMS messages over Wi-Fi.
Can I access my text messages online? ›Most mobile service providers allow you to read text message online, but it might require legal proof and sometimes money. In fact, there are other ways you can view text messages online, even if they are deleted. Depending on the type of phone you're using, Android or iOS devices, you can use different ways.
How do I get text messages on my Windows computer? ›- On your PC, in the Phone Link app, select Messages.
- To start a new conversation, select New message.
- Enter the name or phone number of a contact.
- Select the person you want to send a message to. A new message thread opens for you to begin with.
iCloud lets you view and read text messages online. You can use Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Mac, but you can't view or access Messages online via browser.
Can I get Apple messages on my PC? ›Apple has finally made it possible to use iMessage on Windows 11. After years of waiting, users can now send and receive messages from an iPhone to a Windows computer. Making iMessage available for use on Windows is a significant leap forward in breaking down platform barriers.
Can you check text messages without your phone? ›Use a Computer
You can use a messaging app such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Slack on your computer to access your messages. Simply log in to the app on your computer and you'll be able to view your messages.
Yes, there are many ways to send a text message from the computer including through email, iMessage, Android Messages, using a wireless carrier's website, using a free SMS website, online texting platforms, Google Voice, and from a streamlined VoIP solution like OpenPhone.
How do I see sent and received text messages? ›Every Android phone has Google applications, including the Messages app. The Messages app provides users with sent and received message history. Once you open the app, you will see the list of individual contacts that have sent you a text or that you have sent a text.
Why am I not getting my text messages on my computer? ›On your phone, turn your Wi-Fi off and back on. Make sure your phone and computer are connected to the internet with a strong signal. If you have connection problems, restart your phone. Make sure your phone has background data turned on for the Messages app.
How do I retrieve deleted iMessages? ›
Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and open the Recycle bin. Check your deleted text messages. Long tap the message you want to retrieve. Select Restore at the bottom and check the same in your primary inbox.
How to retrieve deleted text messages? ›Tap the triple-dot menu icon, visible in the upper-right corner of the messages screen. Select the trash bin icon. Choose the conversation you want to recover and select “Restore.”
How do I send an Apple SMS from my computer? ›The easiest way to text from your PC if you have an iPhone is to use Intel Unison. The app which is downloaded through the Microsoft Store lets you send iMessages out from your PC.