How to Send Instant Text Messages

Phone to Phone
1. Select the 'Contacts' list on the phone's menu. It may be called 'People' or another similar word to describe the contacts listed on the phone.
2. Select the person to whom you want to send the text message. If this person is not in the contacts list, enter his phone number (including area code). Some phones will bring up a sub-menu that allows you to choose between making a call and sending a text message (which may be referred to as 'Messaging'). Select 'New Message,' 'Create New Message' or similar wording.
3. Use the phone's keyboard or numeric pad to enter the text message to be sent. Select 'Send' to send the text message.
Computer to Phone
4. Open a web browser and go to text4free.net, onlinetextmessage.com or any similar online texting website (see References for links). Most of these websites do not require you to sign up for an account, although signing up usually is free and offers extra benefits, such as the ability to track text messages you've sent.
5. Enter the number of the cell phone you want to text. Select the carrier of the recipient. If you don't know which carrier the recipient uses, you can use phonedetective.com or another comparable website to find the carrier name associated with that number.
6. Enter your name, subject and any other requested information. The body of the text message may be limited to a certain number of characters. If applicable, attach the file you want to add to the text message.
7. Accept the user agreement/terms of use, enter the verification code and click the 'Send Message' button.