Text Messaging FAQs

A text message is a short, typed message you send or receive on a mobile device. Text messages have a 160-character limit, and they can contain letters, numbers and special characters, like punctuation. They may also include links and emoticons.

You can send and receive text messages to other mobile devices and email addresses directly from your mobile device, while keeping your communication short and private. It's a quick and easy way to stay in touch with your friends and family when you aren’t able to step away for a phone call.

If you don't have a mobile phone, you can send a text message to someone in any of following ways:

• Email application (e.g. Outlook®, Hotmail®, Yahoo!® Mail, etc.)
• Text messaging website on the Internet (e.g. Verizon Messages in My Verizon)
• PC with messaging software
• Any device capable of text messaging

An alert is a notification that appears on your device, letting you know that some type of information has been delivered. An alert can be any of the following:

• A notification of a text message or voice mail message
• A reminder from an app (e.g., an upcoming event on your calendar)
• An information alert about today's weather, horoscopes, stocks, news, sports scores, etc.

A text message is an actual typed message sent to your device. It can come from another mobile phone, tablet or other text messaging device or website.

Text messaging charges vary by plan.

• Unlimited messaging — Send and receive as many texts as you want without paying additional fees. Unlimited messaging is included in The Verizon Plan and The MORE Everything® Plan.
  
  
• Messaging allowance — A set number of messages is included in your monthly plan (e.g., 1000 messages), and each message you send or receive is deducted from that amount with no additional charge. If that allowance is exceeded, messages are billed individually at a "pay as you go" rate.
  
  
• Pay per message — Each message sent or received is billed individually at a set rate outlined in your plan.
  

If you aren't sure how text messages are billed on your current plan, you can find that information on the following pages in My Verizon:

• Standard monthly accounts — My Plan page in My Verizon
• Prepaid accounts — My Plan page in My Verizon for Prepaid

Text messaging is automatically included with your wireless service. Your plan determines if and when you’re charged for messages. With The Verizon Plan you get unlimited domestic and international messaging while in the US. For plans that don't include a text messaging allowance, you can pay for text messaging on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

To change your text messaging plan, go to the Change Your Plan page in My Verizon.

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

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

You can include up to 160 characters in a standard text message. Multimedia messages can have up to 1000 characters.

The 160-character limit includes the sender's email address (if applicable), the composed message and, if provided, the subject and callback number.

Most devices have both audible and visual notifications when a message has been received. Generally, if an envelope icon appears on your screen, that's an indication that a message has been sent to you.

Device-specific visual instructions about text messaging are available for many newer devices on our Interactive Simulator page. Select your device from the list and click on the Text Messaging section.

If your device isn't listed, refer to your device's User Guide for details.

If a message is sent to you while your device is off, or while you're traveling outside of the Verizon Wireless coverage area, your message will be stored for later delivery. Your device must be turned back on and have coverage for the message to be delivered to you. The network will attempt to deliver the message for five days (120 hours) from the date of receipt. Messages not delivered within five days will be deleted.

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'll receive a warning that the memory is almost full or already full (message varies by device). When the memory is full, you'll have to delete old messages before you can receive new incoming messages.

We support the ability to talk and text simultaneously, but this can vary by device. If you're on a call, most devices will let you continue receiving messages, while others will deliver messages after the call is completed.

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

Yes, you can receive messages from people who subscribe to other carriers.

From your phone, text or reply STOP in the body of the message to the program's Short Code.

A confirmation of the cancellation will be sent as a text message to your phone.

You can send text messages to most 10-digit mobile numbers in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. You can also send messages to any email address in the world.

International Messaging while in the US is also included with The Verizon Plan and The MORE Everything Plan. If you're on another plan, you can still send international text messages for an additional charge. Refer to the International Services While in the US page for more information.

You can send a text message from:

• A mobile phone
• A tablet
• Your email
• The Verizon Messages page in My Verizon

The steps for sending text messages vary by phone. For step-by-step visual instructions on how to send a text message, go to our Interactive Simulator page and select your device from the list. Then refer to the Text Messaging section of the simulator for your device.

If your device isn't listed on the Interactive Simulator page, refer to your User Guide for more information.

Note: Each text message has a 160-character limit. This 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.

To send a message from Verizon Messages online:

1. Go to the Verizon Messages page in My Verizon.
2. Enter a 10-digit mobile number or an email address in the To field.
3. Compose your message.
4. Click Send.

You've successfully sent a message through Verizon Messages.

You can send a text message from your email to any Verizon Wireless mobile number.

1. Compose a message as if you were sending a standard email.
2. In the To field, enter the 10-digit mobile number of the recipient followed by @vtext.com (e.g., 9495551212@vtext.com).
   
3. Send the message.

You've successfully sent a text message from your email.

Many devices support the ability to add auto signatures to your text messages. 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 specific instructions.

Storage capacity 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.

Note: Once your inbox is full, you won't be able to receive new messages until you delete old messages to create additional space.

There's no time limit for message storage, so you can store them for as long as you like.

However, if you reach the maximum storage capacity for your device, you won't be able to receive new messages until you delete old messages to create additional space.

You can block unwanted text messages for up to five numbers to prevent them from contacting you. Go to our Call and Message Blocking page to learn more.

To block unwanted text messages from Internet domains and emails:

1. Go to the Internet Spam Blocking page in My Verizon.
2. Enter the Internet domain or email address you want to block.
3. Click Apply.

You've successfully set up Internet Spam Blocking.

Most devices don't offer the ability to printe a text message directly from the messaging app. However, you can forward text messages to an email address, and then view and print them just like any other email.

If you're having trouble sending or receiving text messages, our Troubleshooting Assistant may be able to help you resolve the issue.

Select your device from the list and go to the Messaging section for troubleshooting steps.