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Text Messaging Tips That Avoid Data Plans
Learn how to use text messaging instead of web searches to avoid data charges
By Adam Fendelman Adam Fendelman Writer University of Missouri-Columbia Adam Fendelman is a syndicated technology writer and senior web designer whose focus was on web analytics and web design among other things. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 20, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls You can do more with texting (or SMS) than send brief messages to friends. If you pay for a text messaging plan or texting is included in your plan, you may not need the mobile web, which consists of browser-based internet services that are accessed from mobile devices such as smartphones, and affects data usage. Instead, use text messaging. Texting from a mobile phone is part of a cellular call system's Short Message Service (SMS). Sending a text doesn't use data allowance, but unless SMS is included in a monthly plan, there may be a small fee for each text. 01 of 05 Update Your Facebook Status by Text
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images What We Like Don't need an internet connection to update Facebook status. What We Don't Like Must set up Facebook texts and add a mobile phone number. If you’re part of the social-networking craze and Facebook is in your repertoire, don't be tethered to your computer to update your status for friends and colleagues. Rather than access Facebook in a browser to post an update, post a status update by text. Sign up for the free Facebook texts service, and you're set. Set up Facebook texts 02 of 05 Mobile Microblogging on Twitter
Typo Art Bs / Getty Images What We Like Add a mobile number to access more security features. What We Don't Like When multiple Twitter accounts are linked to the same phone number, can't choose which account can edit notification settings. It's hard to talk about the internet without Twitter popping up on the radar. The site, which started as a free microblogging service for computer users, has expanded into text messaging, so users can send and receive tweets by SMS. Sign up with Twitter for the service, then text your tweets. Add your mobile phone number to your Twitter account 03 of 05 Enter Sweepstakes
Adrienne Bresnahan / Getty Images What We Like It's so easy! What We Don't Like Don't know if contests are legitimate or secure. Text messaging is one of the most popular ways to enter sweepstakes. You don’t have to be on a computer or use a smartphone's mobile web browser to enter sweepstakes. If you’re out and about and a contest strikes your fancy, text to enter. Some contests let you know within seconds if you’ve won. Enter a sweepstakes 04 of 05 Email a Mobile Phone
Yagi Studio / Getty Images What We Like Fast and easy way to send a quick email. What We Don't Like Must know which carrier the text-email recipient uses. Even if neither you nor the person you're contacting has email configured on your mobile phone, your mobile phone has an email address that begins with the phone number. Text to it from your phone just like you would send an email from your computer. You can also forward emails to the address. An email sent in a text message is split into several short texts. Learn how to send emails by text on Llifewire 05 of 05 Shop for a Mortgage
Weekend Images Inc. / Getty Images What We Like Potentially save with lower rates and fees. What We Don't Like It may be harder to get help. Many web services offer alerts through SMS messages. If you're looking for favorable mortgage rates, sign up for daily text updates from Quicken Loans. You'll receive a text message every day with current mortgage rates, promotions, and sweepstakes. Find an online mortgage lender Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) 21 Free Redbox Codes (and 7 Ways to Get More) How to Forward a Text Message to Email How to Send a Text Message to a Group How to Email a Text 7 Free Online Fax Services (Updated October 2022) How to Email a Phone Number How to Stop Sending Duplicate Text Messages on Android 10 Best Free Email Accounts for 2022 21 Best Places to Get Free Kindle Books (October 2022) How to Schedule a Text Message on an iPhone 3 Ways to Email to a Fax Machine The 8 Best Sites For Free E-cards How to Reset or Change Your Instagram Password Top 5 Social Travel Sites The 5 Best Apps to Make Free International Calls (2022) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies