Messaging / Texting FAQs

Messaging, or texting, is a way to send and receive written messages on your mobile device. Messages can be sent to other mobile numbers or email addresses, and they can include text, pictures, videos, links, emojis and more.

Messaging is a quick way to stay in touch with your friends and family if you aren't available to speak on the phone.

If you have our Unlimited data plans or a shared data plan* you have unlimited messaging for no additional charge, including messages to and from other countries while you're in the US.

If you're on a different plan, visit the My Plan page in My Verizon to learn how your messages are billed:

• My Verizon - Standard monthly account
• My Verizon - Prepaid account

*No longer available to add to accounts.

If you have our Unlimited data plans or a shared data plan* you have unlimited messaging for no additional charge, including messages to and from other countries while you're in the US.

If you're on a different plan, visit My Verizon to learn how your international messages are billed:

• My Verizon - Standard monthly account - International Usage and Services page
• My Verizon - Prepaid account - Plan Details page

For pay-as-you-go international messaging rates, go to:

• International messaging while in the US
• Prepaid International Calling

*No longer available to add to accounts.

To learn about messaging while traveling abroad, go to:

• Standard account - International Travel Services
• Prepaid account - Prepaid TravelPass FAQs

A multimedia message is also called a picture or video message. It's a text message that has a multimedia file attached to it, such as a:

• Picture
• Video
• GIF
• Voice Memo
• Street address (e.g., your location, the location of a store or restaurant, etc.)
• vCard or other contact card

Group messages are also considered multimedia messages.

Multimedia messaging may not be supported by particular mobile operators in other countries. You can check availability in a specific country on our International Services page.

Text and multimedia messages are billed the same way, unless you're on a pay-as-you-go messaging plan.

If you have our Unlimited data plans or a shared data plan* you have unlimited messaging for no additional charge, including messages containing pictures and videos.

If you're paying per message, messages containing only text typically cost less than messages containing pictures and videos.

For your specific messaging rates, go to My Plan in My Verizon.

*No longer available to add to accounts.

Messaging is automatically included with your wireless service, so you don't need to sign up to use it.

Messaging rates vary according to your plan.

Standard text messages (SMS) can have up to 160 characters. Extended text messages (EMS) can have up to 1000 characters. Multimedia messages (MMS) can have up to 1000 characters in addition to pictures, videos, sound clips and more.

If you write a text message that's more than 160 characters, the message will send as an EMS. Depending on the wireless carrier and device, the recipient may receive the message as a single message or as multiple messages in a row.

Texting lets you send and receive messages with any cell phone, or app-equipped computer or connected device.

How texting works depends on what device you have and what network you have access to:

• Texting via SMS/MMS travels across carriers' cellular networks (not the Internet).
• To text via the Internet, iPhones use iMessage. Newer Androids use RCS.
  • Texting over the Internet can allow more features and larger file sizes, even when you don't have access to cell service.
  • iOS colors iMessage texts blue and SMS texts green so users can see the difference.
• Texting between Android and iPhone uses SMS/MMS and requires cellular service.

Both texting and instant messaging let you share written communications and attachments (e.g., photos, videos, web links) through your mobile device.

However, instant messaging requires that everyone is using the same app (e.g., WhatsApp, Instant Messenger, SnapChat, Telegram, etc.):

• Messaging apps work outside and inside the US whenever you have an Internet connection.
• For help with a messaging app, visit the app maker's website.

Whether you can text when you’re outside the US depends on your travel plan. Learn more about how texting works when you travel outside of the US. Or sign in to My Verizon to view your plan details.

Learn more about international plan options:

• Standard monthly account - International Travel Services
• Prepaid account - Prepaid TravelPass FAQs

Note: To text internationally you must follow the dialing instructions for the country you're texting. Visit the International Services page for instructions .

Learn where to find your text usage, call log and text history on a PDF of your bill. Visit How to view your mobile text and data usage FAQs.

Note: If your phone is off or can't access the Verizon network, texts sent to you are stored for up to 5 days. They’re delivered when your phone is turned on and has service.

