How to Send Free SMS Using Gmail

1. Log in to your Gmail account, click 'Settings' and then select 'Labs.'
2. Select the 'Enable' radio button under the 'SMS in Chat gadget' and 'Text Messaging (SMS) in Chat' sections, respectively, and then click the 'Save changes' button at the bottom of the page.
3. Return to your Gmail inbox and then type the phone number you would like to send an SMS to under the 'Send SMS' field located on the left hand corner of the page and then hit 'Enter' on your keyboard.
4. Type the name of the SMS recipient in the 'Contact Name' field and then click 'Save.' A dialog box opens in the right hand corner of the page.
5. Enter the message you would like to send in the chat applet and then send the SMS by hitting 'Enter' on your keyboard. You have successfully sent a free SMS using your Gmail account.