How to send text messages from a computer

Long gone are the days when texting at work raised eyebrows for being unprofessional. For on-the-go teams, text messaging has become the norm, whether it’s a quick check-in with a client or launching a full-scale SMS marketing campaign.  

Still, not everyone wants to text from their phone. It’s tough to type on a cramped screen all day and constant switching between your computer and mobile can be distracting. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simplest ways to send and receive texts right from your computer – plus share tips for adding texting capabilities to your business phone service. Let’s get started. 

There are several ways to send text messages from a computer. Here are nine popular options and a quick overview of how they work.

If you run a business or need to send texts at scale, an online texting service is often the most efficient method. You’ll have access to features like scheduling, mass texting, custom keywords, and two-way messaging. For instance, Sinch Engage provides: 

• Bulk messaging: Send mass texts to thousands of contacts at once. 
• Automations and keywords: Trigger automatic replies or capture new leads via keyword campaigns. 
• Team management: Add staff members to collaborate on conversations. 
• Scheduling: Pre-plan texts for upcoming events or appointments. 

Getting started:

1. Sign up for a plan (you can try Sinch Engage here). 
2. Log in to your online dashboard. 
3. Import or add contacts. 
4. Compose a message and hit Send – or schedule it for later. 

This is ideal if you want robust messaging features, integrations with other software (e.g., CRMs, email platforms), and dedicated support for business texting. 

For Windows users, Microsoft’s Phone Link (formerly “Your Phone”) connects select Android or iOS devices to your PC, letting you send and receive texts on a larger screen. 

Getting started:

1. Open Phone Link on your PC (search “Phone Link” in the Start menu). 
2. Pair your phone using the on-screen QR code or by following the setup instructions. 
3. Once paired, go to Messages and click New Message to start chatting. 

You can often attach images, GIFs, and emojis. Note that the app primarily supports more features with Android devices; iOS compatibility is newer and may have additional limitations. 

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, you can send and receive both iMessages (blue bubbles) and standard SMS/MMS (green bubbles) from your Mac. 

Getting started:

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding and select your Mac. 
2. Open Messages on your Mac and sign in with your Apple ID. 
3. Click New Message, enter a phone number or contact name, and hit Send. 

You can sync multiple Apple devices to handle conversations seamlessly. Just remember: mass texting or “Business Chat” features require Apple’s business-focused tools, separate from the default Messages app.

Google’s Messages for Web is perfect for Android phone owners who want to handle SMS or RCS (enhanced texting) from a computer. 

Getting started:

1. Install or update the Google Messages app on your phone. 
2. Open the app and tap Device Pairing. 
3. On your computer, go to messages.google.com/web in a browser. 
4. Scan the displayed QR code with your phone. 

After linking, you can text directly from your desktop. Note that certain advanced RCS features depend on your carrier’s support.

Google Voice provides a free U.S.-based phone number for calls, voicemail, and texting. While it’s great for one-on-one conversations, be aware that sending text blasts can lead to suspension. 

Getting started:

1. Create or log into a Google Voice account. 
2. Select Messages in your dashboard. 
3. Choose Send a new message, then enter a phone number. 
4. Write your text and hit Send. 

This service is available only to users in the United States and requires a Google account. Advanced business features are gated behind paid tiers.

If you already live in your inbox, some providers (and many professional SMS platforms) allow you to send texts via email. It’s also a handy fallback option if you know a recipient’s carrier. 

Getting started:

1. Open a New Email. 
2. In the “To” field, type the 10-digit phone number + carrier domain (e.g., 1234567890@vtext.com for Verizon). 
3. Write your message and click Send. 

This method can be useful for announcements or alerts, but it doesn’t always handle two-way conversations gracefully (and messages are limited to 160 characters per segment).

Many VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers enable text messaging from a computer – Skype, with its functionality soon moving to Microsoft Teams, is a popular example. You can often place calls and send SMS using only an internet connection. 

Getting started:

1. Download the VoIP app of your choice (Skype, Google Voice, etc.). 
2. Sign up or log in, then get a VoIP phone number (some free, some paid). 
3. Compose a text in the app and send it to a mobile number. 