Most devices have both audible and visual notifications when a message has been received. Generally, if an envelope or chat bubble icon appears on your screen, it means you've gotten a message. You may also see a number appear over your messaging app icon.

Device-specific visual instructions about messaging are available for many devices in our device tutorials. Select your device from the list and select the Texting section.

If your device isn't listed, go to the Device Support page for your device and tap or click the User Guide link at the top of the page.

If you use Verizon Messages (Message+), you can view your messages online through the Verizon Messages website.

Note: Sign in with your mobile number and My Verizon password.

If a message is sent to you while your device is off or 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 5 days (120 hours) from the date of receipt.

Messages not delivered within 5 days will be deleted.

If your 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).

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

A message confirming the cancellation will be sent to your phone.

You can block unwanted texts from up to 5 numbers, internet domains or email addresses on the Blocks page in My Verizon. This will prevent them from contacting you. These blocks are temporary and expire after 90 days.

You can also use Verizon Smart Family™ to block up to 20 numbers for a monthly fee. Smart Family blocks remain in place until you change them.

You can send messages to mobile numbers and email addresses. Many US landline numbers are also able to receive texts.

Note: You can also send texts to US landline numbers that aren't text-enabled. Learn more in our Text to Landline FAQs.

To text internationally while you're in the US you must follow the dialing instructions for the country you're texting. Visit the International Services page for instructions.

The steps for sending messages vary by device, but here are general instructions for sending a text from your mobile device:

1. Open the messaging app.
2. Tap the Compose icon (typically looks like a pencil).
3. Enter a 10-digit mobile number or email address.
   
   Note: For international dialing instructions, go to our International Services while in the US page.
4. Write your message.
5. Tap the Send icon (typically an arrow).

For detailed instructions on texting with your specific device, go to our Device Tutorial page and select your device from the list. Then select the Texting section.

If your device isn't listed, go to the Device Support page for your device and tap or click the User Guide link at the top of the page.

Note: You can also text a mobile device using your email or the Verizon Messages page in My Verizon.

To send a message to a mobile number or email address from Verizon Messages online:

1. Go to the Verizon Messages page in My Verizon.
2. Enter a 10-digit mobile number or email address in the Type a contact or phone number field.
3. Compose your message.
4. Tap or click SEND.

You've successfully sent a message through Verizon Messages.

You can send a message to any Verizon mobile number from your email:

1. Compose a message as if you were sending a standard email.
   
   Note: Your message must be 160 characters or less, including the subject line and recipient's email address.
2. In the To field, enter the 10-digit mobile number of the recipient followed by @vtext.com (e.g., 9495551212@vtext.com).
   
   Note: You can also include an attachment, like a picture or emoji. However, in the To field, enter the 10-digit mobile number of the recipient followed by @vzwpix.com (e.g., 9495551212@vzwpix.com), instead of @vtext.com.
3. Send the message.

You've successfully sent a text from your email.

It depends on your device and messaging app.

• If you use Verizon Messages on Android™, go to the Set a Signature section of our How to Use Verizon Messages on Android page.
• If you have another device and/or app, many support the ability to add auto signatures to your messages. You'll typically find the option to create an auto signature within the messaging settings in your messaging app or on your device.
  
  You may be able to find device-specific instructions in your User Guide (tap or click the User Guide link at the top of the Device Support page for your device).

Note: The characters in your auto signature count toward any message length limits.

Here’s what to do if texting isn’t working on your smartphone, tablet or connected device. Try each of these in the order listed:

1. Restart your phone. Turn off the device then turn it back on.
   • Learn how to restart your device.
2. Reset network settings from your phone or tablet's Settings menu.
   • Network reset steps vary by device:
     • Sign in to My Verizon to find what device model you have.
     • Search the manufacturer's website for how to "reset network settings" for your device.
3. Use our Troubleshooting Assistant.
   • If you're signed in to My Verizon, we'll start with the device you're using.
   • If you're not signed in, search the device list and select your device.
   • Choose Text, Picture, and Voicemail Messaging > Can't send or receive text messages