While you can typically send single texts easily, free VoIP services may lack the advanced features businesses need (e.g., automation, large-scale campaigns).

Sites such as OpenTextingOnline or AfreeSMS let you send text messages at no cost directly from your browser. They can be useful in a pinch, especially for personal use. 

Things to know:

• Limitations: Many free sites don’t support group texting or multimedia messages. 
• Privacy and Security: Verify a site’s reputation before sharing any personal information. 
• Reliability: Delivery rates may vary, and replies often require you to disclose an email address.

Major cell carriers, like Verizon or AT&T, let subscribers send texts from their online portals or dedicated desktop apps. 

Getting started:

1. Log in to your carrier’s website (e.g., “My Verizon,” “My AT&T”). 
2. Look for an option labeled Messages, Text Online, or similar. 
3. Compose your text and send to any phone on the same network (and sometimes beyond). 

Some carriers have desktop apps, such as T-Mobile DIGITS, which streamline the process of texting from a PC or Mac.

Here is a simple way to decide what method is best for you. 

• For personal use: Windows Phone Link, Mac’s Messages, Google Messages for Web, or iMessage are quick and easy. These options are typically included with your device or OS. 
• For business use: Online SMS platforms (e.g., SimpleTexting, Sinch MessageMedia) are better for mass or automated texting. Google Voice works for one-on-one messaging in a small business setting, but it won’t handle bulk campaigns. 

There are critical differences beyond the type of device you use to send the text. 

• Traditional SMS relies on carrier networks for delivery, whereas computer-based texting often uses internet gateways. Both are highly reliable, but internet-based platforms can sometimes send messages faster and at scale. 
• From a cost perspective, traditional SMS typically charges per message, while many computer-based solutions offer predictable monthly subscriptions or bulk pricing. Businesses can also avoid hardware investments like modems and gateways by using an internet-based system. 
• Standard text messages travel unencrypted over carrier networks, making them vulnerable to interception. By contrast, computer-based SMS services can use encryption protocols such as HTTPS or TLS, ensuring data is securely transmitted. These platforms often include additional security measures and redundancy features, lowering the risk of downtime and helping ensure your messages reach recipients promptly. 

Overall, the enhanced flexibility, cost benefits, and security make computer-based texting an increasingly popular alternative to traditional SMS.

While we can’t give you legal advice (make sure to talk to your legal team to see how these regulations apply to your specific business) we can break down the basics and give you an overview of the rules, what they mean, and how to handle them.

Before sending any business-related texts, make sure you have obtained express written consent from your recipients. Clearly explain what types of messages they’ll be receiving and how frequently. Provide an easy way to opt out of future texts. We also recommend you: 

1. Avoid spammy content: Don’t send messages too frequently or include content that could be perceived as spammy, such as overly promotional language or generic mass texts. Personalize your messages thoughtfully based on customer preferences and behaviors. 
2.  Respect compliance requirements: Familiarize yourself with relevant regulations like the TCPA and CAN-SPAM Act. Honor opt-out requests promptly, include clear sender information, and adhere to time-of-day restrictions for marketing messages.

Keep your text messages brief and to the point. Front-load the most important information and use simple, jargon-free language that’s easy to understand. Aim for a friendly yet professional tone that reflects your brand voice. 

Sending text messages from a computer offers businesses a cost-effective, efficient way to communicate with customers and employees.  

By using internet-based texting solutions, you can make your messaging workflows more efficient, improve the experience you provide, and scale your communications affordably. 

As you explore computer-based texting for your business, remember these key points: 

• Choose a reliable platform that aligns with your needs and budget. 
• Obtain proper consent and respect compliance requirements. 
• Craft clear, concise messages that deliver value to recipients. 
• Personalize thoughtfully based on customer preferences and behaviors. 
• Continuously measure and optimize your messaging strategy. 

Learn more about the Sinch Engage’s text message platform, or contact us to schedule a time to talk to a Sinch expert.